002: AIR FRYER DONUTS

🍩 Air Fryer Donuts — Ring of Delight

Archetype: The Twin Muse — two paths to joy: one classic and cloud-soft, one lighter and protein-kissed. Follow your craving; both lead to delight.

🥣 What It Is

Bakery-style donuts, no deep fryer required. Choose your path:

Classic Yeast Donuts (pillowy, glazed or cinnamon-sugared) or a

Lighter Greek Yogurt Donut (baked-style rings with lower sugar, air-fried for a tender crumb).

Same craveable finish, less mess, weeknight-easy.

🧾 Ingredients (makes ~10–12 rings)

• Path A — Classic Yeast Donuts
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (330 g), plus extra for dusting
• 1/3 cup warm milk (80 ml) + 1/3 cup warm water (80 ml)
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 1/4 cup sugar (50 g) or monkfruit/allulose blend
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (or 3 tbsp melted coconut oil)
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 1 tsp vanilla
• Oil mist: neutral spray (just a whisper for browning)
• Path B — Lighter Greek Yogurt Donuts
• 1 1/2 cups fine almond flour or oat flour (150 g)
• 2 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (2% or 5%) (240 g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup granulated allulose/monkfruit (or sugar), to taste
• 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Optional warm spices: 1 tsp cinnamon + pinch nutmeg
• Oil mist: neutral spray (light)
• Finishes (choose 1–2)
• Vanilla Glaze (classic or SF): 1 cup powdered sugar or powdered allulose (110 g) + 2–3 tbsp milk + 1/2 tsp vanilla + tiny pinch salt
• Cinnamon “Sugar” Dust: 1/2 cup sugar or granulated allulose + 1–2 tsp cinnamon
• Chocolate Dip (SF-friendly): 3 oz dark chocolate (or SF chips) + 1 tsp coconut oil, melted

✍️ Method (Air Fry 6–8 min per batch)

1. Preheat: Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes. Cut 3–4 small parchment squares to fit the basket (for easy transfer).
2. Path A — Classic Yeast
   1. Mix & knead (8–10 min): In a bowl, whisk warm milk, warm water, yeast, sugar; rest 5 min (foamy). Add egg, vanilla, salt, butter, then flour. Knead until smooth/elastic (stand mixer 6–8 min or by hand 8–10).
   2. Proof 1: Lightly oil bowl, add dough, cover; rise in a warm spot until doubled, ~60–75 min.
   3. Shape: Roll to 1/2-inch thick. Cut 3-inch rings + 1-inch holes. Place on parchment squares. Lightly mist tops with oil.
   4. Proof 2: Cover and rise 20–30 min until puffy.
   5. Air fry: Transfer rings (on parchment) to basket without crowding. Air fry 6–8 min until golden; flip at 4–5 min if your fryer heats unevenly. Mist lightly again after flipping if desired.
3. Path B — Lighter Greek Yogurt
   1. Batter: Whisk dry (flour, baking powder, salt, spices). In another bowl, whisk yogurt, eggs, sweetener, vanilla, melted butter/oil. Fold dry into wet; rest 5 min (hydrates).
   2. Pipe: Spoon into a piping bag (or zip bag, snip corner). Pipe 3-inch rings onto parchment squares; smooth joints with a wet finger. Mist tops with oil.
   3. Air fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 7–9 min until set and lightly golden (centers spring back). Do not overbake.
4. Finish: While warm, dip in glaze or chocolate, or brush lightly with melted butter and tumble in cinnamon “sugar.” Set on a rack 10–15 min to set.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Color & gloss: A tiny oil mist = bakery sheen. Too much oil steams; use a light hand.
• Softer crumb (yeast): Enrich with an extra 1 tbsp butter; proof until truly puffy for that cloud bite.
• Tender crumb (yogurt path): Don’t overmix; pull as soon as centers spring back. Almond flour = moist; oat flour = cakier.
• SF success: Powdered allulose makes a silky glaze; if thin, add more powder; if thick, add 1 tsp milk.
• Storage: Best same day. Un-glazed rings keep 1 day in an airtight box; re-crisp 2–3 min at 325°F (165°C).

📜 Lore / Origin

From fairgrounds to corner bakeries, donuts are communal joy — hot rings passed hand to hand. The air fryer reframes the ritual: less oil, same golden halo, delight on a Tuesday.

🌺 Benefits

• Air-fry method: minimal oil, fast finish, easy cleanup
• Choice architecture: classic indulgence or protein-forward lightness
• SF options: celebrate without a sugar spike

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Texture (Cloud or Cake): 20/20
• Ease & Speed: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Two paths, one ring of joy.