Description
Delight in these fluffy and light vegan donuts made effortlessly in the air fryer. Using plant-based milk and vegan butter, these donuts provide a delicious, dairy-free treat with a sweet glaze and optional toppings like sprinkles or cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a quick homemade indulgence without deep frying.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (270g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast (7g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- ¾ cup warm almond milk (or any plant-based milk – 180ml)
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter (melted – 56g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5g)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk – 30ml)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2g)
Toppings (Optional)
- Vegan sprinkles
- Cinnamon sugar
- Crushed nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm almond milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Once risen, punch the dough down and roll it out on a floured surface to approximately ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes and centers.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped donuts and donut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray or brush the donuts with oil to ensure browning and prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Donuts: Arrange 3–5 donuts at a time in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the donuts carefully and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place glazed donuts back on the rack.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the donuts with your choice of vegan sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or crushed nuts if desired.
- Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The dough needs to rise twice to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- Use warm almond milk to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Customize the toppings according to your taste preferences.
- This recipe is vegan-friendly, using plant-based milk and butter.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
