Do you want to be talk of the town by frying your homemade doughnuts in the best way? In this article, we find out the ways on how to fry doughnuts perfectly, so you enjoy these fried pastries at their freshest.
Ah, doughnuts. The quintessential food of The Simpsons animation—Who doesn’t love a good fried doughnut with icing? While it’s easy to just make a dash to your neighbourhood bakery or doughnut shop to buy a dozen of them, there’s always something satisfying about consuming these fried pastries when they are homemade, especially if they are made by you. Also, let us not get started on how some doughnut shops can be terrible with overly sweet icings, gloopy toppings, or have doughnuts that taste like stale oil.
Now if you had some experience in making doughnuts for the first time, you might be figuring what are the ways to make these delectable treats in your kitchen. And while everyone knows that these pastries aren’t your best friend in calories, it’s still fun to know how to get them right. Just don’t consume too much of them on a regular basis. Now, let’s learn how to fry doughnuts perfectly.
For Better Fried Doughnuts
There is some work involved with frying at home, whether it’s the hot oil or the clean-up, but if you want the freshest doughnuts, making them at home (even if only once a year)—is worth the effort. For better fried doughnuts, you have to know what are the common pitfalls that bakers make in the kitchen. For an enjoyable doughnut-frying experience, do take note of these things:
Do not use a pot that is too small.
The last thing you want is hot frying oil all over your stovetop. Do not underestimate how much space doughnuts can take up in your frying oil, it is a lot more than you might think, especially as they expand from the heat. So, use a pot deep that is enough to hold at least 1.89L of oil, even if you are only frying with one doughnut. We recommend using a Dutch oven, it is great for frying doughnuts because it easily holds 0.95L oil and more giving room for three to four doughnuts. This means you get to fry more at a time. Also, its dense material holds heat well, making for a more even oil temperature while frying the doughnuts.
Adjust the oil’s temperature while frying doughnuts.
As you continue to fry the doughnuts, the temperature of the fry oil will eventually fluctuate. When you add the first batch of doughnuts, you may need to increase the heat on the stove to keep the proper frying temperature. When the oil sits without doughnuts in it, the temperature rises. Here’s a tip: After adding a new batch of doughnuts, keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the heat as needed. Work quickly to avoid overheating an empty pot while waiting for more doughnuts to fry. Check the temperature before adding a new batch to ensure that you’re frying at the proper temperature.
Frying at the right temperature.
It’s an amazing feeling when you get the sweet spot of a temperature. Doughnuts require just the right temperature to fry to golden-brown perfection without becoming greasy or doughy on the inside. However, too many of us get fearful for the first time and lower the oil temperature in the mistaken belief that it will make frying more forgiving. Unfortunately, frying at too low a temperature will give your fried doughnuts a tough crust, which isn’t pleasant.
You should watch the oil’s temperature carefully as you fry and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a temperature between 176°C and 182°C. It’s always better to add doughnuts to slightly warmer-than-desired oil as the dough will bring the oil temperature down a few degrees, than to an oil that is just too cool. Fry the doughnuts, two or three at a time, in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are golden brown, turning once.
Use a thermometer to test temperature.
Visual cues aren’t always the best things for some of us, especially when some of us lack experience in the art of making doughnuts. The good news is that reliable thermometer compensates for our lack of frying experience. You can easily find a reliable candy or deep-fry thermometer from online and offline stores now without much fuss. Most of which are equipped with a clip for sticking to the pot. For a good start, get one that has easy-to-read temperature markings so you can know the oil temperature. Once you are done using it, avoid washing it in the dishwasher to prolong its usability.
Drain doughnuts the right way.
The secret to what makes some bakery doughnuts taste so great is that they are drained twice before cooling and coating, keeping them crisper than homemade doughnuts. The first drain is a slotted strainer over the pot, and the second is either a draining conveyer belt or a cooling rack set on paper towels. Both steps remove excess oil from the doughnut, allowing it to taste great for longer. So, for you, it is going to be simple. For at least 10 seconds, drain the doughnuts over the pot of hot oil (a gentle shake will force oil off the doughnut). Transfer the fried doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels, which will absorb any excess oil. Finally, transfer the drained doughnuts to a cooling rack so they don’t sit in their own oil before glazing.
Let’s Get Frying!
Delicious treats are meant to be shared. And a box of freshly fried doughnuts with a beautiful glaze can put a smile on just about anybody’s face! Spending your weekends trying different doughnuts with your friends and family can be a great way to pass the time (and add some sweetness to your life). So, put on your apron and let’s get some doughnuts frying in the oil. Check out our Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe.
More Inspirations.
Nothing brings people together quite like good food. The aromas and flavors; the shared enjoyment of every mouthful and seeing the smile on the faces we love, it’s beautiful. If you have enjoyed what you read, we have a plethora of recipes for you and baking & culinary solutions for your needs—all for you to create your next winning dish.
