Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

I am so excited to share my Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe with you! These donuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, all made without any eggs or dairy. Using the air fryer makes this recipe a total game changer because it’s quick, uses less oil, and produces donuts with a beautifully crisp exterior and a soft, tender interior every single time. Whether you’re vegan or just craving a kinder, healthier twist on a classic treat, these donuts will quickly become one of your favorites like they are for me.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

What I adore most about this Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is the amazing balance of flavors and textures. The subtle sweetness from the cane sugar combined with the slight coconut undertone from the coconut oil gives these donuts such a warm, inviting taste. They have a soft crumb that melts in your mouth, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside thanks to the air frying technique. Every bite feels like an indulgence without any guilt.

From a preparation standpoint, I love how approachable these donuts are! Making donuts from scratch often seems intimidating, but the ingredients are simple and the process is straightforward. Plus, the air fryer takes all the fuss out of deep-frying, which means less mess and less oil. I find these donuts perfect for sharing at weekend brunches, afternoon tea parties, or even holiday gatherings where you want to impress guests with something special yet easy to whip up. They really stand out because they’re vegan, fluffy, and cooked to perfection in a flash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate stacked with nine donuts arranged in two layers sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer has six donuts coated with cinnamon sugar, showing a rough brown texture and light golden dough peeking through. The top layer has three donuts, two lightly glazed with a shiny, smooth surface and colorful round sprinkles on top, and one plain cinnamon sugar donut. In the background, there's a white bowl filled with small round donuts or donut holes, slightly blurred. Some colorful sprinkles are scattered on the wooden board and nearby. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I believe that great donuts start with a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create such a delightful treat. Each component plays a special role, from adding moisture and flavor to ensuring the right texture and color.

1 Cup Warm Non-dairy Milk: I used oat milk warmed to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit; it activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes the donuts light and fluffy by helping the dough rise.

1/4 Cup Organic Cane Sugar: Adds a subtle, natural sweetness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil, Melted: Provides moisture with a delicate hint of coconut that I just love in vegan baking.

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch: Helps create a tender, soft crumb in the donuts.
2 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour: The base of the dough giving structure and chewiness.
1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, giving a smooth, creamy sweetness.

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the glaze.
2-3 Tablespoons Non-dairy Milk: Used to thin out the glaze for the perfect consistency.
1/3 Cup Organic Cane Sugar: Combined with cinnamon for coating the donuts after glazing.

1 Tablespoon Cinnamon: Gives a classic, cozy flavor to the sugar coating that pairs beautifully with the donuts.

Directions

Step 1: Pour the warm non-dairy milk into the bowl of your stand mixer. I like to make sure the milk is around 110 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s warm enough to wake up the yeast but not so hot that it kills it.

Step 2: Sprinkle the yeast and then the 1/4 cup organic cane sugar into the milk. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3: Let the yeast bloom for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, which means the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 4: Add the salt and melted coconut oil to the bowl. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and start mixing.

Step 5: Add the cornstarch, then start adding the all-purpose flour gradually, about 1/2 cup at a time. Let the dough hook mix each addition until the dough forms into a ball.

Step 6: Let the dough hook knead the dough for 1 to 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky to the touch.

Step 7: Remove the dough ball and spray your mixing bowl with non-stick spray. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes. It should double in size.

Step 8: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out evenly to about 1/2 an inch thickness.

Step 9: Cut donuts with a biscuit cutter or a cup, then cut smaller circles from the center to create donut holes. Don’t throw those holes away—they’re delicious when air fried too!

Step 10: Lay out the donuts and holes on the counter, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow them to rise again for 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 11: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place a few donuts and donut holes at a time inside, and spray the tops with more non-stick spray for crispness.

Step 12: Air fry the donuts at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Repeat this until all the donuts are cooked.

Step 13: Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and non-dairy milk until smooth to create the glaze. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze.

Step 14: If desired, mix together the cinnamon and cane sugar, then dip the glazed donuts in the mixture for a classic cinnamon sugar coating. Enjoy right away!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 to 14 donuts plus donut holes, perfect for a crowd or for sharing over a few days. Prep time is around 20 minutes, but you’ll need 45 to 60 minutes for the first rise and another 25 to 30 minutes for the second rise. Air frying only takes 3 to 4 minutes per batch, making cooking quick and easy. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time spent on dough rising, which is well worth the wait for fresh, air-fried vegan donuts that taste incredible.

