If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, fluffy treat that’s entirely plant-based and incredibly simple to whip up, this Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These donuts come out soft, lightly golden, and perfectly glazed without any frying oil mess or animal products in sight. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dabbling in plant-based baking, this recipe promises that satisfying donut experience with a healthier, fuss-free twist. Get ready to enjoy donuts that are airy, sweet, and utterly delicious, all made effortlessly in your air fryer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five containers arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top, there is a white oval dish filled with white flour and a small patch of pink salt on the right side. Below to the left, a clear glass measuring cup holds a creamy white liquid, likely milk. To the right of the glass cup, a white bowl is filled with a bright yellow liquid, probably melted butter or oil. At the bottom left, a small white dish contains tan-colored dry yeast granules, while a small beige bowl on the bottom right holds white granulated sugar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple staples that you likely already have in your pantry, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and perfect texture of these vegan donuts. From the warm oat milk that wakes up the yeast, to the melted vegan butter that gives richness, every element combines to create a flawless treat.

Active dry yeast: This natural leavening agent makes the donuts rise beautifully and become delightfully fluffy.
White sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Oat milk (warm): The creamy liquid base that hydrates the dough and activates the yeast without overpowering flavors.
Vegan butter (melted, divided): Adds tenderness and a subtle buttery richness while helping to brown the surface.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and chewiness, the foundation of these donuts.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and softness.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that beautifully coats each donut.
Vanilla extract: A warm aromatic boost that elevates the glaze’s flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm oat milk, white sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl or your stand mixer’s bowl. Let it sit untouched for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive with bubbles. This is your sign that the yeast is happy and ready to work, which is essential for those light, airy donuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add six tablespoons of melted vegan butter along with the all-purpose flour and salt. Use your mixer on medium-low speed or knead by hand until a slightly tacky, elastic dough forms. This process ensures the gluten develops just right, helping your donuts bounce back when pressed gently.

Step 3: First Rise

Coat the dough lightly with oil and cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let the dough rest in a warm spot for one hour until it nearly doubles in size. This rise is crucial for that tender, pillowy texture that makes every bite heavenly.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Gently punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out the donuts, then a 1-inch cutter for the holes. This little step creates donut shapes that cook evenly and look perfectly adorable.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the cut donuts and holes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover them again with greased plastic wrap and towels for an additional 30 minutes to rise. This final rise is what makes the donuts fluffy and soft to the touch before cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and line the trays with foil. Space out 2 to 4 donuts on the trays and brush the tops lightly with melted vegan butter. Air fry for 4 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 2 minutes. For the donut holes, reduce the time slightly—2 minutes on one side and 1 minute flipped. They will come out golden, tender, and with a beautifully light crust.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Whisk powdered sugar, oat milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Dip each donut into this sweet bath, allowing excess glaze to drip off, then place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to set. This glossy coating adds just the right amount of sweetness and a delightful shine.

How to Serve Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

The image shows a fresh donut being dipped into a creamy white glaze inside a large white bowl. The donut is held by a thin wooden stick, partially coated with the smooth, shiny glaze. In the background, there are two fully glazed donuts resting on a cooling rack, each with a golden-brown base and shiny glaze coating, sitting on a white marbled surface. The glaze looks thick and glossy, covering the donut evenly and creating a smooth texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic glaze is utterly satisfying, feel free to sprinkle your glazed donuts with chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even a dusting of cinnamon for extra flair and flavor contrasts. These simple garnishes bring a playful and personal touch to your donuts, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy plant-based latte, or even a refreshing glass of cold oat milk. Fresh berries or a fruit compote also complement the light sweetness of the donuts, balancing the indulgence with some natural brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange donuts on a beautiful platter layered with parchment paper and edible flowers, or stack them high in a donut tower for a party centerpiece. You can also serve them alongside a platter of vegan spreads, jams, and nut butters to let everyone mix and match their favorite flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness and glaze without drying out. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option, but be sure to warm them slightly before serving to revive that fresh-baked texture.

Freezing

Donuts freeze beautifully when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze them for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm gently in your air fryer or oven for a freshly made feel.

Reheating

To bring your Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe back to life, reheat them in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes. This method crisps them slightly on the outside while keeping the inside soft and delicious, just like the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! Almond, soy, or coconut milk all work well in this recipe. Just make sure the milk is warm to help activate the yeast properly.

Is it necessary to use a stand mixer?

Nope! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can definitely mix and knead the dough by hand. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.

Can I bake these donuts instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re light golden. However, the air fryer tends to give a slightly crisper exterior with less oil, making it our preferred method.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar little by little. To thin it, add a few drops of oat milk until you reach the desired consistency. This makes it easy to customize the glaze to your taste.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Gluten-free baking can be tricky with yeast doughs, but you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking. Keep in mind the texture might be different, but it’s worth trying if you need a gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe truly captures all the joy and comfort of traditional donuts without the hassle or animal products. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself, impress loved ones, or simply enjoy a sweet moment anytime. Dive in and experience the magic of fluffy, tasty donuts made effortlessly in your air fryer—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!

Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

Delicious and fluffy vegan donuts made effortlessly in the air fryer. These plant-based treats use oat milk and vegan butter for a rich texture, with a sweet glaze to finish. Perfectly golden and tender, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts with less oil and a quick cooking time.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Vegan/American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Dough

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/4 cup oat milk (warm, about 100°F)
8 tablespoons vegan butter (melted, divided)
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons oat milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough attachment, or a large bowl, combine the warm oat milk, white sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Make Dough: Stir the yeast mixture and add 6 tablespoons of melted vegan butter, all purpose flour, and salt. Mix on medium low speed for about 3 minutes until a tacky dough forms that bounces back when lightly pressed. If mixing by hand, knead until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Remove the dough hook. Drizzle a little oil over the dough and turn it to coat completely. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it nearly doubles in size.
Shape Donuts: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a floured countertop. Roll it out evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut donut shapes and a 1-inch cutter for the donut holes.
Prepare for Second Rise: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the donuts and donut holes on the sheets, spacing them out. Cover again with greased plastic wrap and kitchen towels to prevent drying. Let them rise for 30 minutes until puffed.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Line the air fryer trays with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Air Fry Donuts: Arrange 2 to 4 donuts per tray, spaced apart. Lightly brush the tops with the remaining melted vegan butter. Air fry the donuts for 4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Air Fry Donut Holes: Place donut holes in the air fryer and bake for 2 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 1 minute. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
Make Glaze and Dip: Whisk together powdered sugar, oat milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to form the glaze. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to dry and set the glaze.

Notes

Ensure oat milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
Use parchment paper and greased plastic wrap to prevent sticking and maintain humidity during rising.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer trays for even cooking.
Glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar or oat milk.
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.