How to make donuts in an air fryer and is it healthier to make donuts in an air fryer than in oil or the oven?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying.

While deep-fried donuts are a classic treat, they are also high in calories and fat.

Air fryers offer a way to achieve a similar crispy texture and golden-brown color without the need for excessive oil.

But how do air-fried donuts compare to their deep-fried counterparts in terms of taste and texture?

The science

An article in Science Direct explains the difference between air and deep frying quite vividly:

“Air frying is a new way of obtaining fried products through direct contact between an emulsion containing oil droplets in a hot air stream and the surface of the product in a fryer chamber.

In this method, heat and mass transfer occur in the air surrounding the material instead of the oil.

Since air frying can be almost considered a dehydration process, its main aim is to remove moisture while creating particular fried food textural and sensory characteristics.

Compared to deep fat frying, the amount of oil used in this new method exhibits an 80% reduction.”

According to another report published in Science Direct, the crust formation of donuts is affected by the frying method used.

A study found that deep frying resulted in a smoother and more homogeneous crust, while air frying resulted in a rougher and less uniform crust.

The researchers also noted that the oil absorption was lower in the air-fried donuts compared to the deep-fried ones.

Difference between deep-fried and air-fried donuts

One of the main differences between air-fried and deep-fried donuts is the amount of oil used.

Deep frying requires a lot of oil to fully submerge the donuts, resulting in a greasy texture and high-calorie count.

On the other hand, air-frying requires only a tiny amount of oil to coat the surface of the donuts, resulting in a crispy texture and lower calorie count.

Another difference is the cooking time and temperature.

Deep frying typically requires higher temperatures and longer cooking times to fully cook the donuts, which can result in overcooked or burnt donuts if not monitored closely.

Air frying, on the other hand, cooks the donuts evenly and quickly with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time, resulting in perfectly cooked donuts every time.

In terms of taste, air-fried donuts are often described as less greasy and airier than deep-fried donuts.

The lack of excessive oil allows the flavors of the dough and any added toppings or glazes to shine through.

However, some people may prefer deep-fried donuts’ richer, more indulgent taste.

Overall, both air-fried and deep-fried donuts have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Air-frying is healthier and more convenient, while deep-frying offers a classic, indulgent flavor and texture. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and dietary needs.

Whether you prefer air-fried or deep-fried donuts, they are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of your diet.

Air frying donuts and other foods benefit from the new technology that brought us air fryers.

Air frying does not produce toxic compounds and preserves the appearance, texture, and flavor of donuts in a way very similar to deep fat frying.

Making air fryer donuts is also much easier and less messy than deep-frying.

Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
5. Scoop the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
6. Pipe the batter into the air fryer basket in circular shapes, leaving space between each donut.
7. Air fry the donuts for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them cool.
9. Optional: dip the donuts in glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

It is healthier to make donuts in an air fryer and air fryer donuts are also a delicious alternative to traditional donuts.