When you’re craving donuts but don’t want to deal with the mess and calories of deep frying, this recipe is the perfect solution. These pan-fried donuts are fluffy, sweet, and satisfying — all without the vat of hot oil. They’re ideal for a quick dessert, weekend breakfast, or even a fun afternoon snack with a hot drink. Let’s dive into how to make these simple yet delightful donuts step by step.
🧾 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Before getting started, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. These are common pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
- 2 eggs – These will bind the dough and provide structure.
- 3 tablespoons sugar – For sweetness in the dough.
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract) – Adds a subtle, fragrant flavor.
- 150 ml milk – Preferably warm, to help mix everything smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
- 1 packet baking powder (about 11 g) – The leavening agent that gives the donuts their puffiness.
- 200 g all-purpose flour (about 1½ cups) – The base of the dough.
- A pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Sugar for sprinkling or coating after frying – Optional, but recommended for that classic donut finish.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
These donuts are quick and easy to prepare — no yeast, no rising time, no deep fryer needed. Let’s walk through the process in detail.
1. Prepare the Batter
Start by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), then whisk together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly foamy. This ensures the sugar is partially dissolved and evenly incorporated.
Next, pour in the milk and vegetable oil. Continue whisking until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps avoid clumps and results in evenly risen donuts.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir continuously using a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed. The batter will begin to thicken and come together. The final consistency should be thick and sticky — similar to pancake or muffin batter, but firmer.
If the dough feels too soft to shape, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it’s workable, but don’t overdo it. Too much flour will make the donuts dense.
4. Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour your hands and your work surface. Scoop small portions of dough (about the size of a ping-pong ball) and roll them into balls. Alternatively, flatten them into small discs for a more traditional donut shape. You can also use a donut cutter if you prefer rings.
Tip: If you want to add fillings like chocolate chips or fruit jam, now is the time! Just press a small amount into the center of a dough ball and seal it tightly before frying.
🍳 How to Fry Donuts Without Deep Frying
Now for the fun part — pan-frying! This method uses minimal oil, making it cleaner and healthier than deep-frying.
5. Heat the Pan
Use a non-stick frying pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet. Place it over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter — just enough to lightly coat the surface. You’re not deep-frying, so no need for large amounts of oil.
Let the pan heat up for 1–2 minutes before placing the dough in. You want the surface hot enough to create a golden crust but not so hot that the outside burns while the inside stays raw.
6. Cook the Donuts
Place a few shaped dough pieces into the pan, leaving some space between each. Cook in batches if necessary.
Let them cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, flipping only once. The donuts should develop a golden brown crust. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
If they’re browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly. Undercooked centers can be an issue if the heat is too high.
7. Cool and Coat in Sugar
Once golden and cooked through, transfer the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. While still warm, roll them in granulated sugar or dust them with powdered sugar. You can even mix cinnamon with sugar for a churro-like twist.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
These donuts are best served fresh and warm, but you can store leftovers for a day or two. Try the following serving ideas:
- Dip in melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Serve with a side of jam or fruit preserves.
- Enjoy with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.
- Fill with cream or custard using a piping bag.
🧁 Recipe Variations & Add-Ons
Want to customize your donuts? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts: After frying, toss the warm donuts in a cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Chocolate Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour for a chocolaty version.
- Lemon Zest or Orange Zest: Add to the batter for a citrusy aroma.
- Stuffed Donuts: Fill with Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam before frying.
- Mini Donuts: Make smaller versions for party platters or kid-friendly treats.
🔁 Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them gently in a pan over low heat.
Note: These donuts are best fresh. They may lose some of their soft texture after a day, but a quick warm-up can bring them back to life.
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (A Bit of Science)
Most traditional donuts are made with yeast, which requires time to rise and develop flavor. This recipe uses baking powder, a chemical leavening agent, which reacts quickly with the liquid and heat to produce carbon dioxide. That’s what makes the donuts puff up without resting or fermenting.
Also, pan-frying instead of deep frying allows more control over the cooking process and significantly reduces the oil absorption, making this a healthier alternative.
🌱 Want a Vegan Version?
Absolutely! Here’s how to tweak the recipe:
- Replace eggs with 1 mashed ripe banana or 2 tablespoons of applesauce per egg.
- Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Make sure sugar is vegan-friendly (some white sugar is processed with bone char).
The rest of the process remains the same.
📝 Final Thoughts
These pan-fried donuts are a fantastic way to enjoy the taste and texture of traditional donuts without the hassle and heaviness of deep frying. They’re easy to make, versatile, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers sweet satisfaction with minimal effort.
So go ahead — mix up a batch, fry them golden, roll them in sugar, and take a bite of happiness.
