Picture this: a cozy afternoon, the sun filtering through the kitchen window, and the delightful scent of freshly baked donuts wafting through the air. It’s a comforting image that beckons you to embrace the sweet moments of life! I never imagined that crafting delightful Air Fryer Vegan Donuts could be so simple and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, these donuts turn out fluffy, delicious, and guilt-free.
I stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for a solution to my craving for a sweet treat, free from animal products and baked in a healthier way. The first bite was a revelation—light, airy, and bursting with flavor! Plus, they come together so quickly that you might find yourself making them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a surprise for guests. Join me in creating a batch of these delightful treats; I promise they’ll become a staple in your home just like they have in mine!
Why are Air Fryer Vegan Donuts a Must-Try?
Indulgence without guilt: These donuts satisfy your sweet tooth while being completely plant-based!
Quick preparation: With a short cooking time of just 10 to 13 minutes, you’ll have fresh donuts in no time.
Fluffy texture: The air fryer ensures a light and airy donut, making each bite heavenly.
Endless customization: Feel free to experiment with different glazes, toppings, or fillings to make them your own.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for brunch, parties, or just a cozy night in—everyone will love these delectable treats! Dive into the world of guilt-free indulgence and serve up your homemade delights!
Air Fryer Vegan Donut Ingredients
• Dive into this simple list of ingredients for your delicious Air Fryer Vegan Donuts!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour — a classic base that gives your donuts that perfect chewy texture.
- Sugar — for a touch of sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Active dry yeast — helps the donuts rise, creating that fluffy inner texture you crave.
- Vegan butter — adds moisture and richness, ensuring these donuts are soft and delicious.
- Salt — a pinch enhances flavor and complements the sweetness.
- Water — the essential element that brings your dough together.
- Warm milk (Soy milk or any other vegan milk) — creates a rich dough while keeping things plant-based.
For the Air Frying
- Oil — brushing on the donuts prevents them from drying out and helps achieve a lovely golden finish.
Prepare your ingredient list, and let’s get to frying these delightful Air Fryer Vegan Donuts you’ll crave daily!
How to Make Air Fryer Vegan Donuts
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of warm milk with sugar, stirring until dissolved. Gently mix in the yeast, and let it rest for 15 minutes until frothy.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, then gradually add water while stirring until you form a dough, about 10 minutes of mixing.
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Incorporate the Butter: Add the vegan butter to your dough, and fold it in until it’s thoroughly mixed and infused, creating that rich texture we all love.
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Let it Rise: Lightly oil the dough, place it in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours or until it’s doubled in size—watch that magic happen!
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Shape the Donuts: Dust your workspace with flour, then roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or donut cutter to create your donut shapes.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes so it’s ready for those delicious donuts!
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Air Fry the Donuts: Lightly brush some oil on the air fryer basket, place the donuts in, and brush them with oil too. Cook them at 160°C (320°F) for 10 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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Cool and Serve: Once done, carefully remove your air fryer vegan donuts and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. If you like, dip them into your favorite glaze for an extra treat!
Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Vegan Donuts?
Creating the perfect pairing for these delightful treats elevates your sweet experience to new heights!
- Rich Chocolate Glaze: A decadent chocolate glaze adds indulgence and perfect sweetness, making each bite even more heavenly.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bursting with color and freshness, a fruit salad provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the warm donuts.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some nutty granola on top for an added crunch and texture that complements the softness of the donuts.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this creamy topping transforms your donuts into a beautiful dessert worthy of any occasion.
- Iced Coffee: A chilled glass of iced coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness with a bit of bitterness to wake up your taste buds.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over your donuts creates a classic and comforting flavor that enhances the overall experience.
The magic of these pairings is that they cater to every palate, ensuring each bite of your air fryer vegan donuts is a delightful journey for the senses!
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Vegan Donuts
Room Temperature: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container for up to a week; allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for about 3–5 minutes to restore their delightful crispness and warmth before serving.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Vegan Donuts
Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is soft and slightly sticky; if it’s too dry, add a little more water during mixing.
