Air Fryer Doughnuts

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   To make the doughnuts, combine the milk, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Add about half of the flour, egg, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla; whisk until well blended.

4. Step 4

   Add the remaining flour and mix with a wooden spoon to make a soft dough. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.

5. Step 5

   Remove the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 7 to 8 minutes, adding more flour as needed to keep it from sticking.

6. Step 6

   Transfer the dough to a greased bowl; turn it to grease the entire surface of the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.

7. Step 7

   Punch the dough down and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. Use a round, 2 1/2-inch to 3 1/2-inch cutter to cut out rounds. Use a small, round cutter, such as the base of a large piping tube, to make the hole. Alternatively, use a doughnut cutter. Gather the scraps and reroll them to cut out more doughnuts and holes.

8. Step 8

   Place the cutout doughnuts on lightly floured parchment paper and cover them with a greased sheet of plastic wrap or kitchen towel. Let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubled.

9. Step 9

   Brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Set the temperature to 350 F and preheat for about 3 minutes. Place 2 to 4 doughnuts and holes in the preheated air fryer basket; brush with melted butter or with vegetable oil. Cook the doughnuts for 4 minutes. Turn them out and repeat with the remaining doughnuts.

10. Step 10

    Meanwhile, make the glaze. Sift the confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl. Add the 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons hot water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix until blended, adding more water as needed to make a thin glaze. Add maple flavoring if desired.

11. Step 11

    Dip the tops of the doughnuts in the glaze. Set the doughnuts on a rack and let stand until the glaze sets. If the glaze becomes too thick, warm it in the microwave oven for about 10 to 20 seconds or add a bit more hot water.

12. Step 12

    If desired, double dip the doughnuts for a thicker glaze or add sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.