Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

Making homemade donuts used to intimidate me until I tried these Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts. The air fryer transforms what seems like a complicated bakery treat into something achievable in your own kitchen. These donuts come out fluffy, tender, and beautifully golden without the mess of deep frying. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for months, and I can honestly say these taste just as good as any donut shop version.

The best part? They’re ready in under an hour from start to finish. Whether you’re avoiding gluten by choice or necessity, these donuts will satisfy that craving for something sweet and indulgent. The glaze adds the ideal finishing touch that makes these donuts feel special enough for weekend breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Why the Air Fryer Works for Donuts

I was skeptical about making donuts in an air fryer at first, but the results completely won me over. The circulating hot air creates an even, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Unlike traditional frying, you don’t need to worry about oil temperature or dealing with hot oil splattering everywhere.

The air fryer also gives you more control over the cooking process. You can check on your donuts easily and adjust the timing if needed. I find that air-fried donuts have a slightly less greasy texture than deep-fried ones, which I actually prefer. The cleanup is minimal too – no large pots of oil to deal with afterward.

Another advantage is that you can make smaller batches more easily. If you only want a few donuts rather than a whole dozen, the air fryer makes that simple and economical.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
• Donut cutter or round cookie cutters
• Clean kitchen towel
• Wire cooling rack
• Small mixing bowl for glaze
• Whisk
• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Donuts:

• 3 cups 1:1 gluten-free flour, divided (King Arthur Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk, about 110°F
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted for brushing

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Gluten Free Donuts in the Air Fryer

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the warm milk (make sure it’s around 110°F – too hot will kill the yeast), melted butter, and egg. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
3. Form the dough: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of gluten-free flour, mixing as you go. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour.
4. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, until it doubles in size.
5. Roll and cut the donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large, one small for the center), cut out your donuts. Save the donut holes – they make great little treats too!
6. Second rise: Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined tray and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes until they’re puffy.
7. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
8. Brush with butter: Lightly brush the tops of the donuts with the melted butter.
9. Air fry the donuts: Working in batches, place 2-3 donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
10. Cool before glazing: Transfer the cooked donuts to a wire rack and let them cool for about 10 minutes before glazing.

How to Make and Use the Donut Glaze

1. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly so it won’t melt the powdered sugar too quickly.
2. Whisk together the melted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a small bowl.
3. Add milk gradually – start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.
4. Dip each donut face-down into the glaze, letting excess drip off.
5. Place on wire rack and let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Donuts

• Use room temperature ingredients except for the warm milk – this helps everything combine more easily
• Don’t over-mix the dough as gluten-free flour can become gummy if overworked
• Check your yeast expiration date – old yeast won’t give you the rise you need
• Keep the milk temperature around 110°F – use a thermometer if you’re unsure
• Don’t skip the rising times – patience here makes all the difference in texture
• Work in batches in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding
• Flip gently using a spatula or tongs to avoid deflating the donuts
• Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy
• Make the glaze while donuts cool so it’s ready when you need it
• Double-check your gluten-free flour blend – make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure

Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations

These glazed donuts are delicious on their own, but I love experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for spiced donuts, or replace some of the milk in the dough with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.

For the glaze, you can create different flavors by substituting the vanilla extract with almond extract, lemon extract, or even maple syrup. I sometimes add cocoa powder to make chocolate glaze, or mix in some orange zest for citrus donuts.

Toppings are another fun way to customize these donuts. While the glaze is still wet, you can roll them in chopped nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips. For special occasions, I’ll drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donuts or dust them with cinnamon sugar.

These donuts pair beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast, or serve them as dessert with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fresh donuts are always best, but these will keep well if stored properly. Place cooled, glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Don’t stack them directly on top of each other – use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, you can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

To reheat day-old donuts, place them in the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes. This will refresh their texture and warm them through. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they can become tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a donut cutter?
Yes! Use a large round cookie cutter or even a drinking glass for the outer shape, and a small round cutter or bottle cap for the center hole.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that your milk wasn’t too hot. The rising environment should be warm but not hot – about 75-80°F is ideal.

Can I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter substitutes. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Why are my donuts dense?
This usually happens from using too much flour or not letting the dough rise long enough. Gluten-free dough can be tricky – it should be soft and slightly sticky.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, but you won’t get the same crispy exterior that the air fryer provides.

How do I know when they’re done?
The donuts should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. They should also sound hollow when tapped gently.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

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