Fluffy Homemade Jelly Donuts bursting with Jam

Imagine sinking your teeth into a cloud-soft, golden confection, a subtle sweetness giving way to a vibrant, fruity explosion that dances on your tongue. This isn’t just a treat; it’s a memory in the making. I still remember the first time I attempted making donuts; my kitchen looked like a flour bomb went off, but that initial bite of pure joy made every messy moment worth it, and today’s recipe is so much simpler.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare to fall head over heels for this recipe that brings bakery-quality treats right to your kitchen with surprising ease. Not only does it streamline the process with air frying for a lighter, less greasy result, but it also delivers a truly unique flavor profile—a tender, sweet dough perfectly balanced by the vibrant tang of fruit jelly. The finished donuts boast a stunning golden exterior, lightly dusted with sugar, making them as beautiful to behold as they are delicious to eat. Plus, their versatile nature means you can easily customize the jam filling to suit any craving, ensuring a delightful experience every time.

A Wholesome Introduction to Our Sweet Treat

There’s something inherently comforting about a donut, isn’t there? It’s a little circle of happiness, a portable hug for your taste buds. But let’s be honest, the thought of deep-frying at home can send even the bravest bakers running for cover. The splattering oil, the lingering smell, the sheer mess! That’s where our air-fried Fluffy Homemade Jelly Donuts bursting with Jam come into their own. We’re taking all the beloved elements of a classic jam donut – that tender, sweet dough, the sugary coating, and the glorious burst of fruit – and giving it a modern, healthier twist using the magic of your air fryer. No oil-soaked kitchen, no fear of greasy fingers, just pure, unadulterated donut bliss.

This recipe isn’t just about avoiding the fryer; it’s about achieving an incredible texture that rivals its deep-fried cousins. Each bite promises a beautifully soft, light dough that yields gently before revealing its sweet, fruity secret. It’s a revelation for anyone who loves a good donut but wants to skip the fuss. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these delightful treats, from mixing the dough to the satisfying moment you pipe in that glorious fruit filling. So, tie on your apron, prepare for some doughy fun, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to grab one of these delightful pastries.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:

• **warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C):** This is absolutely crucial for waking up your yeast; it needs to be warm, like a cozy bath, but not scalding, as too hot will kill the yeast and prevent our donuts from achieving their wonderful fluffiness.
• **active dry yeast:** The unsung hero responsible for the incredible rise and tender, airy texture that defines our fluffy homemade donuts.
• **granulated sugar (for the dough):** A small amount of sugar not only provides sweetness to the dough but also feeds the yeast, helping it activate properly for optimal leavening.
• **large egg, at room temperature:** Incorporating an egg adds richness, helps bind the dough, contributes to a beautiful golden color, and aids in creating a softer, more luxurious texture for the finished treat.
• **unsalted butter, melted and cooled (for the dough):** Adds richness and flavor to the dough, ensuring a tender crumb; make sure it’s cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg or inhibit the yeast.
• **vanilla extract:** A touch of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and aroma, complementing the other flavors in the donut dough beautifully.
• **salt:** Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors in the dough; it also plays a role in regulating yeast activity.
• **all-purpose flour:** The foundational ingredient for our dough, providing the necessary structure and gluten development to create a wonderfully pliable, elastic, and ultimately fluffy donut.
• **raspberry or strawberry jam/jelly:** This is the heart of our “bursting with Jam” experience; choose a good quality, smooth variety for easy piping and a vibrant, sweet-tart flavor contrast to the donut.
• **unsalted butter, melted (for coating):** Used to brush the warm, air-fried donuts, it helps the granulated sugar adhere beautifully, creating a classic, irresistible outer layer.
• **granulated sugar (for coating):** Provides the sparkling, sweet finish on the outside of each donut, offering a delightful texture and taste contrast to the soft dough and fruity interior.

The complete ingredient list, including quantities, can be found directly under the recipe card.

Mastering the Art of the Homemade Donut

Making homemade donuts might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, especially with these easy-to-follow steps. There’s a certain magic that happens when you bring simple ingredients together to create something so utterly delicious. From the satisfying process of kneading the dough to the moment you bite into your very own air-fried treat, every step is a joy. Pay close attention to the details, especially when working with yeast and rising times, as these are key to achieving that perfectly fluffy texture. Remember, baking is as much an art as it is a science, but with a little patience and love, you’ll be a donut master in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Activating the Yeast and Building the Base

Begin your donut adventure in a sizable mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk, ensuring its temperature is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) to properly activate the yeast without harming it. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and the active dry yeast to the milk. Stir this mixture gently with a spoon or whisk until everything is combined, then set it aside for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for a foamy layer to appear on the surface; this is your yeast happily waking up, ready to work its magic and create that tender, fluffy dough. Once foamy, incorporate the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, the room temperature large egg, the melted and cooled unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt into the yeast mixture. Whisk vigorously until all these ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniform.

Developing the Dough and First Rise

Now it’s time to introduce the star of the structure: the all-purpose flour. Gradually add the flour to your wet ingredients, one cup at a time. Mix continuously, either by hand with a sturdy spoon or spatula, or using a stand mixer on a low setting. Continue mixing until a shaggy, somewhat rough dough forms in the bowl. This indicates the ingredients are coming together. Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 5 to 7 minutes by hand, applying a rhythmic push and fold motion until it transforms into a smooth, elastic, and pliable ball. If you’re utilizing a stand mixer, attach a dough hook and mix for 4 to 5 minutes until the desired smooth and elastic consistency is achieved. Once kneaded, lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough into the oiled bowl, turning it once to ensure it’s evenly coated with a thin layer of oil. Cover the bowl securely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise undisturbed for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has visibly doubled in size, becoming airy and light.

Shaping the Donuts and Second Proofing

Once your dough has completed its first rise and gloriously doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the trapped air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly to a thickness of approximately ½-inch. Next, take a 2.5-3 inch round cookie cutter and begin cutting out individual donut shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully gather the dough scraps, gently reroll them, and cut out more donuts until most of the dough has been used. Place the freshly cut donuts onto baking sheets that have been lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave adequate space between each one to allow for further expansion. Loosely cover these shaped donuts with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow them to rise for a second time in a warm spot for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they appear visibly puffy and slightly larger. This second rise is crucial for developing that incredibly fluffy texture.

Air Frying to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature for cooking. Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with a non-stick spray, which will help prevent sticking and promote even browning. Carefully transfer 2 to 3 of the risen donuts into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. This is important for even cooking; do not overcrowd the basket, and work in batches as needed. Air fry these batches for 4 to 6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip each donut to ensure both sides cook to a beautiful golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary, as different air fryer models can vary in performance. The result should be a tender, golden exterior.

Coating and Filling the Fluffy Homemade Jelly Donuts bursting with Jam

Immediately after removing the donuts from the air fryer, while they are still warm, it’s time to give them their iconic coating. Brush each warm donut generously with melted unsalted butter, ensuring good coverage. Directly after brushing, roll the buttered donut in granulated sugar until it is completely and evenly coated. This creates that wonderfully sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that everyone loves. For the grand finale, grab a piping bag fitted with a small, round tip, or a clean syringe, which works just as well. Gently insert the tip into the side of each sugar-coated donut. Carefully pipe in about 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen raspberry or strawberry jam/jelly. Ensure the jam is smooth enough to pipe easily. Serve these delightful Fluffy Homemade Jelly Donuts bursting with Jam warm or at room temperature, ideally filling them just before serving to maintain the perfect dough texture.

Tips for Donut Perfection

Achieving truly fantastic homemade treats is all about those little details. Firstly, always remember the “Goldilocks” rule for milk temperature: not too hot, not too cold, but just right (105-115°F) for your yeast to thrive. A digital thermometer is your best friend here. When you’re air frying, resist the urge to cram too many donuts into the basket. Cooking in small batches ensures each one gets enough space for even air circulation, resulting in a consistent golden-brown finish. This is key for that lovely texture.

