15-Minute No-Fry Donuts: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipe!

During Mardi Gras, it’s customary to indulge in rich, fatty foods. Historically, this was a last hurrah before the Lenten season of fasting, which commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. However, in modern times, few observe such extended periods of fasting. While we may not fast for as long, we can still embrace a more balanced diet, even on Mardi Gras. A perfect example is this recipe for no-fry doughnuts: “My kids love them!“, “Look how caramelized they are… a real treat!”, “The best doughnut recipe.” They are a hit online because they are scrumptious without being overly decadent: they are baked in an air fryer (though oven baking works well too) and feature a delightful apple filling! Another bonus: they require no resting time, unlike traditional recipes.

Ingredients for No-Fry Doughnuts

Here are the quantities needed to make about 6 doughnuts.

• 1 large apple
• 1 rectangular sheet of puff pastry
• 1 tsp of cane sugar
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp of milk for glazing
• 1 handful of sliced almonds (optional)
• 1 tsp of powdered sugar for garnishing

How to Make No-Fry Doughnuts

For this no-fry recipe, you’ll need an apple corer or a small cutter to easily remove the apple core, a knife, and a brush for the glaze. The preparation time is about 15 minutes (excluding cooking time).

1. Wash and slice your apples into rounds about 1 cm thick, and remove the cores.
2. Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into strips about 2 cm wide.
3. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle some on the puff pastry strips.
4. Wrap the pastry strips around the apple slices until they’re completely covered.
5. Brush the doughnuts with the beaten egg yolk mixed with milk. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and the remaining sugar-cinnamon mix.
6. Bake in the air fryer for 30 minutes at 180°C (keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary depending on your device). If you don’t have an air fryer, baking in a conventional oven also works well: bake your doughnuts for 20 minutes at 200°C. Let them cool on a rack and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

That’s it, give them a try and see what you think!

This year, instead of pulling out the deep fryer, try the air fryer and go for this clever version. It ticks all the boxes: simple, quick, tasty, and significantly lighter than the traditional recipe. It’s a way to celebrate Mardi Gras with a smile… and without overindulgence.