Air Fryer Gluten-Free Donuts always seemed like some unicorn dream to me. Yeah, you dream of eating donuts with that crispy outside and soft inside — but you can’t do gluten, don’t want the grease, and ovens make the kitchen hot as the surface of the sun. Or am I just dramatic? Anyway, I’ve finally nailed this recipe and, wow, it transforms snack time. No hot oil splashing. Zero gluten drama. Just perfect little air-fried clouds, right at home. 
Why this recipe is the best!
Okay, I’ve tried the sad cardboard “gluten-free” donut store versions. You know the ones. Stale. Weirdly chalky. Not these. These air fryer gluten-free donuts turn out crispy and light, even if you’re kinda lousy at baking.
The dough is simple to mix, and you don’t need any rare spaceship ingredients (oh, besides your favorite gluten-free flour blend). Perfect for lazy Sundays or when your sweet tooth kicks in at midnight.
The best part? Not swimming in oil. You know that feeling—biting into a donut and it’s basically just hot grease? Nope. These are way lighter, so you can eat two… or three… and still manage your day.
Friends and picky kids gobble them. Even the gluten-eaters! Proof enough.
“My kids asked if we bought these from a five-star donut shop. Nope, Mom magic and an air fryer!” – Lisa R.
Pro tips
Ready for the actual game changers? Let me spill.
I’ve made every air fryer goof possible, so here’s what I know. First, always let your dough sit a few minutes after you mix it. Gluten-free flour needs that short rest.
Don’t cram your donuts in the air fryer basket. They need space to crisp up, or they get sad and squashed. A little cooking spray on parchment paper helps if you hate sticking.
Here’s one I learned from making crispy air fryer apple fries: halfway through, give ‘em a flip so both sides get that golden vibe. And honestly? Don’t panic if your shapes look weird. Melted glaze covers a multitude of mistakes.
Oh! If you want extra crunch, sprinkle a bit of air fryer crispy fried onions on top (trust me, it’s wild but brilliant).
What are Some Topping Ideas?
This is where you have some fun. I’m a plain glaze person, but you do you.
• Dunk them in classic vanilla glaze for total donut shop energy.
• Roll in cinnamon sugar. Like, a generous roll – go a little overboard.
• Chocolate ganache? Yes, please – pure happiness.
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or rainbow sprinkles for colorful vibes. Kids freak out for these.
Oh, and if you wanna get a bit savory, try air fryer garlic parmesan fries on the side for, um, balance.
The Ingredients in Air Fryer Gluten Free Yeast Donuts
All right, here’s the breakdown. You probably have a lot of this stuff already.
Start with a cup of your go-to gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it says “for baking” so your donuts don’t end up bricks.
You’ll need about a quarter cup of sugar (white works, or coconut if that’s your speed) and one packet active dry yeast.
Milk? Yep, about half a cup, warmed up a tiny bit so your yeast actually wakes up. Any milk will do: almond, oat, whatever.
Throw in a pinch of salt, one egg, and half a teaspoon of vanilla. Oh, and don’t forget two tablespoons of melted butter (or coconut oil, up to you).
For glaze, just whisk up powdered sugar with a splash of milk. That’s it.
If you’re feeling spicy, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon in the dough is chef’s kiss.
Can I Make the Donuts Ahead of Time?
Here’s the tricky part with air fryer gluten-free donuts. Sure, you can make ‘em ahead. But they are absolutely at their best fresh out of that air fryer. Like, melt-in-your-mouth best.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Next day? Zap in the microwave for ten seconds or toss back in the air fryer for a minute—good as new.
Freezing: Yep, you can do it. I always put parchment between them so they don’t get stuck together. Reheat straight from frozen. Not quite bakery magic, but still better than anything store-bought.
One tip: wait to glaze until you’re ready to eat. That way they don’t get soggy and sad.
Common Questions
Q: Can you use this dough for donut holes, too?
A: Oh totally. Just roll into little balls before air frying. They end up dangerously poppable.
Q: Can I use almond flour instead?
A: You can try, but I get ehhh results. The texture’s kinda mushy. A blend works better.
Q: Is it safe to use parchment paper in the air fryer?
A: Yep! Just snip it to size so it doesn’t block airflow. Helps so much with cleanup.
Q: How do I stop donuts from sticking?
A: Light spray of oil on the basket or parchment is magic. I’ve ruined a few donuts learning that lesson.
Q: Kids won’t eat gluten-free stuff… Will they notice?
A: Not a chance! Especially with extra sprinkles. Or glaze. Or both.
You’re One Whisk Away from Donut Joy
Honestly, if you’ve been scared of trying air fryer gluten-free donuts, now’s your moment. All the crispy magic, none of the oil burns (we’ve all been scarred there). Even if it’s your first go, just trust the process.
I’ve found, after dozens of trial runs with crispy air fryer tortellini and easy air fryer turkey meatballs, air fryer treats are pretty forgiving. So jump in!
Wanna go deeper? Check out The Ultimate Gluten Free Air Fryer Donuts – Zest for Baking for a handy reference and troubleshooting tips. There’s even more wild air fryer fun like homemade air fryer pizza bagels or even sweet air fryer churros.
Now go steal a quiet moment, make that donut, and don’t forget the glaze. Post your photos so we can all drool! 
Print
Air Fryer Gluten-Free Donuts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delightfully crispy and light, these air fryer gluten-free donuts are a game changer for snack time without the grease.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- 1/4 cup sugar (white or coconut)
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (any type)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- Powdered sugar for glaze
- Splash of milk for glaze
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix gluten-free flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and allow the dough to rest for a few minutes.
- Shape the dough into donuts and place them in the air fryer basket with space in between each.
- Air fry until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth and drizzle over cooled donuts.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container. For best taste, glaze donuts just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg