Who says you can’t enjoy delicious, fluffy donuts while sticking to a vegan lifestyle? This Air Fryer Vegan Donut Recipe is here to prove that you can indulge in a sweet treat without any animal products and with less oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
These donuts come out perfectly golden, light, and airy, with a slightly crispy exterior that makes every bite simply irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, trying to cut down on fried foods, or just looking for a fun baking project, this recipe is easy to follow and uses simple pantry staples. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make donuts at home without the mess of deep-frying.
Let’s dive into this guilt-free pleasure that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, it’s completely vegan, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone wanting to eat more plant-based foods.
Second, using an air fryer means you get that lovely fried texture with a fraction of the oil, making these donuts healthier than their traditional counterparts.
It’s also incredibly quick to prepare — you’ll have warm, fresh donuts in under 30 minutes! The dough is soft and easy to work with, and you can customize the toppings to your liking, from classic cinnamon sugar to a rich vegan chocolate glaze.
Finally, this recipe uses ingredients that you probably already have at home, so no last-minute grocery runs. It’s an accessible, fun, and tasty way to enjoy fresh-baked donuts anytime!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier twist)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sugar or glaze for topping (optional)
Equipment
- Air fryer with a baking rack or basket
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Donut pan or silicone donut molds (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Small brush or spoon for glaze application
Instructions
- Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix the plant-based milk with the apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the vegan buttermilk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it come to temperature while you prepare the donuts.
- Shape the donuts: If using a donut pan or silicone molds, lightly grease them and spoon the batter in, filling about 3/4 of each cavity. Alternatively, you can pipe or spoon the batter onto parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket, shaping rings manually.
- Air fry the donuts: Place the pan or molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the donuts to cool slightly on a rack. If desired, brush with a vegan glaze made from powdered sugar and plant milk, or toss in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish.
- Serve and enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the air fryer.
Tips & Variations
“For extra fluffy donuts, be careful not to overmix the batter — a few lumps are okay!”
- Flavor variations: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate donuts or fold in fresh berries for a fruity punch.
- Glaze options: Try a simple vegan chocolate glaze by melting dairy-free chocolate chips with a little coconut oil, or a lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Donut shapes: If you don’t have a donut mold, try shaping the dough into small balls and air fry like mini donut holes.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Donut (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are wonderful on their own with a cup of your favorite vegan coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a drizzle of warm vegan caramel sauce.
They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a fruit compote for breakfast or brunch. If you want to try something savory alongside, check out our delicious Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a perfect balance.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan donuts in the air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat without the guilt or hassle of deep-frying. This recipe is simple, quick, and flexible enough to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these donuts will satisfy your cravings with wholesome ingredients and minimal oil.
Next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, give this recipe a try. You might also enjoy exploring other unique recipes like our Bread And Gravy Recipe or the flavorful Best Spg Seasoning Recipe.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Vegan Donut
Description: A quick and easy recipe for fluffy vegan donuts made in the air fryer. Perfectly sweet and guilt-free with a simple glaze.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 8 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar; set aside for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
- Stir in melted coconut oil and vanilla extract.
- Grease donut molds and fill 3/4 full with batter.
- Air fry donuts for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cool donuts on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla for glaze.
- Dip cooled donuts into glaze and let set before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 27 g
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