There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, fluffy donut, and with my Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts, you can bring that joy to your kitchen in no time! Imagine the sweet aroma of vanilla and sugar wafting through your home as these delightful treats cook effortlessly in your air fryer, creating a golden exterior that’s both crispy and light.
After a hectic day, I often find myself yearning for something decadent yet guilt-free, and these donuts check all the boxes. In just under an hour, you can whip up a batch that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Plus, with easy customization options, you can indulge your cravings for unique flavors or toppings, ensuring no two experiences are ever the same.
So, ready to dive into a deliciously easy and healthier way to enjoy homemade donuts? Let’s get started!
Why are Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts irresistible?
Fluffy Texture: Each bite is a soft, airy delight, thanks to the air fryer magic!
Quick & Easy: Whip them up in under an hour and satisfy your sweet tooth fast.
Customizable Flavors: Enjoy endless variations by adding your favorite spices or toppings.
Healthier Indulgence: Gluten-free and air-fried means you can guiltlessly savor every bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gatherings, these donuts will impress everyone!
Ready to experience the joy of these delectable donuts? Let’s get cooking!
Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend – Provides structure; ensure it’s finely milled for the best texture in your gluten free glazed air fryer donuts.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness; you can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh to ensure those donuts rise beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; it’s essential for balancing the sweetness in each bite.
- Milk – Adds moisture; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and provides richness; a flax egg can work as a vegan alternative.
- Unsalted Butter – Contributes flavor and moisture; swap for a vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor; for a twist, use almond or other extracts.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Delivers sweetness and a creamy texture; adjust for your desired level of sweetness.
- Milk – Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency; use non-dairy to maintain a dairy-free treat.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds delightful flavoring; consider altering it for unique glazes like a citrus zest twist.
How to Make Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
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Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it foams, indicating the yeast is active.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Gently mix in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to your foamy yeast mixture until well combined and smooth.
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Form the Dough: Gradually add the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until you form a soft and slightly sticky dough.
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Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm area for 30-40 minutes or until the dough doubles in size.
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Roll and Cut Donuts: Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes.
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Second Rise: Place the cut donuts on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper and let them rise again for about 15 minutes.
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Preheat Air Fryer: While the donuts are rising, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of the donuts with melted butter or oil to encourage a golden finish when air frying.
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Air Fry the Donuts: Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and fluffy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
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Cool Before Glazing: Carefully remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before glazing.
Optional: Drizzle with a chocolate glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts?
Brighten your morning or snack time with these delightful treats, perfect for pairing with a variety of accompaniments.
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Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, aromatic flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the donuts, making for a comforting breakfast experience.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge your sweet tooth by pairing these donuts with a warm cup of hot chocolate, creating a delightful dessert drink combination.
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Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the donuts, offering a burst of color and fresh flavors to your plate.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve your donuts topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet simple.
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Chai Tea: The spiced warmth of chai tea complements the flavors of the donuts, making it a cozy pairing for chilly afternoons.
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Berries with Whipped Cream: Fresh berries add a tangy contrast, and whipped cream makes for a luscious topping, turning your donuts into a stunning dessert.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and bright, lemonade adds a citrusy twist that rejuvenates your palate alongside the rich sweetness of the donuts.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate the experience by drizzling a little maple syrup over the donuts, infusing them with an irresistible sweetness that enhances their glaze.
Embrace the joy of homemade delights with these perfect pairing ideas!
Expert Tips for Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature to achieve better mixing and a fluffier texture in your gluten free glazed air fryer donuts.
• Fresh Yeast Check: Always check your yeast’s expiration date to guarantee it’s active; inactive yeast can result in dense donuts.
• Perfect Rising: Allow your dough to rise properly in a warm spot; rushing this step can lead to less fluffy donuts.
• Air Fryer Variability: Keep in mind that air fryers can vary in performance, so monitor your cooking time closely, adjusting as necessary for golden perfection.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure to place your donuts in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking; overcrowding can lead to uneven results.
• Customize with Confidence: Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings. From spices to glazes, make these gluten free glazed air fryer donuts uniquely yours!
Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful donuts to your taste! The possibilities are as endless as your cravings.
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Cinnamon Sugar: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. Coat the finished donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mix for a classic touch.
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Lemon Glaze: Replace vanilla with fresh lemon juice and zest in the glaze. This brightens up the flavor, making for a refreshing treat.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the donuts.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate version, and drizzle with melted chocolate for a rich topping that satisfies those chocolate cravings.
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Maple Twist: Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a subtly sweet and earthy flavor in the donuts. Pair it with a maple glaze for a delightful breakfast treat.
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Berry Delight: Add a handful of mashed berries, like blueberries or raspberries, into the dough. This gives your donuts a fruity flavor and beautiful color throughout.
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Spicy Heat: For those who fancy a kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough or glaze. The heat will contrast nicely against the sweet glaze, creating an intriguing flavor profile.
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Vegan Option: Swap the egg for a flax egg and use a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a fully vegan treat that everyone can enjoy.
Which variation will you try first? Let your taste buds lead the way!
Make Ahead Options
These Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first few steps of the recipe, then covering it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully. On the day you want to serve, simply take the dough out, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, roll, cut, and proceed with the second rise and air frying. If you prefer, you can also glaze the donuts and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the air fryer before serving, and they’ll taste just as delicious as when they were fresh!
Storage Tips for Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Room Temperature: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fluffiness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts individually for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes to warm them; avoid microwaving to prevent making them tough.
Glaze Consideration: If you’ve glazed the donuts, consume them within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right gluten-free flour blend?
Absolutely! When selecting a gluten-free flour blend, look for one that’s finely milled and designed for baking. A blend with xanthan gum can provide the necessary structure and elasticity often missing in gluten-free baking. I often recommend checking the packaging for labels that indicate it is suitable for use in yeast recipes for the best results.
What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Very! To keep your gluten free glazed air fryer donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more donuts than you can eat within that time, freeze unglazed donuts individually for up to 1 month. This way, you can thaw just what you need when a craving strikes. One of my go-to methods for freezing is to wrap each donut in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I freeze the glazed donuts?
Certainly! While it’s best to freeze unglazed donuts, if you have already glazed them, you can still freeze them. Just be aware that the glaze may lose some texture when thawed. To do so, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
What should I do if my donuts are dense?
Oh no! Dense donuts can happen if the yeast is inactive or if the dough wasn’t allowed to rise properly. Make sure to check the expiration date of your yeast beforehand. If your donuts don’t rise as expected, try letting the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area for longer. Proper rising is crucial for the fluffy texture you want. Keep an eye on visual cues like doubling in size; this usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
Are these donuts safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, they can be! When making gluten free glazed air fryer donuts, simply substitute any nut-based ingredients with safe alternatives. For instance, you can use oat or coconut milk in place of dairy milk and opt for a nut-free butter substitute. Always check each ingredient’s label for potential cross-contamination, especially if those with allergies will be enjoying them.
Can I customize the flavors further?
Absolutely! The beauty of these gluten free glazed air fryer donuts lies in their versatility. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added warmth. When making the glaze, feel free to experiment with flavors like lemon or matcha. Just whisk in the extract or powder while mixing the glaze for a delightful twist that reflects your personal taste!
Gluten Free Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Ready in Just 1 Hour
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm milk with sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it foams.
- Mix in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Stir until soft dough forms.
- Cover bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for 30-40 minutes.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll to ½ inch thick. Cut out donut shapes.
- Place cut donuts on floured surface and let rise again for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush tops of donuts with melted butter or oil.
- Air fry donuts for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fluffy, flipping halfway through.
- Let donuts cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before glazing.