We all love the soft, sweet taste of freshly fried donuts. But frying at home can often lead to greasy, oily treats that don't feel as light and fluffy as we want.

Today, we'll share practical tips and tricks to make donuts crispy and golden without soaking up too much oil. Ready to fry better donuts? Let's get started!

Choose the Right Oil and Temperature

One of the biggest secrets we've found is choosing the right oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil. These oils handle high heat better without breaking down. Also, keeping the frying temperature steady around 175-180°C (350-360°F) is crucial. If the oil is too cool, donuts absorb oil and get greasy; too hot, and the outside burns while the inside stays raw.

Prepare Donuts with Proper Dough and Rest Time

We use a dough recipe that's soft but not too wet. Overly sticky dough can absorb more oil. After mixing, let the dough rest and rise well—this makes donuts lighter and less dense, so they fry up with less oil absorption. Don't skip this step; it's key for texture and frying quality.

Pat Donuts Dry Before Frying

Before frying, we gently pat the donut surfaces dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, especially if they have a bit of extra flour or moisture. Removing surface moisture helps prevent oil splatter and stops donuts from soaking in too much oil while frying.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan

When frying, we avoid putting too many donuts in the oil at once. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature quickly, causing donuts to soak more oil. Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot and donuts cook evenly.

Flip at the Right Time

We keep an eye on the donut edges. When the bottoms turn golden brown, it's time to flip. Don't flip too early or too late. A good flip timing ensures even cooking and helps keep oil absorption low.

Drain Excess Oil Properly

Right after frying, we place the donuts on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Avoid stacking donuts while hot because trapped steam can make them soggy. This step helps keep them crisp and less oily.

Use a Light Coating Instead of Heavy Sugar

Instead of thick sugar glaze or heavy coatings that can feel greasy, we try a light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. This way, the donuts taste sweet but stay fresh and less oily.

Wrap-Up: Fry Donuts Like a Pro

With these simple tips, we can enjoy homemade donuts that are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and light—not oily. It's all about temperature control, dough preparation, and smart frying habits. What's your favorite donut flavor to fry? Share your tips or questions—let's make every donut time a treat together!