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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can add favorite toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut and more while the glaze is still wet.
Notes
Chocolate Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar ⅓ cup cocoa 3 tablespoons soy milkYou 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.