Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (whole milk preferred, or substitute almond/oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (½ cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- Melted chocolate
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
- Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Gradually mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead and Rise:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts:
- Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape. Save the holes to fry as well.
- Let the cut-out donuts rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or brush lightly with oil.
- Place donuts in the basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Cool and Top:
- Remove from air fryer and let cool slightly. Add your favorite toppings, like powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or melted chocolate.
Notes
- Ensure milk is 100–110°F for proper yeast activation.
- Use fresh yeast for best results.
- Add a bowl of water inside the air fryer if baked goods tend to dry out.
Pre-made biscuit or crescent dough can be used for quicker results.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg