Alright, let's whip up some delicious and easy Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts! These are perfect for a quick breakfast treat or a sweet snack. The air fryer gives them a lovely slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Recipe: Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts with Light Glaze

Yields: Approximately 6-8 donuts Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 8-10 minutes Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind works, but whole milk gives a richer texture)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (start with 2 and add more until desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Donut pan (air fryer safe)
• Wire rack

Instructions

Get Started:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.

Make the Donut Batter:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!
4. Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.

Prepare the Donuts:

1. Fill the Donut Pan: Lightly grease your air fryer-safe donut pan.
2. Transfer the batter to a large ziplock bag, cut off one corner and pipe into the donut pan, filling each donut cavity about 3/4 full.

Air Fry the Donuts:

1. Air Fry: Carefully place the filled donut pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Carefully remove the donut pan from the air fryer and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze:

1. Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency.

Glaze the Donuts:

1. Dip and Glaze: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack.
2. Set: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes:

• Donut Pan: Using a donut pan specifically designed for air fryers is crucial for even cooking and preventing the donuts from spreading. If you don't have one, you can try using muffin tins, but the cooking time might vary.
• Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough donuts. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
• Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on your donuts while they're cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent burning.
• Variations:
  • Lemon Glaze: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Chocolate Glaze: Substitute some of the powdered sugar in the glaze with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of a glaze, brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts! They're best enjoyed fresh. These are a great project for getting the kids involved in the kitchen!