Air Fryer Doughnuts by Thebakingbuddha

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (105-115°f / 40-46°c)
• 1 packet (7g / 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cup (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar (from the dough portion), and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Lightly grease a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
7. Using a 3-inch doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters, cut out doughnuts and their centers. Gather and re-roll scraps once.
8. Place the cut doughnuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
9. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
10. Carefully transfer 2-3 doughnuts (or as many as fit without overcrowding) to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
11. While the doughnuts are still warm, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss each doughnut and hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately.