1package(2 ¼ teaspoons or ¼ ounce) instant active yeast (fast-rising)
¾teaspoonsalt
Canola oil for brushing donuts
Instructions
In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine egg and milk mixture and blend on low speed.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until well blended.
On low speed, add the flour mixture until a moist dough forms and sticks to the paddle. Change to the dough hook and raise the speed to medium, mixing the dough for 1-2 more minutes until all the dry ingredients have been incorporated.
Remove the dough from the hook, placing it on an un-floured work surface. Knead for another minute.
Place dough into a large bowl sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Flip the dough over so the greased side is up. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm location until almost doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Roll dough out on an un-floured work surface to about a ½ inch thickness. Using a 3 to 3 ½ inch diameter cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place 1 inch apart onto reserved sheet pan. Form scraps into rough donuts and also place on sheet pan.
Using a pastry brush, coat each donut with oil on both sides. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for approximately 20-30 minutes. Donuts will not rise too much.
Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray basket of air fryer with nonstick cooking spray.
Place donuts, spaced about 1 inch apart, into basket in a single layer. Fry donuts for approximately 5 minutes, or until nice and brown. Do not over fry.
Place donuts on a clean sheet pan covered with waxed paper. Allow to cool completely before filling and decorating as desired.