Jelly donuts are a beloved treat, but traditional frying methods can make them a bit indulgent. Enter the air fryer: a kitchen marvel that allows you to enjoy your favorite treats with a fraction of the oil. This detailed and exclusive recipe for air fryer jelly donuts will guide you through creating fluffy, delicious donuts filled with sweet jelly, all with the ease and health benefits of air frying. Let’s dive into this delectable journey!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or a light oil spray
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, etc.)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Pastry bag with a filling tip
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Donuts
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut the Donuts: Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Donuts: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place a few donuts in the basket, making sure they do not touch. Spray the tops of the donuts with a light coat of oil spray. Air fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Fill and Finish the Donuts
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter for the topping.
- Prepare the Sugar Coating: Place the granulated sugar in another bowl.
- Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and roll them in the granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Fill the Donuts: Using a pastry bag fitted with a filling tip, fill each donut with about 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen jelly or jam. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and gently squeeze until you feel resistance.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Presentation: Arrange the filled jelly donuts on a serving platter. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Optional Garnishes: For a festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Tips and Tricks
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Filling Variety: Experiment with different fillings like Nutella, custard, or fruit preserves to keep things exciting.
- Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Conclusion
Making air fryer jelly donuts is a fun and rewarding experience that offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts without sacrificing flavor or texture. By following this detailed and exclusive recipe, you’ll be able to create delightful, fluffy donuts filled with your favorite jelly, perfect for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade jelly donuts!