Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts

Name: Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (300 grams) gluten-free flour mix; ¼ cup (50 grams) of granulated sugar; 3 teaspoons of rapid rise yeast, also known as instant yeast; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon xanthan gum; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup almond milk warmed to 100°F; 2 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg

Why Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts Are the Perfect Treat

The Rise of Gluten-Free Living

Over the last decade, more people have adopted a gluten-free lifestyle, whether for health reasons or dietary preference. Gluten-free foods are easier to digest for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and they’ve become more mainstream thanks to growing awareness and demand. In this environment, gluten free desserts like donuts have found their sweet spot.

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Why Choose Air Fryer Over Deep Fryer

Traditional donuts are deep-fried in oil, which adds unnecessary fat and calories. Air fryers, on the other hand, circulate hot air around the food to create a crispy outer layer without submerging it in oil. This results in:

Up to 80% less fat
Quicker cooking time
Less kitchen mess
Healthier eating without sacrificing texture

Plus, you won’t need to deal with splattering oil or a greasy kitchen—win-win!

Benefits of Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts

These donuts are a double win: they fit into a gluten-free diet and avoid the health concerns tied to deep frying. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

Easy to digest for sensitive stomachs
Lower in fat and calories
Quick and beginner-friendly
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
Versatile for endless topping and flavor variations

Who Can Enjoy These Donuts

Not just for people with gluten issues! These donuts are great for:

Busy families looking for quick breakfasts
Health-conscious eaters
Kids (they’ll never know they’re “healthy”!)
Anyone who owns an air fryer and wants to try something fun and satisfying

Ingredients Deep Dive & Why Each One Matters

Core Ingredients for Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts

To make perfect gluten free air fryer donuts, you’ll need a specific balance of ingredients to ensure a light, fluffy texture and rich flavor. Here’s what goes into the mix, and why it matters.

Gluten-Free Flour Mix (300g / 2 ¼ cups)
A high-quality gluten-free flour blend is essential. Choose one that contains rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour for the best results. This combination replicates the texture of wheat flour while remaining gluten-free.

Pro Tip: Avoid single-flour types like almond flour or coconut flour for this recipe—they won’t provide the same structure.

Granulated Sugar (50g / ¼ cup)
Adds sweetness and helps with browning. You can swap this for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit for a lower-glycemic option.

Rapid Rise Yeast (3 tsp)
Also known as instant yeast, this helps the donuts rise fast, making them soft and airy.

Baking Powder (¼ tsp)
Even though we’re using yeast, baking powder adds extra lift and ensures your donuts don’t end up dense or gummy.

Xanthan Gum (½ tsp)
This is the secret sauce for gluten-free baking. It mimics the elasticity of gluten, helping bind the ingredients together and improve texture.

Salt (½ tsp)
Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients: The Moisture Makers

Almond Milk, Warmed (½ cup at 100°F)
Plant-based and dairy-free, almond milk is a perfect match for this recipe. Warming it helps activate the yeast. Be sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast.

Coconut Oil, Melted (2 tbsp)
Adds richness and moisture. Coconut oil is also a healthier fat that pairs well with sweet baked goods.

Vanilla Extract (2 tsp)
Adds depth and aroma. Go for pure vanilla if possible—it makes a noticeable difference.

Large Egg (1)
The egg provides structure, richness, and helps bind everything together. For a vegan alternative, you could try a flax egg, though the texture may be slightly denser.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts at Home

Making gluten free air fryer donuts from scratch may sound intimidating, but with the right steps, it’s surprisingly simple. Follow this easy, foolproof process and you’ll have warm, fluffy donuts ready in no time—no deep frying required.

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer
Spray the basket or wire rack of your air fryer with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Set it aside while you prepare the dough. No need to preheat yet.

Why this matters: Proper prepping avoids your donuts tearing or sticking to the bottom, especially with gluten-free dough which tends to be softer.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together:

300g gluten-free flour mix (2¼ cups)

50g granulated sugar (¼ cup)

3 tsp rapid rise yeast

¼ tsp baking powder

½ tsp xanthan gum

½ tsp salt

Pro Tip: Always whisk your dry ingredients well to evenly distribute the yeast and xanthan gum, which helps the dough rise evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine:

½ cup warm almond milk (about 100°F)

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl.

Step 4: Mix the Dough
Mix on low speed for 30 seconds to combine ingredients.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Then switch to medium speed and mix for another 3 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Note: The dough will be slightly sticky. That’s normal for gluten-free mixes.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Place the dough onto a piece of floured parchment paper.

Roll it into a 7-8 inch disk, about ½ to ¾ inch thick.

Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out as many donut rounds as possible.

Take each round and gently press your finger through the center to make a hole.

Bonus Tip: Use the dough scraps to reroll and make more donuts.

Step 6: Let the Donuts Rise
Place shaped donuts on your greased air fryer rack or basket.

Cover them lightly with a towel and allow them to stand for 30 to 35 minutes in a warm, draft-free space.

Why this step is key: Letting the donuts rise gives them that soft, pillowy texture that makes air fryer donuts so irresistible.

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

Air fry the donuts for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

Keep an eye on them; cooking time may vary slightly by model.

No flipping required unless your air fryer has uneven airflow—check at the 8-minute mark just in case.

Step 8: Cool and Top
Let your donuts cool slightly before adding any toppings.

Glazing them, dipping them in chocolate, or coating them with cinnamon sugar are the options available.

Don’t forget: Warm donuts are more fragile. Give them a few minutes to set before decorating.

How to Store Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts

Keeping your gluten free air fryer donuts fresh doesn’t have to be tricky. Just follow these simple tips:

Room Temperature (1–2 Days)
Store the cooled donuts in a container that is airtight and covered with a paper towel.

Keep in a cool, dry place; best eaten within 48 hours.

Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days)
To reduce moisture, line a sealed container with paper towels.

Reheat before serving to soften.

Freezer (Up to 2 Months)
Transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag after cooling them.

Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 4–6 mins or microwave for 10–15 secs.

Pro Tip: Don’t glaze before freezing; add toppings after reheating for best results.

Topping Storage
Store leftover cinnamon sugar or glaze in sealed containers.

Refrigerate glazes, keep sugars dry.

FAQs About gluten free air fryer donuts

Can you make gluten-free donuts in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Air fryers work perfectly for gluten-free donuts. With the right flour mix and rising agents like yeast and baking powder, you can achieve a fluffy, golden texture, just like traditional donuts, but healthier and without gluten.

Does Krispy Kreme make any gluten-free donuts?

No, Krispy Kreme does not currently offer gluten-free donuts. While they do provide nutritional information for their products, all their donuts contain wheat-based flour. If you’re gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease, it’s best to stick with homemade or specialty gluten-free bakeries.

Are air fryers good for gluten-free baking?

Yes! Air fryers are great for gluten-free baking. They reduce oil usage and still deliver a crispy, golden outside while keeping the inside moist and soft. Because gluten-free dough can be more delicate, air frying offers a controlled, even heat that helps prevent overbaking or drying out.

Does Trader Joe’s have gluten-free donut holes?

At this time, Trader Joe’s does not sell gluten-free donut holes. They do have a selection of gluten-free snacks and desserts, but donut holes aren’t currently on their list. Making your own at home using an air fryer is a fun and easy way to enjoy them without the gluten.

More gluten free recipes to make ASAP!

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Yield: 6