How to Make Donuts Without a Deep Fryer

Tasty donuts are easy to make at home without a deep fryer.

Making donuts doesn't require a deep fryer. With some careful monitoring, using a pot or wok of hot oil works just as well as deep fryer machines. No matter which method you choose, making these sweet treats at home can be a fun activity with a delicious reward at the end.

Things You'll Need

• Pot, skillet or wok
• 2 (or more) quarts of vegetable oil
• Donut batter
• Slotted spoon
• Tongs
• Tray or sheet pan
• Paper towels
• Toppings

Instructions

Saucepan, Skillet or Wok

1. Prepare the donut batter (see resources for recipes).

2. Cut donut shapes, removing centers. Add centers back to the dough or keep to make a batch of "donut holes."

3. Heat about two quarts of vegetable oil in a large saucepan, cast iron skillet or wok.

4. Line a tray or pan with paper towels.

5. Using a candy thermometer to check the temperature, heat on high until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.

6. Add donuts to the oil. Cook on one side, about two or three minutes. Turn the donuts over and cook for another two or three minutes.

7. Remove donuts from the hot oil using tongs; let cool on paper towels for about five minutes.

8. 

   Having fun with homemade donuts includes getting creative with toppings.

   Apply toppings such as powdered or other sugar, glazes and chocolate.

Baked

1. Prepare yeast-based donut dough (see resources for recipes).

2. After the first rising of the dough, cut circles of dough without removing the centers.

3. Transfer the circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet and stamp out the smaller inner circles using a smaller cutter. Removing the inner holes earlier will distort the donuts when you move them to the pan.

4. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise another 45 minutes.

5. Bake at 375 degrees F until the bottoms are golden, about eight to 10 minutes.

6. Remove the donuts from the oven and let cool very briefly. While they are still warm, dunk in a bowl of melted butter and toss with sugar or other toppings.

Tips & Warnings

• Yeast donuts require more time to prepare and cook than cake donuts.

• Use the donut cutter in a straight down motion, without twisting.

• Donuts can be served warm or cooled.

• Watch the temperature of the oil. Too low and the donuts will soak up excess oil, becoming soggy. Too high and the doughnuts will brown too quickly while the insides don't cook thoroughly.

References

• The Kitchn: Weekend Meditation: Fear of Frying

Resources

• Good Eats 'n Sweet Treats: Time to Make the Doughnuts!