Why These Air Fryer Donuts Are a Game-Changer

If you’ve been yearning for the flavor and texture of classic fried donuts without the oil and mess, this air fryer recipe is your ultimate answer. It genuinely redefines homemade donut making. Here’s why this recipe has become an absolute favorite in my kitchen:

• No Deep Frying Needed. While deep frying has its place for certain dishes, it’s often a commitment – from heating large quantities of oil to dealing with splatters and the inevitable cleanup. This recipe eliminates all of that! The air fryer creates a beautifully golden and slightly crisp exterior, mimicking the results of traditional frying, but with just a fraction of the oil. This means a lighter donut and a much easier cleanup, making homemade donuts accessible on any day of the week.
• Remarkably Faster Cooking Time. Time is precious, especially when you’re craving a quick treat. Unlike oven-baked donuts that typically require 10-15 minutes or more per batch, these air fryer donuts cook up in an astonishing 5 to 6 minutes. This rapid cooking time means you can have a fresh batch of warm, glazed donuts ready to enjoy in under half an hour once your dough is prepped and risen. It’s perfect for impromptu cravings or busy mornings.
• Effortless Customization. One of the greatest joys of making your own air fryer donuts is the freedom to personalize them. The base recipe provides a perfect canvas, allowing you to experiment with an endless array of toppings, glazes, and even fillings. Whether you’re in the mood for classic sprinkles, a decadent chocolate glaze, or a fruity jam filling, you can easily adapt these donuts to suit your taste and impress your family and friends with unique creations.
• Lighter and Less Greasy. By utilizing the air fryer, these donuts absorb significantly less oil compared to their deep-fried counterparts. This results in a donut that feels lighter on the palate, less greasy, and still incredibly satisfying. You get that delightful chewiness and fluffy texture without the heavy feeling often associated with fried foods, making it a treat you can feel a little better about indulging in.

Notes on Ingredients

The ingredient list for these air fryer donuts is refreshingly short and sweet, relying on common pantry staples. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect fluffy texture and irresistible flavor. For exact quantities and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Doughnuts:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural base of our donuts. While all-purpose flour works beautifully, you can experiment with bread flour for an even chewier texture, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend (ensure it’s suitable for yeast baking) if needed. Sifting your flour can help achieve a lighter, airier dough.
• Granulated Sugar: More than just for sweetness, sugar acts as food for the yeast, helping it activate and rise. It also contributes to the golden-brown color of the donuts during cooking.
• Instant Yeast: This magical ingredient is what gives our donuts their fluffy, airy texture. Instant yeast is fantastic because it doesn’t require proofing beforehand; you can mix it directly with your dry ingredients. For more on yeast and its vegan applications, check out: Is Yeast Vegan?
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt enhances the overall flavor of the donuts and also helps to regulate the yeast activity, ensuring a controlled and flavorful rise.
• Warm Almond Milk: Or any other unflavored, unsweetened plant-based milk you prefer for baking. The warmth is critical—it activates the yeast. It should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not hot (which kills yeast) or cold (which slows it down).
• Vegan Butter: This adds richness and tenderness to the dough. You can easily make your own Homemade Vegan Butter, or opt for a high-quality store-bought brand. Ensure it’s melted for easy incorporation into the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor profile of the donuts, adding a classic, comforting aroma. For a slightly different twist, you could use almond extract, or a delightful combination of half vanilla and half almond extract.

Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This finely milled sugar is essential for a smooth, lump-free glaze that sets beautifully. You can even learn how to make Homemade Powdered Sugar if you’re out.
• Almond Milk: Used to achieve the perfect consistency for your glaze. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a delightful aromatic backdrop to the sweet glaze.

Toppings:

• Vegan Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and fun! I particularly love these vibrant Homemade Sprinkles.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A timeless topping that adds warmth and a delightful texture. Simply mix granulated sugar with a generous pinch of ground cinnamon.
• Crushed Nuts: For a textural contrast and nutty flavor, try crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
• Chocolate Shavings or Chips: A sprinkle of vegan chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips can transform your donuts into a decadent treat.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts

Crafting these delicious air fryer donuts is a straightforward and rewarding process. This visual overview will guide you through each step, showcasing what the dough and donuts should look like at various stages. Remember, the complete, detailed instructions with precise measurements are always available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Prepare the Dough. In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined. Next, pour in the warm almond milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a soft, shaggy dough forms and most of the flour is incorporated. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and less sticky. Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has visibly doubled in size. This typically takes approximately one hour, depending on the warmth of your environment.

• Form the Donuts. Once your dough has beautifully risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly until it reaches a thickness of approximately 1/2-inch. For perfectly shaped donuts, use a donut cutter. If you don’t have one, a round cookie cutter (about 3-inch diameter) for the outer ring and a smaller round cutter (like a piping tip or bottle cap) for the center hole work just as well. Carefully place the cut donuts (and the donut holes, if you’re making them!) onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper, ensuring there’s a little space between each one. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the donuts rise for a second time, this will take about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing them to become plump and airy.

• Air Fry. Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC). While it preheats, lightly spray or brush the tops of your risen donuts with a neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden color and a slightly crispy exterior. Carefully transfer 3-5 donuts into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space between them for even air circulation. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Cooking times can vary slightly between air fryer models, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly while you air fry the remaining batches.
• Make the Glaze. While the donuts are cooling, prepare your simple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to coat the donuts nicely. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more almond milk; if too thin, add a small amount of powdered sugar.

