Sourdough Discard Donuts

Sourdough discard donuts are a delightful way to make use of leftover sourdough starter. These light and fluffy donuts can easily be prepared in either an air fryer or an oven, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack. With their cinnamon-sugar topping, these donuts offer a cozy flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these donuts are quick to whip up.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between air frying or baking, depending on your preference and kitchen setup.
• Deliciously Fluffy: Thanks to the sourdough discard, each bite is light and airy with a delightful texture.
• Waste Not, Want Not: This recipe helps reduce food waste by utilizing sourdough discard instead of throwing it away.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like chocolate glaze or nut sprinkles.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your sourdough discard donuts, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Clean counter surface
• Rolling pin
• Air fryer or oven
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients without making a mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps you achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough for uniform cooking.
• Air fryer or oven: Provides two convenient methods for cooking your donuts to perfection.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious sourdough discard donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Donuts

• 1 cup (120 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) sourdough discard (best if room temp and fed within 12 hours of using)
• 3/4 cup (184 grams) sour cream (can substitute for plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 tbsp (24 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup (58 grams) melted butter (for brushing tops of dough)

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup (58 grams) melted butter
• 1/2 cup (24 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Sourdough Discard Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts cook evenly and become perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Combine all donut ingredients.
2. Use a wooden spoon to mix until a sticky dough ball forms.

Step 3: Prepare Your Work Surface

On a clean counter surface:
1. Sprinkle generously with flour.
2. Pour out the dough onto the floured surface.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Gently knead the dough:
1. Add additional flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
2. Knead until a smooth dough ball forms.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the dough into an even rectangle:
1. Aim for a thickness that allows you to cut it easily into mini rectangles (about 16 pieces).

Step 6: Shape the Donuts

Roll the rectangles into balls:
1. If too sticky, dust your hands with flour while rolling.

Step 7: Prepare for Cooking

For air frying:
1. Place parchment paper in your air fryer basket.
2. Arrange the rolled balls in the lined basket.
3. Brush tops with melted butter.

For baking:
1. Place rolled balls on a lined baking sheet.
2. Brush tops with melted butter.

Step 8: Cook Your Donuts

For air frying:
– Air fry for about 4 minutes, flip them over, then cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

For baking:
– Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through at around 8 minutes.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl:
1. Mix together cinnamon and sugar.
2. Remove cooked donuts from heat and brush again with melted butter.
3. Gently roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Enjoy your delicious sourdough discard donuts right away for maximum flavor and freshness!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Donuts

Sourdough discard donuts are best enjoyed fresh, giving you a delightful experience with each bite. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of these tasty treats.

With a Side of Dip

• Chocolate Sauce: Melted chocolate adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fluffy donuts.
• Vanilla Glaze: A sweet vanilla glaze drizzled on top can elevate the flavor and make them even more indulgent.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Fresh Fruit: Serve the donuts with a side of seasonal fruit for a refreshing contrast, such as berries or sliced bananas.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer pieces of donut with yogurt and granola for a delicious twist on breakfast.

For Afternoon Snacking

• Coffee: Enjoy your donuts with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on your donut halves for an extra protein boost.

How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Donuts

Perfecting sourdough discard donuts involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out light and fluffy every time.

• Use Room Temperature Discard: Allow your sourdough discard to come to room temperature for optimal fermentation and flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense donuts; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Adjust Flour as Needed: If the dough is sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until it reaches the right consistency.
• Air Frying Technique: Flip the donuts halfway through cooking for even browning and texture in an air fryer.
• Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the donuts immediately after coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Donuts

Pairing side dishes with sourdough discard donuts can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with granola complements the airy texture of the donuts beautifully.
3. Chia Pudding: Creamy chia pudding can be served alongside for added nutrition and flavor variety.
4. Savory Scrambled Eggs: The richness of eggs provides a savory contrast, making for a well-rounded meal.
5. Cottage Cheese: A bowl of cottage cheese topped with honey offers a creamy, tangy side that works well with sweet flavors.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can provide extra crunch and energy alongside your soft, fluffy donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sourdough discard donuts can be a fun experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not using fresh sourdough discard: Ensure your sourdough discard is at room temperature and fed within the last 12 hours for the best results. Old or cold discard can lead to denser donuts.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too much can make your donuts tough. Only knead until a smooth dough forms to keep them light and fluffy.
• Skipping the flour on the counter: Not flouring your surface can cause sticky dough, making it hard to roll out. Always sprinkle flour generously before working with the dough.
• Incorrect air fryer or oven temperature: Make sure to preheat your appliances properly. Cooking at the wrong temperature may result in unevenly cooked donuts.
• Waiting too long to enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Waiting too long can affect their texture and flavor, so serve them right away!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them away from moisture to maintain freshness.

Freezing Sourdough Discard Donuts

• Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating Sourdough Discard Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding sourdough discard donuts.

How do I know if my sourdough discard is good?

Your sourdough discard should have a pleasant tangy smell and be bubbly if it’s fresh. If it has an off odor or discoloration, it’s best to discard it.

Can I make Sourdough Discard Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking to achieve similar texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream, providing similar creaminess and tanginess in your Sourdough Discard Donuts.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to my Sourdough Discard Donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vanilla extract, chocolate chips, or even nuts to customize your Sourdough Discard Donuts according to your taste preferences.

How do I prevent my donuts from becoming too greasy?

Ensure you brush only a light layer of melted butter on top before baking or air frying, as excess butter can lead to greasiness.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough discard donuts are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to reduce waste while enjoying a treat. Their light and fluffy texture makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert, and you can easily customize them with various toppings and flavors. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today!