Best Air Fried Cinnamon And Sugar Doughnuts Recipes

Donuts are a popular treat that everyone loves; these fried dough rings are deep-fried, then covered with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or chocolate frosting. Eating delicious donuts is guilt-free, but the deep-frying part leads to health concerns. But what about air-fried doughnuts? Is it possible to make them taste as good, if not better, than their traditionally fried cousins? The answer is yes! The air fryer cinnamon and sugar doughnuts recipe is a perfect example of how technology can give us the same taste and the same crumb texture while leaving out all the unhealthy aspects of frying.

Air-Frying Technology

To make air-fried cinnamon and sugar doughnuts, we need a technological breakthrough called an air fryer. An air fryer is an appliance that circulates hot air to cook food, much like a convection oven. The difference is that air fryers are small and compact, so they don't heat the whole kitchen like an oven. The most important part of air-frying technology is that it requires very little oil, meaning that we can cook donuts with almost no oil and still get a deep-fried texture and taste.

Doughnut Ingredients

Let's take a closer look at the ingredients required to make air-fried cinnamon and sugar doughnuts.

Flour

The flour is the most crucial aspect of the doughnut making process. All-purpose flour is what most recipes call for, but you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if you prefer.

Sugar

Sugar makes the doughnut sweet and gives it a nice golden color when cooked. Recipes often call for granulated sugar, but you can use its healthier alternatives like Palm sugar, Stevia, or honey.

Yeast

The yeast is an essential aspect of the doughnut as it makes the dough rise. Active dry yeast is the most commonly available type in grocery stores, and it's also an ideal option for air-fried cinnamon and sugar doughnuts recipes.

Milk

Milk hydrates the dough and gives it a richer taste, use whole milk to make the dough more flavorful, but you can also use almond or soy milk if you prefer a plant-based diet.

Egg

Egg gives the doughnut its fluffiness and richness. It's important to have room temperature eggs in the recipe, so they bind with the ingredients and enhance the texture of the dough.

Salt

A pinch of salt in the recipe enhances the taste and balances the doughnut's sweetness. It is essential not to overdo it, so they don't come out salty.

Nutmeg

The nutmeg spice gives the doughnut a subtle hint of warmth and enhances the cinnamon sugar coating.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps the doughnut to rise, making them light and fluffy.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

After cooking the doughnuts, we coat them with cinnamon sugar to give them a delicious finishing touch.

Air-Fried Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Here is a recipe for air-fried cinnamon and sugar doughnuts, made fresh at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder together.
2. Warm the milk in a microwave for about 40 seconds until it reaches a warm temperature but not hot. Add the egg and butter, mixing well.
3. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredient mixture, and stir until everything is combined.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until the dough is silky-smooth.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 45 -60 minutes in a warm place. Once it has risen, punch down the dough and shape the doughnuts with your hands, making a well in the center.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
7. Place 2-3 doughnuts in the air fryer basket, depending on the basket size. Air fry for 5 minutes, then open the basket, turn the doughnuts over, and air fry an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
8. Once the doughnuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, gently tossing to coat.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Using an air fryer to make cinnamon and sugar doughnuts is a great way to eat healthy without feeling like you're making a sacrifice. With its crispy outer shell and fluffy inner texture, these air-fried cinnamon and sugar doughnuts are perfectly delicious snacks that are easy to make! The recipe uses very little oil compared to traditional deep-fry methods, and adds the delight of the cinnamon and sugar combination to make a perfect treat for any time of the day. Try this recipe at home and indulge in your favorite treat without the guilt of unhealthy choices.

Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. It uses hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Air-frying doughnuts are no exception! With just a few simple tips, you can make delicious cinnamon and sugar-coated doughnuts that melt in your mouth. Here are some valuable tips to help you achieve the perfect air-fried doughnuts.

Choosing the right doughnuts

Not all doughnuts are created equal. Some doughnuts are simply better suited for air-frying. Choose a doughnut that is not too thick or heavy, as it may not cook evenly in an air fryer. Instead, opt for a doughnut that is light and fluffy, with a less dense crumb. Cake doughnuts and yeast doughnuts are both great choices.

Preparing the doughnuts

Before frying, make sure to prepare the doughnuts properly. You may need to thaw frozen doughnuts or let fresh dough rise before air frying. Always set the air fryer to the proper temperature and preheat it for a few minutes before cooking. This ensures that the doughnuts cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy.

Coating the doughnuts

One of the best parts of air-frying doughnuts is that you can coat them with your favorite flavors. Cinnamon and sugar is a classic choice, but you can also try other toppings such as powdered sugar, glazes, or even sprinkles. To coat the doughnuts, brush them with melted butter or spray with cooking spray, then dip them in the coating mixture.

Frying the doughnuts

When air-frying doughnuts, it is important to not overcrowd the basket, as this will result in uneven cooking. You may need to cook multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer. For best results, flip the doughnuts halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly fried. You can also brush the doughnuts with melted butter or spray them with cooking spray before frying to achieve a crispy texture.

Serving the doughnuts

Once the doughnuts are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the coating to set and prevents burning your tongue. To serve, place the doughnuts on a plate and sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar, or drizzle with glaze. You can also serve them with a side of fruit or a hot cup of coffee.

Cleaning the air fryer

After frying, cleaning the air fryer is essential for maintaining its functionality and ensuring the longevity of the appliance. Always allow the air fryer to cool down completely before cleaning. Remove any food debris or excess oil with a soft brush or cloth. Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe or can be washed by hand with warm water and soap.

Conclusion

Air-frying cinnamon and sugar doughnuts can be a fun way to indulge your cravings while still eating healthily. By following these valuable tips, you can make delicious doughnuts with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Don't be afraid to experiment with different coatings and toppings to create your perfect air-fried doughnut.