• Glaze the Donuts. Once the donuts have cooled down to a warm (but not hot) temperature, it’s time to glaze them. Dip each donut into the prepared glaze, submerging one side. Lift the donut, allowing any excess glaze to drip back into the bowl. Return the glazed donuts to the wire rack. For easier cleanup, I like to place the parchment paper that was on the baking sheet underneath the wire rack to catch any drips. If you’re using any toppings like sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or crushed nuts, apply them immediately after glazing, before the glaze has a chance to set. Allow the glaze to fully set for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best experience.

Tips for Success

Achieving perfectly fluffy and delicious air fryer donuts is easier than you think, especially with a few key tips in mind. These pointers will help ensure your homemade treats turn out fantastic every single time:

• Ensure the Milk is Warm (Not Hot or Cold). The temperature of your almond milk is crucial for activating the yeast. If the milk is too cold, the yeast will activate very slowly, resulting in a long rise time and potentially dense donuts. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast entirely, preventing your dough from rising at all. The ideal temperature is between 105°F and 115°F (40°C-46°C). It should feel comfortably warm to the touch, like a warm bath. Use a kitchen thermometer for precision if you’re unsure.
• Weigh Your Ingredients for Precision. Baking is a science, and precision, especially when working with yeast, yields the best results. While I provide volume measurements in the recipe card, using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients in grams is highly recommended for unparalleled accuracy. This ensures the perfect flour-to-liquid ratio, which is vital for a tender, well-risen dough.
• Don’t Toss the Scraps! After cutting out your round donuts, you’ll inevitably have dough scraps left over. Don’t waste them! Gently re-form the scraps into a ball, let it rest for a few minutes (to relax the gluten), and then roll it out again to cut more donuts. Once you have too few scraps for full-sized donuts, gather the remaining pieces and roll them into small, delightful donut holes. These cook up even faster and are perfect bite-sized treats.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer. For even cooking and that desirable golden-brown exterior, it’s essential to cook the donuts in small batches. Placing too many donuts in the air fryer at once will reduce air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked or pale donuts. Give them space to “breathe” and allow the hot air to circulate freely around each one.
• Don’t Over-Flour Your Surface. When rolling out your dough, use just enough flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make your dough dry and tough, affecting the final texture of your donuts. A light dusting is all you need.
• Provide a Warm, Draft-Free Environment for Rising. Yeast loves warmth and a consistent environment to do its best work. Avoid placing your dough in a cold or drafty spot during its rise times. A slightly warm oven (turned off, with just the light on), a sunny spot, or even near a warm appliance can provide an ideal environment for a perfect rise.
• Check for Doneness in Your Air Fryer. Air fryer models vary slightly in temperature and cooking performance. The suggested cooking time of 5-6 minutes is a guideline. For your first batch, keep a close eye on the donuts. They should be golden brown and puffed. If they are still pale, add another minute or two.

Variations to Make These Donuts Your Own

The beauty of this air fryer donut recipe lies in its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the possibilities for customization are endless. Get creative and transform these simple donuts into extraordinary treats! Here are some of my favorite ideas to inspire you:

• Experiment with Different Glazes. Don’t limit yourself to classic vanilla! The glaze is where you can truly express your creativity.
  • Chocolate Glaze: Melt vegan chocolate chips with a tablespoon or two of almond milk and a touch of powdered sugar for a rich chocolatey topping.
  • Citrus Glaze: Replace some or all of the almond milk in the glaze with fresh lemon or orange juice for a bright, tangy flavor. A little zest can be added too!
  • Maple Glaze: Add a tablespoon or two of pure maple syrup to your vanilla glaze for a cozy, autumnal twist. You could even add a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
  • Almond or Coffee Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a marzipan-like flavor, or coffee extract for a mocha-inspired donut.
• Try Unique Toppings. Beyond sprinkles, there’s a world of textures and flavors to explore.
  • Crushed Breakfast Cereal: Think crushed fruity cereal, toasted oat cereal, or even vegan cookie crumbles for a playful and crunchy topping.
  • Freeze-Dried Fruit Powder: Grind freeze-dried berries (like raspberries or strawberries) into a powder and sprinkle over the glaze for intense fruit flavor and vibrant color.
  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical touch, toast some unsweetened shredded coconut until golden brown and sprinkle on top.
  • Chopped Candy: If you have a favorite vegan candy bar, chop it finely and sprinkle it over the still-wet glaze.
• Fill Them with Cream or Jam. If you prefer a filled donut, simply form round donuts without cutting a hole in the middle. After air frying and cooling, use a pastry bag fitted with a long, thin nozzle to inject your filling of choice.
  • Vegan Custard or Cream: A rich, plant-based vanilla custard or whipped cream makes for a luxurious filling.
  • Fruit Jam or Preserves: Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam adds a delightful burst of fruity sweetness.
  • Nutella-Style Spread: Use a vegan hazelnut chocolate spread for a decadent surprise inside.

How to Store Air Fryer Donuts

These homemade air fryer donuts are truly best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the same day they are made, when their texture is at its peak fluffy softness and the glaze is perfectly set. However, if you find yourself with a few delightful leftovers, here’s how to store them to keep them as fresh as possible:

• Room Temperature Storage: For short-term storage, place any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and delicious at room temperature for 1-2 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. Keep them away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.
• Freezer Storage for Longer Freshness: If you’ve made a large batch or want to save some for a future craving, these donuts freeze remarkably well. To freeze, individually wrap each cooled donut (either glazed or unglazed) tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped donuts into an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing much of their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can even gently warm them in the air fryer for a minute or two at a low temperature (around 250°F/120°C) to restore some of that fresh-baked warmth, if desired.

More Delicious Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance perfect for creating a wide array of delicious vegan dishes. If you loved these donuts, you’ll surely enjoy these other easy and healthy air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Veggie Chips
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
• Air Fryer Orange Tofu