Yeast Activation: Always check that your yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam within 15 minutes, it may be inactive and won’t rise your donuts.
Proper Rolling Thickness: Keep your dough thickness uniform at ½ inch for even cooking; too thick might result in an undercooked center.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary—overcrowding will prevent them from getting that perfect, light texture.
Optional Glaze Ideas: Try a simple sugar glaze, maple syrup, or melted dark chocolate—either way, they’ll enhance your Air Fryer Vegan Donuts!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Vegan Donuts are perfect for meal prep, helping you save time during those busy mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the dough and let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to shape and air fry your donuts. For the best quality, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out. This way, your donuts will rise beautifully and have that delightful fluffy texture after cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy, shape the donuts, preheat the air fryer, and cook as instructed. You’ll have fresh, warm donuts with minimal effort!
Air Fryer Vegan Donut Variations
Get ready to explore delicious twists that will make your Air Fryer Vegan Donuts even more irresistible!
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Glazed: Drizzle your favorite vegan glaze over the cooled donuts for a sweet, shiny treat.
Indulge in the classic finish; it adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist! -
Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the tops into melted vegan chocolate for a rich flavor boost.
Chocolate lovers rejoice—this simple variation takes these donuts to a whole new level of delight! -
Filled: Create small holes and fill with fruit preserves or vegan chocolate cream.
The surprise of creamy or fruity goodness inside makes each bite an adventure. -
Spiced: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
Embrace those autumn vibes year-round as the spices dance on your palate with each bite! -
Nutty: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts directly into the dough for added texture.
Beyond crunch, the nuts lend a delightful toasted flavor that complements the donut base beautifully. -
Fruit-Infused: Mix in mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for a fruity or seasonal twist.
Not only does this enhance the flavor, but it also adds a nutritional boost to your beloved donuts! -
Savory: Experiment by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a unique twist.
Savory donuts can be a delightful surprise, perfect for those who enjoy unconventional flavors! -
Sprinkle Topping: After air frying, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, sprinkles, or toasted coconut flakes for texture.
This final touch elevates the appearance and adds a playful crunch to your donuts!
Air Fryer Vegan Donuts Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose all-purpose flour that feels fine and doesn’t have an off smell. The yeast should be fresh and active; check the expiration date. When choosing vegan milk, opt for unsweetened versions if you prefer less sugar, and ensure it’s not too close to its expiration.
How should I store my Air Fryer Vegan Donuts?
For short-term storage, place your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled down before sealing to retain their lovely texture. If you want to preserve them for longer, refrigerating them will keep them fresh for about a week—just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Vegan Donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for about 3–5 minutes until they’re warm and fluffy again!
What should I do if my donuts don’t rise properly?
Very! If your donuts don’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure the yeast foams within 15 minutes of mixing it with warm milk and sugar. If it doesn’t, it means it’s no longer active. Also, the dough needs a warm environment to rise effectively, so if your kitchen is cool, try covering the dough with a warm towel to help.
Are there any dietary considerations for these donuts?
Of course! These Air Fryer Vegan Donuts are plant-based and free from animal products, making them suitable for vegans. However, always double-check the labels of your specific ingredients, like vegan butter and milk, to ensure they meet your dietary needs. They’re also nut-free if you use soy or oat milk, which is great for those with nut allergies!
Can I customize the recipe to be gluten-free?
Definitely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The dough might require slight adjustments with additional liquid or ingredients to get the consistency just right—keep an eye on it!
Delicious Air Fryer Vegan Donuts You'll Crave Daily
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of warm milk with sugar, stirring until dissolved. Gently mix in the yeast, and let it rest for 15 minutes until frothy.
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, then gradually add water while stirring until you form a dough, about 10 minutes of mixing.
- Add the vegan butter to your dough, and fold it in until it’s thoroughly mixed and infused.
- Lightly oil the dough, place it in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours or until it's doubled in size.
- Dust your workspace with flour, then roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or donut cutter to create your donut shapes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly brush some oil on the air fryer basket and on the donuts. Cook them at 160°C (320°F) for 10 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once done, carefully remove your air fryer vegan donuts and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.