Ube Donuts

Ingredients

• 120 g (1 cup), plus 60 g (½ cup) extra, optional for sprinklingicing sugar
• 30 ml (2 tbsp)milk
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp)ube extract
• 1.25 ml (¼ tsp)vanilla extract
• 462 g (1 can, 16.3 oz)Grands! Flaky Layers biscuits

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the air fryer

   Preheat the air fryer to 175°C (350°F) for 1–2 minutes.

2. 2

   Mix the glaze

   In a small bowl, whisk the icing sugar, milk, ube extract and vanilla extract until completely smooth.

3. 3

   Cut the biscuits

   Open the can and arrange the biscuits on a cutting board. Use a cookie cutter to cut a hole from the centre of each biscuit; keep the cut-outs to make donut holes if you like.

4. 4

   Air-fry the donuts

   Grease the air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the donuts in the basket without touching or stacking them, then air-fry for 3 minutes. Cook in batches if needed.

5. 5

   Flip and finish

   Turn each donut over and air-fry for a further 2–3 minutes.

6. 6

   Cool and top

   Transfer the donuts to a plate and leave them to cool for 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle with extra icing sugar, if using, and serve.

What are ube donuts?

Ube is a purple yam used in Filipino cooking, and its distinctive colour and gently sweet, nutty flavour have made it a popular ingredient in desserts. These donuts take inspiration from that flavour, using ube extract in a simple icing.

Biscuit dough makes this a shortcut version rather than a yeast-raised donut. The air fryer cooks the dough quickly, while the glaze adds sweetness and a creamy finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 520 calories, 9g protein, 75g carbs, 18g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the biscuits and icing sugar, while the biscuit dough also contributes most of the fat and some protein. Serve one donut with fresh fruit or plain yoghurt for a more balanced plate.

The biscuit shortcut

Canned biscuits: Separate them gently and cut a neat hole in the centre of each one. The dough is already portioned, so there’s no mixing or proving.

Donut holes: Save the centre pieces if you want to cook them too. They may need less time than the full donuts, so check them early.

Getting the glaze smooth

Icing sugar: Whisk it with the milk until there are no dry pockets or lumps. Add the ube and vanilla extracts as listed, so their flavour is evenly distributed.

Consistency: The mixture should be smooth enough to drizzle or spoon over the donuts. Avoid adding extra milk unless needed, as a thinner glaze will run off more easily.

Air-fryer spacing and timing

Room to circulate: Leave space between the donuts and don’t stack them. If they cannot fit in a single uncrowded layer, cook them in batches.

Doneness: The recipe gives 3 minutes on the first side and another 2–3 minutes after flipping. Air fryers can vary, so check that the donuts are cooked through before taking them out.

Cooling before topping

Short rest: Let the donuts cool on a plate for 3–5 minutes after cooking. They’ll still be warm, but less likely to make the icing sugar disappear immediately.

Finishing sugar: Sprinkle on the optional extra icing sugar just before serving for a visible dusting. The ube glaze already brings sweetness, so the extra topping is a matter of preference.

What to serve alongside

A cup of tea or coffee makes a simple pairing with the sweet, soft donuts. Fresh fruit can also bring a bright contrast to the rich biscuit dough and sugary topping.

Serve them soon after cooking for the best texture. If making a batch, bring the later batches to the table while they are still warm.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the biscuit holes before preheating is finished so the donuts are ready to cook promptly.
• Use cooking spray to coat the basket lightly and help prevent sticking.
• Arrange the donuts in one layer with space between them.
• Keep the biscuit cut-outs if you want to make donut holes rather than discarding them.
• Let the donuts rest for 3–5 minutes before adding the optional sugar topping.

Variations

• Glaze finish: Dip the cooled donuts in the ube icing instead of dusting them with extra icing sugar.
• More vanilla: Add a little more vanilla extract for a stronger vanilla note.
• Donut holes: Air-fry the saved centres separately and check them sooner than the full donuts.
• Lighter topping: Leave off the optional icing sugar dusting.
• Serve with fruit: Add sliced fresh fruit on the side for a fresh contrast.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crowding the basket: The donuts need space and should not touch; cook them in batches.
• Skipping the flip: Turn the donuts after the first 3 minutes so they cook on both sides.
• Overcooking: Check after the additional 2 minutes, as air fryers can differ.
• Lumpy icing: Whisk the sugar, milk and extracts until the mixture is completely smooth.
• Topping too soon: Let the donuts cool for 3–5 minutes before sprinkling with icing sugar.

How to store

Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and eat within 1–2 days for the best texture. Reheat briefly in the air fryer until warm; add any fresh icing sugar after reheating.

Frequently asked questions