From-Scratch Air Fryer Donuts, SO ADDICTIVE!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast (active dry or instant)
• 1/4 cup Warm Water (about 110°F, to proof yeast)
• 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (for proofing yeast)
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting and kneading)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4 cup Butter‑Flavor Shortening (cut into pieces before mixing)
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (for dough) (adds a hint of sweetness)
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, for dipping)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast

   Combine warm water, instant yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit until foamy and puffy, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl whisk together 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp baking powder until fully combined. Whisk thoroughly to avoid pockets of leavening agents.

   Time: PT5M

3. Incorporate Shortening and Sugar

   Add 1/4 cup butter‑flavor shortening and 2 tbsp granulated sugar to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter (or two knives) to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   Time: PT5M

4. Add Wet Ingredients

   Pour the proofed yeast mixture and 3/4 cup buttermilk into the bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula until a wet, sticky dough forms.

   Time: PT5M

5. Knead the Dough

   Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and knead gently for about 5 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking to your hands. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

   Time: PT5M

6. Shape Donut Balls

   Divide the dough into 25‑30 equal pieces (about 1‑1.5 tbsp each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball. For mini‑donuts, shape into smaller balls or simple twists.

   Time: PT10M

7. Preheat Air Fryer

   Lightly grease the air‑fryer basket with a little melted butter. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F for 3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: 325°F

8. Air‑Fry Donuts

   Place the donut balls in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket. Cook at 325°F for 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2‑3 minutes until lightly golden and puffed.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: 325°F

9. Rest Donuts

   Let the cooked donuts sit in the air‑fryer (or on a wire rack) for about 1 minute to finish steaming.

   Time: PT1M

10. Prepare Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating

    In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

11. Butter Dip & Coat Donuts

    Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Dip each warm donut briefly in the melted butter, let excess drip off, then roll in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture until lightly coated.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

120

Protein

2g

Carbohydrates

15g

Fat

5g

Fiber

0g