Ever had a donut craving hit hard but didn’t want to deal with a vat of hot oil or the gluten-filled consequences? I get it. That’s why I’m so excited to share this game-changer with you. These Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts are here to save your day. They’re light, fluffy, and come together in a flash, giving you that classic bakery-fresh taste without the fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, turning simple ingredients into something magically delicious. Perfect for a weekend treat, a quick dessert, or to brighten up a regular Tuesday.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts
- Unbelievably Easy: No yeast, no long rise times, and absolutely no deep frying mess.
- Surprisingly Light: The air fryer gives them a perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and cake-like.
- Totally Customizable: That sweet glaze is just the beginning. Roll them in cinnamon sugar, dip them in chocolate, or keep it simple.
- Family-Friendly: These are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, even those who aren’t gluten-free!
Gathering Your Ingredients
You might already have most of this in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity.
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Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
Description
Savor Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts made easy Our air fryer method sweet glaze yields irresistible guiltfree treats Quick delicious recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Sweet Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Lightly grease your donut pan with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Bring It Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 of the way full.
- Air Fry: Place the pan in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Dip each cooled donut top into the glaze and place it back on the rack to set.
Notes
Light, fluffy, and easy gluten-free donuts made in the air fryer. A simple, delicious treat perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 donuts
- Calories: 210 calories
- Sugar: 25 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
- 1 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour (I love Bob’s Red Mill)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind you like)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sweet Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Your Simple Equipment List
You won’t need any fancy gear for this! Just a few basics:
- An air fryer (of course!)
- A donut pan that fits inside it (this is key for the perfect shape)
- Two mixing bowls
- A whisk and a spatula
How To Make Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts
Ready to make some magic? Let’s get started. These come together so quickly, you’ll be glazing in no time.
- Prep the Pan: Lightly grease your donut pan with a little butter or cooking spray. This ensures your beautiful donuts will pop right out.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until it’s smooth and well-combined.
- Bring It Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay—you don’t want to overmix!
- Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 of the way full. You can also use a piping bag for a less messy approach.
- Air Fry: Place the pan in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting!
- Glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Dip each cooled donut top into the glaze and place it back on the rack to let the glaze set. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Donut Success
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to make sure your donuts turn out perfectly every single time.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until they just come together. Overmixing can make the donuts a bit tough.
- Pan is Key: Using a donut pan is highly recommended. It gives you that classic ring shape and helps them cook evenly. If you’re in a pinch, you can try making donut holes in a silicone mini muffin pan!
- Glaze Wait: Make sure your donuts are completely cool before glazing. If they’re even slightly warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off.
- Get Creative: Once glazed, immediately sprinkle on some sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for extra fun and texture.
The Perfect Way to Serve Them
These donuts are best served the day they are made, ideally with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They make a fantastic weekend breakfast treat or a sweet ending to a weeknight meal. For a real brunch spread, pair them with some Savory Breakfast Casserole to balance out all the flavors.
Answers to Your Donut Questions
Can I make these dairy-free as well?
Absolutely! Simply swap the milk in the batter and the glaze for your favorite non-dairy alternative, like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute or even coconut oil in the batter. They’ll turn out just as wonderfully.
How should I store leftover donuts?
Because they are best fresh, I recommend enjoying them right away. However, you can store any leftovers (if you have them!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might get a little sticky, but they’ll still taste great.
My batter seems too thick. What should I do?
Different gluten-free flour blends can absorb liquid differently. If your batter seems overly thick and isn’t easily spooned into the pan, add another tablespoon of milk to thin it out to a pipeable consistency.
Can I bake these in a regular oven instead?
You can! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9-11 minutes, or until they spring back when touched. For more oven-based treats, check out these Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Recipes for your main course.
A Little Sweetness for Your Day
There’s something so satisfying about making donuts at home. It feels like a special occasion, even when it’s just a regular afternoon. These Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts are proof that eating well doesn’t have to mean giving up the treats you love. They are simple, joyful, and downright delicious. I hope this recipe brings a little extra sweetness to your kitchen and becomes a new favorite for you and your family. For another fantastic gluten-free dessert option, you have to try my Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake. Happy baking!