Air Fryer Donut Sticks: Easy, Delicious, and Guilt-Free!
Air fryer donut sticks are a game-changer for anyone craving a sweet treat without the deep-frying guilt. These delightful morsels are quick, easy to make, and incredibly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast, a fun snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, air fryer donut sticks are the perfect solution. This recipe will guide you through every step, from preparing the dough to creating delicious glazes and toppings.
## Why Air Fryer Donut Sticks?
Traditional donuts are often deep-fried, which can be high in fat and calories. Air frying offers a healthier alternative, using hot air circulation to cook the donut sticks to a golden-brown perfection with significantly less oil. This method results in a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior, mimicking the texture of deep-fried donuts but with a fraction of the calories.
Moreover, air fryer donut sticks are incredibly convenient. They require minimal ingredients, take only a few minutes to prepare, and cook quickly. This makes them ideal for busy mornings, last-minute cravings, or when you need a quick and easy treat for unexpected guests.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients. This recipe uses pre-made biscuit dough for simplicity, but we’ll also include instructions for making your own dough from scratch if you prefer.
**For the Dough (using pre-made biscuits):**
* 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands! or similar)
* 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
**For the Dough (from scratch – yields approximately the same amount as a can of biscuits):**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* ½ cup milk
**For the Glaze (choose one or mix and match!):**
* **Vanilla Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* **Chocolate Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* **Cinnamon Sugar:**
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
**Optional Toppings:**
* Sprinkles
* Chopped nuts
* Chocolate chips
* Shredded coconut
* Sea salt
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Air fryer
* Cutting board
* Knife or pizza cutter
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet (optional, for glaze and toppings)
* Tongs
## Instructions
Let’s break down the process into clear, easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover both the pre-made biscuit dough method and the from-scratch dough method.
### Method 1: Using Pre-Made Biscuit Dough
This is the quicker and easier method, perfect for when you’re short on time.
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
* Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. On a lightly floured surface, separate the biscuits.
* Cut each biscuit into 6-8 equal-sized strips. The number of strips will depend on the size of the biscuit and your preference for the thickness of the donut sticks.
* Gently roll each strip between your palms to form a smooth, elongated stick shape. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
**Step 2: Air Fry the Donut Sticks**
* Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
* Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers. This prevents the donut sticks from sticking.
* Place the donut sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the donut sticks are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on them.
* Remove the donut sticks from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
**Step 3: Glaze and Top (optional)**
While the donut sticks are still warm (but not too hot to handle), prepare your glaze of choice and dip the donut sticks into it, coating them evenly. Alternatively, brush them with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar.
Add your desired toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut, while the glaze is still wet so they adhere properly.
Place the glazed and topped donut sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to allow the glaze to set.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
### Method 2: Making Dough From Scratch
This method allows for more control over the ingredients and flavor, resulting in a slightly more tender donut stick.
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
* Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers in the dough.
* Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough donut sticks.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together into a smooth ball.
* Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
* Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, approximately ½ inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
* Gently roll each strip between your palms to form a smooth, elongated stick shape.
**Step 2: Air Fry the Donut Sticks**
* Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
* Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
* Place the donut sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
* Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the donut sticks are golden brown and cooked through.
* Remove the donut sticks from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
**Step 3: Glaze and Top (optional)**
Follow the same glazing and topping instructions as in Method 1.
## Glaze Variations
The possibilities for glaze and topping combinations are endless. Here are a few more ideas to inspire you:
* **Maple Glaze:** Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.
* **Lemon Glaze:** Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon lemon zest.
* **Peanut Butter Glaze:** Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
* **Salted Caramel Glaze:** Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt.
* **Simple Sugar Glaze:** Combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of water until smooth.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cooking the donut sticks in batches ensures that they cook evenly and get crispy.
* **Monitor the Cooking Time:** Air fryer cooking times can vary, so keep a close eye on the donut sticks and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the donut sticks from sticking.
* **Glaze While Warm:** Glazing the donut sticks while they’re still warm allows the glaze to adhere better.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to try different glazes, toppings, and spice combinations to create your own signature donut sticks. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for extra warmth.
* **Storage:** Store leftover donut sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in the air fryer for a minute or two to restore some of their crispness. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed donut sticks. Thaw them completely before glazing.
* **Consider Vegan Alternatives**: If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, you can use plant-based biscuit dough or substitute the milk in the from-scratch recipe with almond, soy, or oat milk. Be sure to select vegan butter as well if making them from scratch.
## Serving Suggestions
Air fryer donut sticks are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
* **Breakfast:** Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner.
* **Dessert:** Serve them as a dessert at a party or gathering. They are always a crowd-pleaser!
* **Brunch:** Add them to your brunch spread for a fun and festive touch.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve warm donut sticks with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
* **Dipped in Chocolate Sauce:** Serve with a warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
## Nutritional Information (approximate, per donut stick – using pre-made dough and vanilla glaze)
* Calories: 100-150
* Fat: 5-8g
* Saturated Fat: 2-4g
* Cholesterol: 5-10mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 12-18g
* Sugar: 6-10g
* Protein: 1-2g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
## Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and adapt it to your liking.
* **Savory Donut Sticks:** Omit the sugar from the dough and add herbs, spices, or cheese for a savory twist. Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch dressing.
* **Stuffed Donut Sticks:** Before air frying, stuff the donut sticks with Nutella, jam, or cream cheese for a surprise filling.
* **Gluten-Free Donut Sticks:** Use gluten-free biscuit dough or a gluten-free flour blend for the from-scratch recipe to make gluten-free donut sticks. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum if using a gluten-free flour blend.
* **Mini Donut Sticks:** Cut the dough into smaller strips for mini donut sticks, perfect for kids or for snacking. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
* **Air Fryer Donut Holes:** Roll the dough into small balls instead of strips for air fryer donut holes. Adjust the cooking time slightly.
## Conclusion
Air fryer donut sticks are a delicious, easy, and healthier way to enjoy a classic treat. Whether you’re using pre-made biscuit dough or making your own from scratch, the process is simple and the results are satisfying. With endless glaze and topping options, you can create a variety of flavor combinations to suit your taste. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy these guilt-free delights!
Enjoy your Air Fryer Donut Sticks!