Craving donuts but trying to avoid deep frying or dairy ingredients? Many traditional donut recipes require eggs, milk, and lots of oil, which can make them heavy and complicated to prepare at home. That’s why these Air Fryer Vegan Donuts are such a great solution.
These donuts are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet with a beautiful golden outside. Best of all, they’re cooked in the air fryer, which means you get that delicious donut texture with far less oil. The result is a lighter dessert that still tastes indulgent.
As someone who loves creating plant-based desserts that don’t sacrifice flavor, I’ve tested many air fryer treats. These Air Fryer Vegan Donuts quickly became one of my favorite easy recipes because they’re simple, quick, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Air Fryer Vegan Donuts, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful baking tips, flavor variations, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft and fluffy texture just like classic donuts
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Completely vegan with no eggs or dairy
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Air fryer method uses much less oil than deep frying
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Quick and easy recipe ready in under 30 minutes
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Great for beginners with simple ingredients
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Customizable flavors with glazes and toppings
These donuts are perfect when you want a sweet treat that’s simple and plant-based.
Ingredients & Prep
Main Ingredients Prep
To make these Air Fryer Vegan Donuts, you’ll need a few simple baking ingredients.
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
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â…“ cup sugar
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2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep tip
Make sure the plant-based milk is at room temperature. This helps the batter mix smoothly.
Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base
These ingredients add flavor and help the donuts rise properly.
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Cinnamon gives the donuts a warm bakery-style flavor.
Pantry Staples
These common ingredients are useful for finishing the donuts.
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Maple syrup or glaze for topping
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Extra cinnamon sugar for coating
You can mix and match toppings depending on your taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
Before making the donuts, prepare your air fryer and ingredients.
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease donut molds or shape small rings with dough.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
This dry mixture will form the base of your donut batter.
Cooking Method
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Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, combine the plant-based milk, sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
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Shape the donuts
You can either:
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Pipe the batter into silicone donut molds, or
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Shape small donut rings by hand.
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Place in air fryer
Carefully place the molds or shaped donuts in the air fryer basket.
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Cook the donuts
Air fry at 350°F for 7–9 minutes until the donuts turn golden and spring back when lightly touched.
Doneness or Texture Check
The donuts should feel soft but slightly firm on the outside.
You can test one by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready.
Resting or Final Touches
Allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Popular finishing options include:
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Rolling them in cinnamon sugar
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Drizzling with a simple glaze
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Dusting with powdered sugar
These finishing touches make the donuts look and taste bakery-quality.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the batter
This can make the donuts dense instead of fluffy.
Overfilling the molds
Fill donut molds only about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
Cooking at too high temperature
High heat can brown the outside before the inside cooks fully.
Recommended Tools
You don’t need many tools to make Air Fryer Vegan Donuts, but these help:
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Air fryer
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Silicone donut molds
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Spatula or piping bag
Silicone molds work especially well because the donuts release easily.
Storage & Reheating Tips
These donuts taste best fresh but store well too.
Room temperature storage
Keep in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerator storage
Store up to 5 days.
Reheating
Warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh the texture.
Flavor Variations
These Air Fryer Vegan Donuts are easy to customize with different flavors.
Spicy Version
Add a warm spice blend to the batter:
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nutmeg
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cardamom
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extra cinnamon
This creates a cozy bakery-style donut flavor.
Healthy / Special Diet Option
You can adjust the recipe for different dietary needs.
Gluten-free option
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Lower sugar option
Reduce the sugar slightly or use maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Global Flavor Twist
Try fun international-inspired flavors.
Japanese style
Add matcha powder and a light glaze.
Mexican style
Use cinnamon sugar with a hint of cocoa.
Mediterranean twist
Add orange zest and drizzle with honey-style vegan syrup.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Vegan Donuts are great for many occasions.
Serve them with:
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Fresh fruit
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Smoothies
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Coffee or tea
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Vegan hot chocolate
Toppings you can try include:
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Chocolate glaze
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Maple glaze
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Coconut flakes
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Chopped nuts
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Berry sauce
They also make a fun addition to brunch or weekend breakfast spreads.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the donut batter a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the Air Fryer Vegan Donuts fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
How do I fix common mistakes?
Donuts too dense
The batter may have been overmixed. Stir gently next time.
Donuts too dry
Reduce cooking time slightly or add an extra tablespoon of plant-based milk.
Donuts sticking to molds
Lightly grease silicone molds before adding the batter.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Vegan Donuts are proof that homemade donuts can be simple, healthier, and incredibly delicious. With their soft texture, light sweetness, and quick air fryer cooking method, they’re perfect for anyone who wants a plant-based treat without deep frying.
Once you make these donuts, they’ll likely become a regular recipe in your kitchen. They’re easy, customizable, and always a hit with family and friends.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love trying vegan banana muffins, baked cinnamon sugar donut holes, or a healthy strawberry frozen yogurt popsicle for another simple and delicious homemade dessert.
Air Fryer Vegan Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup plant-based milk almond, oat, or soy
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
- Maple glaze or simple sugar glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease silicone donut molds or prepare to shape donut rings by hand.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk, sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Pipe or spoon the batter into lightly greased silicone donut molds, filling them about ¾ full.
- Place the molds into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 7–9 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when lightly touched.
- Remove the donuts from the air fryer and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Finish by dusting with powdered sugar, rolling in cinnamon sugar, or drizzling with glaze.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts soft and fluffy.
- Fill molds only about ¾ full so the donuts have room to rise.
- If shaping donuts by hand, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
- These donuts taste best fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
