Vegan Air Fryer Donut Recipe: Fluffy, Delicious, and Healthier

Donuts are a universal comfort food that bring joy to breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a sweet treat. However, traditional donuts often come with a hefty dose of calories and fat due to deep frying. This Vegan Air Fryer Donut Recipe solves that problem by creating light, fluffy, and indulgent donuts without the need for deep frying or animal-based ingredients. These donuts are perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while staying aligned with their plant-based lifestyle.

By using an air fryer, you’ll enjoy a healthier alternative to the classic fried donut while still achieving the same satisfying golden exterior. These donuts are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and can be customized with various glazes and toppings to suit your taste.

Whether you’re a vegan, experimenting with plant-based recipes, or just looking to cut back on oil and calories, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

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Recipe Details

• Cuisines: Vegan, American
• Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
• Servings: 8 donuts
• Calories: ~180 calories per donut
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter (or a large and small circular cutter)
• Silicone pastry brush
• Baking sheet or tray (for resting the dough)

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Ingredients

Donut Dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 tbsp warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat), warmed
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil (plus more for brushing)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ tsp salt

Glaze Options:

1. Classic Vanilla Glaze
   • 1 cup powdered sugar
   • 2-3 tbsp plant-based milk
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
2. Chocolate Glaze
   • ½ cup vegan chocolate chips, melted
   • 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk

Toppings (Optional):

• Rainbow sprinkles
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts
• Cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the donuts rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm plant-based milk, sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
2. Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
3. Use a donut cutter to cut out circles. If you don’t have a donut cutter, use a large round cutter for the outer circle and a smaller cutter for the hole in the center.
4. Place the cut-out donuts and holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rest for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly brush the donuts with melted coconut oil on both sides.
3. Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. Air fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

1. For the vanilla glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
2. For the chocolate glaze, melt the vegan chocolate chips with plant-based milk in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

1. Dip each donut into the glaze of your choice, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Add toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or coconut while the glaze is still wet.
3. Let the glazed donuts set on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

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Tips for Perfect Vegan Air Fryer Donuts

1. Don’t Skip the Proofing: Allowing the dough to rest and rise properly ensures light and fluffy donuts.
2. Oil for Crispiness: A light brushing of coconut oil before air frying helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
3. Customize Your Flavors: Experiment with different glazes like lemon, maple, or even matcha to keep things exciting.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the donuts in small batches to ensure even cooking and browning.

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Conclusion

These Vegan Air Fryer Donuts are a game-changer for anyone craving a healthier, plant-based alternative to traditional donuts. They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor without the need for frying or animal products. With a soft, fluffy interior and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for a guilt-free treat or a fun baking project.

Enjoy these donuts fresh out of the air fryer, and watch as they disappear within minutes! Whether for a weekend breakfast, a holiday treat, or just a snack to brighten your day, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.