There’s something nostalgic about a fresh donut. Warm, soft, and sweet enough to feel like a treat. But if deep-frying at home sounds like a hassle, air fryer donuts are the perfect solution.
These vegan donuts are made from a simple yeast dough that rises beautifully and cooks up fluffy on the inside with a lightly crisp outside. No oil baths, no long cleanup, and no special equipment beyond a basic air fryer.
Perfect for weekend mornings, after-school snacks, or a casual dessert, they’re a fun project that’s easier than you might think.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Air Fryer Donuts
This recipe keeps things light and simple. You get soft, pillowy donuts without the oil. Plus, they’re completely egg-free and dairy-free, made with plant-based pantry staples.
The dough is easy to work with, the rise time is short, and the cooking time is quick. You can leave them plain, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or dip them in a simple glaze.
However you top them, these donuts bring all the joy of the bakery into your kitchen.
Ingredients for Vegan Air Fryer Donuts
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm plant milk (almond, soy, or oat), around 110°F
- 3 tablespoons cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: extra melted vegan butter and cinnamon sugar for coating
How to Make Vegan Donuts in the Air Fryer
1. Prepare the dough
In a bowl, combine the warm plant milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and let rise
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the donuts
Once risen, roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter to make donuts and a smaller cutter to make the holes. Reroll scraps as needed.
4. Second rise
Place the donuts on parchment paper and cover lightly with a clean towel. Let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffy.
5. Air fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Carefully place a few donuts in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until golden, flipping halfway if needed depending on your air fryer model.
6. Add your topping
While still warm, brush with melted vegan butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Or let cool slightly and dip in a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and plant milk.
Tips for the Best Vegan Air Fryer Donuts
Donuts can be a little tricky if you’ve never made them before, so follow our tips below:
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for the best lift
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Work in batches so they cook evenly
- If your air fryer doesn’t brown much, lightly spray the donuts with oil before cooking
- For filled donuts, use a piping bag to add jam or vegan cream after air frying
Serving Ideas For These Tasty Vegan Donuts
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but still taste great later in the day. Try them:
- Rolled in cinnamon sugar with hot coffee or tea
- Glazed and topped with sprinkles for a fun treat (the kids will love this one)
- Served with a side of fruit or plant-based yogurt for a casual brunch
Storage and Reheating Your Donuts
If you have any leftovers, here’s how to get the best from them:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer or microwave for 10 to 20 seconds to soften
- Freeze: Freeze plain, uncoated donuts. Reheat and add toppings before serving
Final Thoughts
These vegan air fryer donuts are everything a good treat should be. Soft, fluffy, and easy to make without the mess of deep frying.
They’re fun to make with kids, simple enough for a beginner, and flexible enough to dress up any way you like.
So grab your ingredients, warm up the air fryer, and enjoy donuts that feel like a celebration – no frying needed.
Fluffy Vegan Air Fryer Donuts – No Frying Needed
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm plant milk (almond, soy, or oat), around 110°F
3 tablespoons cane sugar
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: extra melted vegan butter and cinnamon sugar for coating
Directions
- Prepare the dough
- Knead and let rise
- Shape the donuts
- Second rise
- Air fry
- Add your topping
