Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Packed with deep chocolate flavor, these Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts are incredibly light and fluffy! Handcrafted and equally delicious as deep-fried!
After only one batch, your family will love these Air Fryer Chocolate Doughnuts! From the first step of cutting out the donuts to the last step of selecting their favorite toppings, the kids will love assisting!
Our favorite toppings for our donuts include crushed candy, chopped nuts, Oreo crumbs, and crazy sprinkles! When the frosting and toppings are added, it truly tastes like a chocolate cake donut!
Ingredients
Buttermilk biscuits, 16 ounces (NOT flaky)
For the sugar and cinnamon topping:
1/4 cup of butter
Half a cup of sugar, granulated
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Regarding chocolate glaze:
Half a cup of chocolate chips, semi-sweet
Two tablespoons of butter
One tablespoon of optional light corn syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla
For traditional vanilla glaze:
1 1/4 cups of sugar powder
Melt one tablespoon of butter.
One or two tablespoons of milk
Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees if necessary. Although some Ninjas perform better with a warmup, my Ninja works perfectly without one.
2. Cut holes in the middle of each donut using a cookie cutter or the large end of a pastry tip after separating them.
3. Place the donuts in the air fryer (mine can accommodate four people) and cook for three minutes. Turn them over and continue to cook for another two to three minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
4. Prepare one or all of the glazes in the interim.
Regarding cinnamon sugar:
In a bowl, melt the butter. Whisk the sugar and cinnamon together in a separate dish. Dip the donuts in butter, followed by sugar and cinnamon, once they are cold enough to handle. Consume!
Regarding vanilla:
Mix butter, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar with a whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. Place the donuts on a cooling rack to gently solidify after dipping both sides in the glaze after they are cold enough to handle.
Regarding chocolate:
In the microwave, melt butter and chocolate chips together. Add vanilla and corn syrup and stir. Although it’s not required, the corn syrup gives it a lovely sheen. To dip the donuts into the chocolate, wait until they are just beginning to warm up. Serve right away!
Notes:
You should have enough glaze recipes for eight donuts, so if you make more than one, you’ll have extra. Get more donuts with them! Or use the chocolate for pretzels and the cinnamon sugar for toast!
The calories for one cinnamon sugar donut are shown below.
Nutrition
Health Information
Like other delights, air fryer chocolate donuts should be consumed in moderation, but they can be a healthier option than regular fried donuts. The following is a summary of the health considerations to make:
Reduced Fat Content:
Unlike deep frying, air frying employs hot air circulation to cook food while using little to no oil. Because of this, air fryer donuts have less fat overall, making them a healthier choice for anyone limiting their calorie and fat consumption.
Decreased Calories:
Air frying uses fewer calories while producing a crispy quality that is comparable to deep fried. Reducing oil consumption also reduces calories, which is advantageous for people trying to control their weight.
Use of Healthier Ingredients:
Using whole wheat flour or almond flour rather than refined white flour would make air fryer chocolate donuts even healthier. To cut down on sugar, you can also use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of ordinary sugar.
Less Processed Sugar:
Although donuts made in an air fryer may still include sugar, they are frequently less sweet than those made in a deep fryer. By modifying the quantity used in the recipe, you can further regulate the amount of sugar.
Vegan/Gluten-Free Options:
Air fryer chocolate donuts can be turned vegan by using plant-based substitutes for dairy and egg ingredients. Additionally, people with gluten sensitivity can utilize gluten-free flours.
Cooking Tips
Here are some pointers to make sure your chocolate donuts in the air fryer turn out flawlessly every time:
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheating your air fryer guarantees even cooking and improved results, much like preheating an oven. Before putting the donuts inside, preheat it for three to five minutes.
Avoid Packing the Basket:
Ensure that the donuts are evenly distributed within the air fryer basket. They will not cook evenly if they are overcrowded, and certain parts may become soggy.
Use a Donut Pan:
Although the donuts can be shaped by hand, they will cook more evenly and keep their round shape if you use a silicone or metal donut pan made for air fryers.
Apply Oil Spray:
To encourage a golden, crispy exterior, lightly apply cooking oil to the donut pan or the donuts themselves. Just a light layer will suffice; any more is not necessary.
Check for Doneness:
The amount of time needed to air fry your donuts will vary depending on their size. To make sure they are not overcooked, check them a few minutes before the recommended cooking time has passed. Donuts should have a slightly golden edge and feel solid to the touch.
Allow to Cool Before frosting:
Allow the donuts to cool fully if you intend to apply frosting or glaze. This keeps the icing from melting and makes sure it adheres to the donuts more effectively.
Variations in Flavor:
You can experiment by adding chocolate chips, a little cinnamon, or some vanilla essence to the dough to provide some more flavor.
Glazing or Topping:
Add chopped nuts, powdered sugar, or chocolate glaze to the top of your donuts for a more decadent treat. For a balance of sweetness and saltiness, you can also add sea salt.
Conclusion
Chocolate donuts made in an air fryer are a tasty and healthier substitute for regular fried donuts. They have fewer calories and fat but still have the same delicious flavor and texture. You can alter your donuts to accommodate different dietary requirements, including being vegan or gluten-free, by selecting healthier components. You may consistently produce delicious, perfectly cooked goodies by following these cooking tips: preheat the air fryer, avoid packing the basket too full, and glaze the donuts properly. So go ahead and enjoy these guilt-free treats—they’re easy to prepare and a wonderful way to sate your sweet desire without consuming extra calories and fat!
