Air Fryer Donuts

These healthy air fryer donuts are based on an old-fashioned yeast donut recipe. The end result is a tender vegan yeast donut recipe with a crispy crust and either a vanilla or chocolate glaze with all your favorite toppings.

An air fryer donut has glaze and sprinkles on top. There are more glazed donuts in the background.

Everyone loves a crispy donut with a deliciously-sweet glaze on top. This recipe for vegan yeast donuts gives you three ways to make them, with a baked option, an air fryer option, and deep-frying them in a skillet. Top them with a tasty glaze, and you can even add sprinkles!

Key Ingredients

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

  • Plant-based milk — I prefer soy milk because it has a higher protein content similar to cow’s milk.
  • Vegan Butter — You can use store-bought, like Earth Balance or Miyokos, or make your own homemade vegan butter.
  • Sugar — I use granulated sugar.
  • Yeast — Either instant or active dry yeast.
  • Flour — I have used both all-purpose flour and bread flour with this recipe.
  • Salt — A bit of salt adds depth of flavor.
  • Ground Nutmeg — This is a secret ingredient for making dough taste like store-bought donuts.
  • Powdered Sugar — We’ll make a simple glaze by using powdered sugar combined with plant-based milk.
  • Oil — We’ll brush a tiny bit of oil over the donuts to create a crispy crust.

What Makes This Recipe Shine?

  • Simple yeast donuts are cooked in an air fryer, creating a crispy crust, but using minimal oil
  • Ground flaxseed is a great egg replacer, making these donuts inclusive for so many people, including those with egg allergies, vegans, and more
  • Adding ground nutmeg is my favorite secret donut trick, creating the perfect donut flavor and making each bite irresistible in the best way possible!

Alternative Cooking Options

If you don’t have an air fryer, you will be pleased to know that the recipe card below gives instructions on alternative cooking options. these include: baking donuts and oil frying donuts.

    Storage Tips

    These air fryer donuts and donut holes are best served warm the day they’re prepared. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.

    Frequently-Asked Questions

    Are vegan donuts good for you?

    Vegan donuts are an indulgence. So, even though they’re cholesterol-free, I still wouldn’t call them healthy. But they can be incorporated into a healthy diet by enjoying them in moderation.

    Is it better to bake or fry donuts?

    Air fryer donuts and baked donuts are both healthier because they’re made with minimal oil as compared to fried donuts. Oil adds fat and calories and can lead to trouble with indigestion.

    Do I have to have a donut cutter?

    Those donut cutters are nice. But if you don’t have one, use any round cutter that’s approximately 3″ in size. I used the top of a cocktail shaker. Then use a smaller 1″ round cutter for the center hole. A large frosting tip works great!

    Air Fryer Donut Holes

    What should you do with all those holes cut from the center? I recommend making air fryer donut holes! I cook them separately from the donuts because they need less cooking time.

    1. Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer
    2. Cook at 350°F/175°C for 1 minute
    3. Remove the basket and shake it to “stir” the donut holes
    4. Return the basket and cook for up to another minute until done
    5. Place cooked donut holes in the glaze and transfer to a wire rack for the glaze to set.
    A vegan yeast donut has chocolate glaze on top and is sitting in front of two more donuts with chocolate glaze. There's a wire rack with more donuts in the background.

    Vegan Pastry Recipes

    These vegan yeast donuts are delicious, and here are more tasty vegan pastry recipes to try:

    A stack of three air fryer donuts since in front of more donuts in the background.

    That’s it for these air fryer glazed donuts. Enjoy!

    A hand holds a donut, dipping it in vanilla glaze. There are donuts on a wire rack in the background.

    Vegan Air Fryer Donuts

    These vegan air fryer donuts will tantalize your taste buds! Enjoy these yeast-based donuts with vanilla or chocolate glaze and any of your favorite toppings like sprinkles.
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 24 donuts
    Calories: 162kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 flax egg
    • ¾ cup plant-based milk (I used almond milk)
    • ¼ cup vegan butter melted
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
    • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (see notes)

    Glaze

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons plant-based creamer * See notes for chocolate glaze

    Instructions

    • Mix the flax egg and set aside.
    • Combine the milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute. Set it aside for several minutes. Then add the flax egg and stir. The mixture should be between 105°F/40°C and 108°F/42°C (the same temperature as your finger if you dip it into the liquid). Stir in the yeast and sugar and set aside.
    • In a large bowl, add the flour, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir together until a soft dough forms.
    • Knead the dough in the bowl with your hands or use a dough hook on a mixer for 5 minutes. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to the bottom of the bowl. The dough should form into a ball, but still be slightly sticky.
      Dough is in the bottom of a bowl.
    • Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until it's around 1/2-inch thick. Cut 10 to 12 donuts and donut holes using a 3" round cutter and a 1" round center. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap (it helps to spray it with vegetable spray), and set aside until they have risen to double their size.
      A hand holds a metal object cutting 3-inch rounds in dough.

    Baking Method

    • To bake donuts, when the donuts have doubled in size and are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.
    • Place baking sheet with donuts in the oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown.

    Air Fryer Method

    • To make air fryer donuts, when the donuts have doubled in size and are ready to bake, spray the basket with vegetable spray, and preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C.
    • Gently place donuts in the air fryer in a single row at the bottom and air fry for around 4 minutes. Then repeat with the remaining donuts.
      Donuts are in an air fryer basket getting ready to be fried.

