🍩 The Best Fluffy Fried Doughnuts (No Yeast!)
Skip the yeast, not the flavor! These easy fried doughnuts come together in minutes and deliver that soft, pillowy texture you love — no proofing required. Perfect for lazy weekends, spontaneous cravings, or a quick brunch treat, they’re fried to golden perfection and customizable with your favorite toppings.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Doughnut Recipe
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Quick & Easy: No rise time, no mixer — ready to fry in minutes!
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Super Fluffy: Baking powder gives the perfect airy texture.
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Crisp & Tender: Golden outside, moist and soft inside.
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Totally Customizable: Glaze, dust, or fill — make them your own!
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Pantry-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you already have.
📝 Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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⅓ cup sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup milk
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1 egg
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour wet ingredients into the dry. Stir gently until just combined — a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet or pan with 2 inches of oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if possible.
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, turning until golden brown.
Step 6: Drain & Finish
Transfer doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate. Dust warm with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or glaze.
🍩 Flavor Variations to Try
✨ Cinnamon Sugar:
Mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 tbsp cinnamon. Toss warm doughnuts right after frying.
🍫 Chocolate Glaze:
Melt chocolate with 1 tbsp butter and a splash of milk. Dip cooled doughnuts and let set.
🍁 Maple Glaze:
Stir together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for a fall-inspired treat.
🍋 Lemon Sugar:
Mix lemon zest with granulated sugar for a fresh citrus twist.
🍓 Jelly-Filled:
Use a piping bag to fill cooled doughnuts with jam or custard for a shortcut version of Polish paczki.
🔍 Pro Tips for Perfect Doughnuts
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Use a Cookie Scoop: Keeps size uniform for even cooking.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches (3–4 at a time).
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Monitor Oil Temp: Keep it steady at 350°F.
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Let Batter Rest (Optional): 10 minutes of rest = extra fluffiness.
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Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed warm within 30 minutes of frying.