Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts

Let’s be honest: the craving for a perfect Boston Cream Donut can strike at any time. But if you’re navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, that craving often comes with a sigh, imagining complicated recipes and a sink full of dishes. Friends, I’m here to tell you that sighing time is over. These Easy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts are about to become your new best friend. They deliver all the classic joy—a tender, cakey donut, a rich, creamy custard, and a slick chocolate glaze—without the fuss of deep frying or the hassle of specialty bakery trips.

This recipe is my go-to when I need a little kitchen win. It’s the kind of project that feels fancy but is totally approachable for a weekend breakfast or a fun baking session with kids. The air fryer works its magic, giving you a golden-brown donut that’s beautifully light. So, preheat that air fryer, and let’s make some magic happen.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Donuts

• Surprisingly Simple: No yeast, no long rise times, and no hot oil splatter. The batter comes together in minutes.
• Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside irresistibly soft and cake-like.
• Total Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, no one will guess they’re gluten-free. They’re perfect for satisfying everyone at the table.
• Customizable Fun: Feel like a donut artist! Dip them in different glazes or fill them with your favorite jam.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these little pockets of happiness. Using a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is key here—my personal favorite is Bob’s Red Mill.

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For the Donuts:

• 1 cup (140g) 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Let’s Make Some Donuts!

1. Make the Pastry Cream First: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to steam. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth. Slowly whisk about 1/4 cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prep the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
3. Cook in the Air Fryer: Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Fill and Glaze: Once the donuts are cool, spoon the chilled pastry cream into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Poke a hole in the side of each donut and gently pipe in the cream until it feels slightly heavy. For the glaze, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream (and corn syrup, if using) in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Dip the top of each filled donut into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and place them back on the rack to set.

My Go-To Donut Making Tips

Don’t have a donut pan? No problem! You can carefully spoon the batter onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket in ring shapes—they might be a little more “rustic,” but they’ll taste just as amazing. If your pastry cream seems a little lumpy, just give it a quick whisk or blitz with an immersion blender after it’s chilled; it’ll be silky smooth in no time. The key to a successful gluten-free bake is always to measure your flour correctly: spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.

I’ll never forget the first time I made these for a family brunch. My nephew, who is usually suspicious of anything “gluten-free,” inhaled two before quietly asking if we could make them again next weekend. That’s the real test, right?

Answers to Your Donut Questions

Can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. For the pastry cream, you can use full-fat coconut milk, and for the glaze, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

How should I store leftover Boston cream donuts?

These are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze might lose a little of its shine, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Can I bake these in a regular oven instead?

You can! If you’d like to try baking donuts in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What’s the best way to fill the donuts without making a mess?

Using a piping bag with a long, narrow tip (like a Bismarck tip) is the cleanest method. If you don’t have one, you can carefully slice the donuts in half horizontally, spread the cream on the bottom half, and place the top back on before glazing.

The Perfect Finale

There you have it—decadent, dreamy, and delightfully simple Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts that are sure to bring smiles to your kitchen. They prove that with a few simple ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can conquer any baking craving. If you’re looking for more ways to use your appliance, check out these other incredible air fryer desserts. I’d love to hear how your donuts turn out! Happy baking!