Homemade Air Fryer Donuts

1.Activate the Yeast:10 min.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, gently stir together the 1 cup of lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar, and 2 1/2 teaspoons of yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes until a foamy layer develops on top. If it doesn’t foam, your milk was either too hot (which kills yeast) or the yeast is too old; discard and start fresh.

2.Build the Dough:5 min.

Add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and the first 2 cups of all-purpose flour into the yeast mixture. Turn the mixer to low speed until combined. With the motor running, slowly add the remaining 1 cup of flour until a cohesive dough forms and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.

3.Knead to Elasticity:5 min.

Increase the mixer speed to medium-low. Knead the dough steadily for about 5 minutes until it becomes completely smooth, shiny, and elastic.

1.First Rise:1 / to 1 1/2 / hours.

Transfer the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in volume. Test it by pressing a finger gently into the surface; if the indentation remains, it is ready.

2.Shape the Donuts:15 min.

Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured countertop. Punch it down gently to release large air pockets, then roll it out to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter for the main donut shape and a 1-inch round cutter to stamp out the center holes. You should get 10 to 12 donuts plus holes.

3.Second Rise:30 min.

Move the cut donuts and holes to sheets of lightly floured parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a piece of greased plastic wrap. Let them rise a second time for about 30 minutes until they look puffy and light. While they rise, preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

4.Air Fry to Golden:4 min per batch.

Lightly mist your air fryer basket with your coconut oil spray. Carefully place a few donuts inside in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops of the donuts lightly with the oil spray. Air fry at 350°F until they are beautifully golden brown, about 4 minutes. Repeat the process for the remaining batches and donut holes.

1.Whisk the Glaze:5 min.

While your donuts are air-frying, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the 2 cups of powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until a thick paste forms. Remove from the heat and whisk in the hot water 1 tablespoon at a time until the icing is fluid and somewhat thin, but not watery.

2.Dip and Set:10 min.

Using two forks, submerge the hot donuts and donut holes completely into the warm glaze. Lift them out and place them onto a wire cooling rack set over a rimmed baking sheet so the excess glaze can drip away. Let them rest for 10 minutes until the sugary shell hardens and becomes translucent.