How to Serve This Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of seven donuts arranged in two layers, with five donuts at the bottom and two on top. The bottom layer has varied donuts including two covered in light brown sugar, one with darker cinnamon coating, and two plain donuts with a light glaze. The top layer features a donut with shiny glaze and colorful rainbow sprinkles, and another with a light dusting of sugar. A woman's hand with dark blue nail polish is lifting the sprinkled donut from the plate. The plate sits on a wooden board, and in the blurred background, there is a white bowl with more round donut holes on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these donuts warm, fresh out of the air fryer, glazed and cinnamon-sugared for that melt-in-your-mouth moment. They’re fantastic on their own but also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Think fresh berries or fruit compote on the side, or even a creamy vegan yogurt to balance the sweetness. For a cozy presentation, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar over the donuts right before serving.

For garnishing, you can get creative by adding plant-based sprinkles or drizzling melted vegan chocolate on top for an extra special touch. A dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts can also elevate the look and flavor. I often serve these donuts on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper, stacking them casually for a welcoming, homemade vibe that guests really appreciate.

When it comes to beverages, I personally enjoy pairing these donuts with a hot cup of fair-trade coffee or a chai latte for those chilly mornings. For a festive brunch, a sparkling mimosa or a simple fresh-pressed orange juice complement the flavors perfectly. These donuts fit perfectly into family breakfasts, casual parties, and even as a sweet treat for weeknight celebrations. Serving them warm or at room temperature really brings out their soft, tender texture.

Variations

I’m always excited to experiment with this Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe! If you want to switch up the flavor, try substituting the vanilla in the glaze for almond extract or maple syrup for a nuanced twist. You can also add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, zesty note that’s refreshing.

If you need to make these gluten-free, I recommend experimenting with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but keep in mind the texture might come out a little different—perhaps a touch denser but still delicious and satisfying. For those who want to reduce sugar, you can swap the cane sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like maple syrup in the dough and glaze, adjusting the liquid quantities slightly to maintain the right consistency.

While I love using the air fryer for its speed and cleaner process, you can also bake these donuts in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. For a richer treat, try adding a vegan chocolate glaze, or toss the donut holes in cinnamon sugar for an easy snack. These variations keep the recipe fresh and customizable to suit any craving.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, it’s best to refrigerate them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out, which keeps them fresh for up to 5 days. Avoid leaving them uncovered as they will lose their soft texture quickly.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts and donut holes! I recommend freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container once firm. This prevents them from sticking together. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that just-made softness and crisp exterior, I like reheating my donuts in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which refreshes their texture without drying them out. Alternatively, warming them gently in a toaster oven or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel works if you’re in a pinch, but avoid overheating as that can make them tough. After reheating, I usually add a little fresh glaze or cinnamon sugar to brighten them up.

FAQs

Can I use a different non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! I used oat milk, but almond, soy, or cashew milk will also work beautifully. Just make sure it’s warmed to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit to activate the yeast properly.

Do I have to use coconut oil? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have coconut oil or prefer a neutral flavor, you can substitute melted vegan butter or any mild vegetable oil like canola or sunflower oil. Coconut oil just adds a lovely hint of tropical flavor.

What can I do if my dough is sticky?

If the dough feels too sticky to handle after kneading, sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and knead it gently until it’s smooth but still soft. Too much flour can make the donuts tough, so add it sparingly.

Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the donuts in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Air frying just gives them a crispy exterior without much oil.

How do I know when the donuts are done frying?

When air frying, the donuts should turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides. They’ll puff slightly and spring back when touched gently. Usually, 3 to 4 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect, but keep an eye on them given different air fryer models.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Easy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts Recipe because it’s truly one of my favorite ways to enjoy a classic treat with a vegan twist. The balance of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the magic of the air fryer all come together to make donuts that feel both indulgent and wholesome. I can’t wait for you to taste how delicious and satisfying homemade vegan donuts can be!