Healthy Cooking Made Easy: 5-Minute Air Fryer Donuts

January 19, 2024 By Robin 49 Comments

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With the power of an air fryer, you can now make delicious donuts that are just as tasty as their fried counterparts, but with a healthier twist! Healthy cooking has never been this easy or satisfying. In just five minutes, you can have a batch of fluffy and mouth-watering donuts that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings without any of the guilt. Say goodbye to deep-fried, greasy, and calorie-laden donuts, and hello to this simple and easy recipe.

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HEALTHY COOKING WITH AN AIR FRYER

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a health seminar that left quite an impression on me. There was this incredible speaker named Zonya Foco, who used a memorable demonstration to showcase the unhealthiness of donuts. She reached into a container of vegetable shortening and pulled out a handful of pure fat, which was absolutely repulsive. Believe me, that vivid image has stayed with me ever since.

For a long time, I avoided doughnuts like the plague after that traumatizing experience. But then, fate stepped in through the form of my air fryer. Yes, you heard it right. Thanks to this magical kitchen gadget, I can now relish guilt-free, crispy doughnuts that won’t leave my arteries begging for mercy.

No more fear. No more guilt. Just the pure pleasure of biting into a doughnut that won’t make you shudder at the thought of all that fat. The air fryer is a complete game changer for your health, and I’m here to spill the delightful details.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER DONUTS

With the air fryer, you can whip up a delicious batch of donuts that are both easy to make and healthier for you. By using refrigerated biscuits, you’ll skip the long process of making dough which means they’ll be ready in minutes. The air fryer provides a guilt-free option for crispy, fluffy donuts that you’ll love. Plus, you can get creative with your toppings and glazes for a personalized touch. Try it out and savor the taste of homemade donuts without sacrificing your healthy cooking habits.

Refrigerated Biscuits – Healthy cooking is all about using the right ingredients to create a delicious dish without sacrificing nutritional value. That’s why refrigerated biscuits are the perfect choice for making donuts. Not only do they save time and effort, but they also provide a delicious alternative to traditional donut dough. Their texture and flavor make them a perfect base for adding your favorite toppings or fillings.
Oil – When it comes to cooking donuts in the air fryer, using a little oil is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy exterior. There are a variety of oils to choose from, I prefer to use coconut oil as a healthier option. Not only is it packed with beneficial antioxidants, but it also adds a subtle nutty flavor to the donuts. If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can use oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil, for equally delicious results.
Toppings & Fillings – The best part about donuts is the seemingly endless amount of topping and filling options available. From classic glazed and powdered sugar to unique flavors like matcha or bacon maple, there’s a donut flavor for everyone. And don’t forget about the fillings – jelly, custard, chocolate, and even fruit make for a delicious surprise inside a fluffy pastry.

HOW TO PREPARE AIR FRYER DONUTS

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
Open the package of biscuits and put them on a flat surface. Use a small 1-inch circle cutter to make holes in the middle of each biscuit. Save the extra doughnut holes for later.
Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with a little coconut oil to keep the donuts from sticking.
Fit as many donuts, as you can into the air fryer basket without them touching each other.
Cook for 3 minutes at 350°F. Then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they look golden brown.
While the donuts are cooking, melt the butter and prepare the toppings you want to use.
After taking the donuts out of the air fryer, brush them with melted butter and add your favorite topping.

DELICIOUS TOPPING IDEAS

Powdered Sugar – roll the donut that has been brushed with melted butter in a bowl of powdered sugar.

Cinnamon Sugar – roll the donut that has been brushed with melted butter in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1-1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.

Glaze – place donuts on a cooling rack, and drizzle with a mixture of 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Let the donuts sit for a few minutes before serving.

Chocolate Frosting – in a small bowl whisk together, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and a 1/4 cup of melted chocolate chips, and mix until smooth. Dip your freshly cooked donuts into the chocolate frosting and place on a wire rack to cool. Chocolate can be reheated and stirred if it sets up before all of your donuts are coated.

Sprinkles – Dip the donuts in chocolate frosting and immediately sprinkle with brightly colored sprinkles. This is my favorite way to eat donuts :)!!

Fillings – don’t forget you can also add a filling to the donuts, like different flavored puddings or jams.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT DONUTS

Donuts are a delicious treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. Unfortunately, sometimes we can’t finish them all, and we’re left wondering what to do with the leftovers. Fear not, my friends, for storing your unused donuts is quite easy! Simply pop them into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. And if you find that they’re a little stale, don’t despair! Reheating them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes per side at 350°F can freshen them right up.

Print Recipe

5 from 8 votes

5-Minute Air Fryer Donuts

Using an air fryer and refrigerated biscuits, you can quickly make healthier, customizable donuts that are both crispy and fluffy.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer, donuts, healthy cooking

Servings: servings

Calories: 261kcal

Author: Robin | Fluster Buster

Ingredients

1 can refrigerator flakey biscuits jumbo
coconut oil
4 tbsp butter melted

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
Separate biscuits, cut a 1-inch hole in the middle using a biscuit cutter. Save the doughnut holes.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with the coconut oil.
Place donuts into the air fryer basket, making sure that they don’t touch.
Cook for 3 minutes at 350°F. Then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they look golden brown.
Melt the butter and prepare the toppings.
Remove brush with melted butter and cover with your favorite topping. Remove the donuts from the air fryer, brush with melted butter and add your favorite topping.

Notes

For the doughnut holes, cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, giving them a toss after 2 minutes of cooking.

*The Nutritional Facts that have been calculated on this recipe are only estimates.

Nutrition

And there you have it – delicious donuts that are light, fluffy, and healthier. This quick and easy recipe using your air fryer will not only help you save time but also calories. You can indulge in your favorite donuts without feeling bad and enjoy the taste of happiness. Next time you have a sweet craving, grab your air fryer, a package of refrigerator biscuits, and your favorite toppings, and get ready for a scrumptious treat!

What is your favorite donut topping and/or filling?

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Originally posted on: 01/21/2019

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