Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
Why this recipe works
- Yeast-raised texture: Kneading and two proofing stages help build a soft, airy crumb rather than a cake-like texture.
- Not overly sweet: The lightly sweet dough leaves room for the vanilla glaze to provide the main sweetness.
- Classic glazed finish: Glazing the warm doughnuts gives them the familiar smooth, slightly set coating associated with bakery-style glazed doughnuts.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Watch the dough, not just the clock: The first rise is ready when the dough has doubled and a fingertip indentation springs back slowly.
- Most of the time is inactive: The total time is driven by proofing; the air-frying itself happens quickly in small batches.
- Glaze while warm: Spoon the glaze over the doughnuts while they are still warm so it settles evenly before drying to the touch.
Texture tips
- Knead until elastic: A smooth, elastic dough helps the doughnuts rise evenly and keeps the crumb light.
- Avoid drying them out: Air fry only until puffed and golden; extra time can make the doughnuts drier than deep-fried versions.
- Make the glaze spoonable: Whisk the glaze until smooth and thick enough to coat the doughnuts without running straight off.
Common mistakes
- Overheating the milk: Milk should be lukewarm rather than hot, as too much heat can weaken the yeast and lead to dense doughnuts.
- Overfilling the air fryer: Cook the doughnuts in a single layer with space around them so they puff properly and brown evenly.
- Using cold egg or butter: Room-temperature egg and warm melted butter help the dough come together smoothly and rise more reliably.
Make-ahead tips
- Best eaten fresh: Glazed doughnuts are at their best on the day they are made, as the glaze softens during storage.
- Freeze before glazing: Freeze cooled, unglazed doughnuts, then defrost and warm in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2 to 3 minutes before glazing.
- Glaze later for a fresher finish: If making them ahead, keep the doughnuts unglazed until shortly before serving for the cleanest texture.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Dough
Vanilla icing
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan just until lukewarm, then pour into a mixing bowl. Whisk in the instant yeast and caster sugar, then whisk in the egg. Melt the butter and let it cool for 1 minute so it is warm, not hot, then whisk it in.
- Add the plain flour and fine sea salt, then mix to a shaggy dough. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic; it should be soft but not sticky. Shape into a ball and cover the bowl.
- Leave the dough to proof in a warm place until doubled in size. It is ready when a fingertip pressed into the dough springs back slowly.
- Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to about 1.5 cm thick. Cut out rings and centres, then place on a tray and cover. Leave to proof until puffy and slightly expanded.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (355°F). Air fry the doughnuts in batches in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway, until puffed and evenly golden. Transfer to a rack or tray while you cook the remaining doughnuts and holes.
- Make the icing by whisking the icing sugar with the vanilla extract and enough warm water to make a thick, spoonable glaze. Spoon the glaze over the warm doughnuts, letting it drip down the sides. Leave to set until dry to the touch.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the milk lukewarm rather than hot; overheating can slow the yeast and give a dense dough.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, or the doughnuts will cook unevenly and lose their rise.
- Food safety: if serving to young children, pregnant people, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use eggs that are clearly marked as safe for raw or lightly cooked preparations.
Substitutions
- Replace Vanilla extract with madagascar-vanilla-paste for a stronger vanilla flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Best eaten the day they are made. Store cooled doughnuts in an airtight container; the glaze may soften. Freeze unglazed doughnuts, then defrost and warm in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2 to 3 minutes before glazing.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 10 pieces
- Yield: glazed doughnuts
- Total time: 1h 45min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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