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To make Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts, you will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon molasses - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Cooking spray If you lack some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use whole wheat flour for more fiber. - Maple syrup can replace brown sugar. - Ginger paste is a quick option for ground ginger. - For applesauce, try mashed bananas or yogurt. - You can use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. High-quality ingredients make a big difference. Here are my tips: - Choose organic flour for better taste and nutrition. - Look for pure vanilla extract, not imitation. - Pick unsweetened applesauce with no added sugars. - Check the freshness of your spices for full flavor. - For molasses, opt for unsulfured for a milder taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your dry items. You need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt In a large bowl, whisk these dry ingredients together. Mix until they are well combined. This step helps the spices blend into the flour evenly. The warm, cozy smell will fill your kitchen. Now, let’s focus on the wet ingredients. You’ll need: - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon molasses - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In another bowl, mix the applesauce, beaten egg, molasses, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is smooth. The molasses adds a rich flavor, making these donuts special. Next, combine the wet and dry mixtures. Slowly add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain; don't overmix. Now, prepare a donut mold. Lightly coat it with cooking spray. Spoon the batter into the mold, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows room for the donuts to rise while cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Once it’s ready, place the filled donut mold in the basket. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. When done, let the donuts cool in the mold for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm gingerbread aroma filling your home! To get the best texture for your air fryer gingerbread donuts, you need to mix carefully. Combine dry and wet ingredients gently. Mixing too much makes donuts tough. You want them soft and fluffy. Use unsweetened applesauce for moisture. It helps keep the donuts light. The right balance of spices adds warmth and flavor. Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg work well together. Make sure to fill the donut mold about 2/3 full. This allows room for rising without spilling. Air fryers can be tricky. Sometimes, donuts may cook unevenly. If this happens, check the basket. Make sure it’s not overcrowded. Air needs space to flow. If the donuts look too dark, reduce the time. Each air fryer is different. You might need to adjust cooking times. If your donuts are not cooking through, try lowering the temperature. You can cook longer at a lower temp. This helps donuts cook fully without burning. Always preheat your air fryer for even results. To check if your gingerbread donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, they need more time. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer. Generally, they take about 5-7 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool in the mold for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack. This helps them stay soft and prevents sogginess. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can enhance the flavors of your donuts. Consider grinding your own ginger and nutmeg for the best taste. Check Your Donut Mold: Ensure your donut mold is compatible with your air fryer size. If it's too big, it may not cook evenly. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Consider adding crushed nuts, chocolate drizzle, or colored sprinkles for a festive touch. {{image_2}} You can make these gingerbread donuts even more fun! Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dark chocolate pairs well with the spices. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. Mix them into the batter before you fill the mold. Each bite will burst with new tastes! If you need gluten-free donuts, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well in baking. Just make sure it has a good mix of flours and starches. The taste and texture of your donuts will still be great. You might even want to add a bit of xanthan gum for extra binding. Toppings can change the whole look and taste of your donuts. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finish. Or, make a glaze with powdered sugar and water, then dip the tops. For a festive touch, add sprinkles or crushed candies. These small changes make your gingerbread donuts stand out at any holiday table! To keep your air fryer gingerbread donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can leave them on the counter for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some donuts for later. To freeze the donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Let them freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a donut, just thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature. Reheating your gingerbread donuts is easy. For the best results, use your air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the donuts for about 2-3 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat them. A few seconds should do the trick. Enjoy your warm donuts just like fresh! You can tell the donuts are done by checking their color and texture. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Use a toothpick to check. Insert it in the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Yes, you can! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the amount. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the other liquids in your batter slightly. To make these donuts vegan, you can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens. This works great in the recipe! You can make the donuts healthier by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener. Adding mashed bananas or pumpkin puree can also boost nutrition! You learned how to make delicious gingerbread donuts today. We covered the best ingredients and tips for choosing quality ones. I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing and air frying. You also discovered helpful tricks to perfect texture and check doneness. There are fun flavor variations and storage tips for your leftovers, too. Now, with these details, you can create tasty donuts at home. Enjoy the process and get creative with your flavors!

Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts

Delicious gingerbread flavored donuts made easily in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 spray cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, beaten egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly grease a donut mold with cooking spray. Spoon the batter into the mold, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
  • Place the filled donut mold in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the donuts cool in the mold for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Optional: Once cooled, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or dip them in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with a splash of water for added sweetness.

Notes

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or glaze for added sweetness.
Keyword air fryer, donuts, gingerbread, holiday