Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Well, thanks to a gift from mom, I’ve finally jumped onto the air fryer band wagon. Due to my small kitchen and large size of air fryers, we were hesitant at first. But, wow, my family has been running this thing practically non-stop since we opened it. We have been making so many different types of potatoes, that I need to make sure I plant loads of potatoes in the garden this spring. We have made French fries, sweet potato fries, and red bliss potatoes. Even my 14 year-old son has gotten into the act by making his own homemade fries.
Because you can’t survive on a diet of potatoes alone, we’ve branched out and made chicken fingers, wings, and drumsticks as well. From there, I tried roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts that did not disappoint. But hey, sometimes you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. When I heard you could have “healthy” donuts in five minutes, I had to try.
Making donuts in the air fryer is so easy that no one can believe how good they taste. Simply open a can of refrigerated biscuits, listening for that gratifying “pop”. Preheat your air fryer to 400° while you poke a hole through the middle of the biscuit with your thumb. Use your hands to form a donut shape, and make the hole large since the biscuits will expand while cooking. According to my air fryer instructions, non-stick sprays like Pam can damage the non-stick surface of your fryer pan. So I purchased the recommended spray coconut oil (found in the same aisle at the grocery store), and it works like a charm. Spray one side of your future donuts and cook them for 2 ½ minutes in the air fryer. Flip biscuits, give them another quick spray, and cook for an additional 2 ½ minutes. That’s it! Now for the fun part—toppings.
My youngest (who has grown so tall, I can no longer call him my little guy) loves glazed donuts with sprinkles. So mom is here to please. Mix powdered sugar with the tiniest bit of milk until you have a thick but spreadable consistency. Frost the donuts, then add sprinkles before the icing dries. Of course, you can skip the sprinkles (or “jimmies” if you insist on calling them that), and opt for a classic glazed donut. Personally, I love cinnamon sugar donuts. If you’re going to break resolutions, don’t hold back. Brush melted butter on both sides of your donut then dip it into a bowl of cinnamon sugar. For best results, eat all this deliciousness while the donuts are still warm.
Fair warning: buy extra cans of biscuits when you go to the store. Once your family, friends, and neighbors hear about these, you’re going to need to make more. But they are so fast and easy to make, not to mention a little healthier than fried donuts, you won’t mind at all.
What is your favorite air fryer recipe? Shore Local News would love to hear about it. Send your comments and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