For the most delightful experience, plan to fill your donuts right before you serve them. This prevents the jam from seeping into the dough, keeping your Fluffy Homemade Jelly Donuts bursting with Jam wonderfully soft and fresh. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your jam choice; any smooth fruit jam or jelly will work beautifully, so pick your favorite! And if you find your dough a little on the sticky side during kneading, simply add a tiny bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches that perfect, elastic consistency. These small adjustments make all the difference between a good donut and an absolutely incredible one. Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards!

**Servings: ** 12 donuts

**Nutrition per Donut: **

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 8g

Improving the Cooking Method

To master these delicious treats, pay close attention to the yeast activation in step 1; proper foam indicates readiness. During air frying, remember not to overcrowd the basket (step 9), ensuring each donut achieves that perfect golden hue. For maximum enjoyment, coat them in sugar while still warm from the air fryer, right before filling.

Decorate Your Dish with Your Personal Touch

While the recipe shines with vibrant raspberry or strawberry jam, feel free to unleash your creativity! Substitute the filling with your favorite smooth fruit jelly, perhaps a sweet apricot or a tangy blueberry to make these amazing air-fried treats uniquely yours. A different fruit jam offers a delightful surprise in every soft bite.

Smart Tips for Storage and Reheating

To maintain the delightful fluffy texture of these wonderful pastries, store any unfilled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Crucially, only pipe in the jam or jelly just before serving to prevent the dough from becoming soggy, preserving that perfect soft bite.

Practical Chef Advice

Test your warm milk with a thermometer (105-115°F is ideal). If too hot, it deactivates the yeast, preventing the dough from achieving its signature fluffiness.

Achieving elastic dough is key. It should spring back slowly when poked, indicating proper gluten development for a wonderfully tender texture in every bite.

Ensure your jam or jelly is perfectly smooth. Warming it slightly makes piping much easier, preventing clogs and ensuring an even, delightful burst of flavor inside.

The first time I bit into these air-fried wonders, the sheer joy of that soft dough meeting the sweet jam was pure magic. It instantly brought back childhood carnival memories, but without the messy fryer oil!

Final Thoughts

These air-fried donuts are a truly delightful way to enjoy a classic treat, offering a lighter approach without sacrificing a bit of flavor. You’ll love the tender, fluffy dough and the golden, sugary exterior, perfectly complementing the vibrant sweet fruit jelly. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft creation, experiencing that wonderful burst of jam. It’s an unforgettable experience. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and create these amazing homemade jelly donuts today!

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FAQs

Why isn’t my dough rising properly?

The most common reason for dough not rising is related to the yeast. Ensure your warm milk for activating the yeast is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). If the milk is too hot, it can kill the active dry yeast, preventing it from producing the necessary gases for rising. Likewise, if the milk is too cold, the yeast may not activate sufficiently. After mixing, place your dough in a warm environment, covered with plastic wrap or a clean towel, to allow it to double in size within the specified 1-1.5 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise.

How many donuts should I air fry at one time?

To ensure your air-fried donuts cook evenly and achieve that lovely golden brown finish, it is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. The recipe specifically recommends cooking in batches, placing only 2-3 donuts into the basket at a time. This allows the hot air to circulate properly around each donut, ensuring uniform cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked or browned donuts, and they may not rise as perfectly. Always leave a little space between each piece to get the best results from your appliance.

Can I use a different type of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests raspberry or strawberry jam/jelly for these delightful donuts, you are welcome to use any fruit jam or jelly that you prefer. The most important consideration is to ensure that your chosen filling is smooth enough to pipe easily. If your jam has large fruit pieces, you might want to gently warm and strain it or briefly blend it to achieve a smoother consistency. This will make the process of piping 1-2 tablespoons of delicious fruit filling into each donut much simpler and mess-free, delivering that perfect burst of flavor.

When is the best time to fill the donuts with jam?

For optimal freshness and to prevent the dough from becoming soggy, the recipe advises filling your homemade jelly donuts just before serving. While you can pipe in the jam once the donuts have cooled slightly after air frying and coating, filling them right before they are enjoyed ensures the tender dough remains at its best texture. You’ll use a piping bag with a small round tip or a clean syringe to insert about 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen jam or jelly into the side of each donut, guaranteeing a fresh, sweet burst with every bite.