    Oil Frying

    • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use tongs to carefully place doughnuts in the heated oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides, up to 1 minute each side. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer cooked donuts from the oil to a plate lined with paper towels.
    • Make the Glaze: While the donuts are baking or frying, mix your glaze by combining the powdered sugar, creamer, and vanilla in a bowl. If you prefer chocolate glaze, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and stir.
    • Once the donuts are done, let them cool enough so you can handle them. Dip each donut into the glaze. Icing the donuts while they're still warms helps coat each donut evenly and will create a crispy crust on the icing. 
      A hand holds a donut, dipping it in vanilla glaze. There are donuts on a wire rack in the background.
    • You can add favorite toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut and more while the glaze is still wet.

    (The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

    Notes

    Chocolate Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar ⅓ cup cocoa 3 tablespoons soy milk
    You can make these as overnight donuts by placing the donut pans in the fridge in step 6. Leave them there overnight. And then when you get up in the morning, place them on the counter to rise, for about 30 minutes. Then begin following the steps in the recipe.
    Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1.2mg

    The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    This post was originally published in 2010 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2020.

    23 Responses to Air Fryer Donuts

    1. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyNandini Roy Reply

      5 stars
      Drooling!! Thanks Marly for this “Air Fryer Donuts” recipe. Definitely going to share this delicious recipe with my colleagues. I Love everything and cannot wait to try your every recipes out.

    2. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyLisa Reply

      I don’t think you mentioned when to add the salt… It normally goes in w the yeast, but you have it listed so far down that maybe you add it in with the flour?

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        Great catch, Lisa! I fixed the directions to include adding salt to the flour. I haven’t made this recipe in awhile…I think it might be time to try it again!

    3. Avatar thumbnail image for Marlygaby Reply

      Hi, I would like to try this recipe, but I don’t have maple syrup would agave work

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        Hi Gaby. Absolutely – agave nectar works just fine in this recipe.

    4. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyPatty Price Reply

      My mom used to make homemade donuts, what a special treat for us kids. But, I like your version and I always have soy milk on hand. I’m pretty good about sharing sweets but sometimes I just want to hoard something I’ve baked or something that has been given to me, it could be something like homemade pickles. Sometimes you just don’t want to share but I think hoarding homemade donuts would probably not be a good idea!

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        Hi Patty – hope you like the recipe. I give you permission not to share these with anyone…unless you want to. In fact, you can even double the glaze recipe and double dip all you want! I would add sprinkles too and then eat them in front of your family and friends. By the way, this is NOT the way to win friends and influence people. And, this is not the way to stay on a diet. But it can lead to a fairly satisfied sweet tooth!

    5. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyReeni Reply

      Donuts don’t taste the same to me as they did when I was a kid. Back then they were akin to heaven – I can easily resist them now. But I love this baked version of overnight donuts! Terrific for a holiday or special occasion.

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        Yes, it’s true! If you have family staying or a big group of kids, these would be perfect! I actually froze half our batch because, like any pastry, they’re not as good when they sit on the counter for a few days. Hope you enjoy the recipe!

    6. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyGrace Reply

      I don’t know about the rest of the Canadians but I am extremely jealous. I absolutely love donuts and could eat a whole dozen myself. You would think having a Tim Hortons on every corner that we would also honour this day. I may just have to write them a nice little letter.

      These look absolutely delicious Marly, you are tempting me into leaving my bridal shower baking and making some of these instead!

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        I had a feeling this would be the case! Hey everyone, Grace confirmed the rumor. Just so you know, these donuts are a lot easier to eat by the dozen because they’re not so heavy. Problem is, they’re not calorie free. Some willpower is required!

    7. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyJeanne Reply

      I’m the same way with coffee: I love going to the coffee shop and basking in the aroma, but I always drink tea. Thanks for sharing this recipe – I’ve been intimidated by donuts for the longest time because I don’t like to make fried foods. But now I can make these baked donuts!

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        They are a bit messy in the making, but the end product is worth it. I had one (ok, actually two) yesterday and they didn’t weigh me down. I loved it! I have to confess to liking the chocolate glaze a little more. I also wish I would have added some sprinkles. Wouldn’t that have been fun? Next time!

    8. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyJennifer Reply

      Happy Donut Day!! I am definitely going to celebrate this day! I LOVE how this recipe is vegan too!

    9. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyStella Reply

      5 stars
      Hey Marly, I love doughnuts! I’ve never had fast food ‘donuts’ though, so I don’t know about the stomach ache of which you speak (smile). And I’m pretty good about sharing sweets, hence a whole sweet of any kind doesn’t usually hit my tum. I’m going to try these soon. I like the way there is no solid fat component like margarine, etc.
      Hey, you don’t drink coffee? Whoaaaa…I can’t even get up without it.

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        I don’t do caffeine very much at all. Sometimes I’ll have some green tea. Occasionally I’ll have a diet soda that has caffeine. I’m weird that way I guess. I think coffee smells so good. I wish I liked it, but I figure it’s one habit I don’t need to pick up. Hey, you need to show me how you do that sharing sweets thing. It’s probably good for the waistline, eh?

    10. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMonet Reply

      5 stars
      Ryan woke me up this morning to tell me it was Donut Day, but like you, I have never been a big fan of donuts…so instead of donuts, we made pancakes. But after seeing this recipe for vegan donuts, I’m tempted to give them a try! I love the thought of using maple syrup to sweeten the dough, and how can you go wrong that chocolate glaze? Yum!

      • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

        Hi Monet
        I think you’ll like these. They’re not too heavy and the chocolate glaze is my favorite! And the great news is, no stomach ache afterward!

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