If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both vegan-friendly and irresistibly fluffy, this Easy Vegan Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe is here to steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine perfectly golden doughnuts that are soft as clouds, generously coated in sugar, and filled with a luscious jam that oozes with every bite. These doughnuts are incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the air fryer, which gives them a gentle crisp outside while keeping the inside pillowy soft. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply curious about plant-based pastries, this recipe is a total winner, combining simplicity, flavor, and that nostalgic doughnut joy we all love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four round, light beige dough discs placed inside a black air fryer basket. Each disc is smooth with a slightly puffy texture, and one disc has a light dusting of flour on its surface. The air fryer basket has a grid-like bottom with a small round hole in the center, and the basket itself is set against a white marbled surface. The image is taken from above, highlighting the evenly spaced discs within the basket photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to the Easy Vegan Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe, simplicity is truly the secret to success. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the dairy-free milk that adds moisture and tenderness to the caster sugar that sweetens without overpowering. Every element is easy to find and gentle on your pantry, ensuring the doughnuts come out soft, fluffy, and perfectly balanced in flavor.

Dairy-free milk (130ml): Choose soya for best results, though oat or almond works beautifully to add creaminess without dairy.

Active dry yeast (7g): This is your secret weapon for light and airy doughnuts that rise to perfection.
Caster sugar (30g + 1 teaspoon): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast.
Plain flour (200g): The base of your dough, giving structure and softness.

Sunflower oil (20ml): Adds moisture and keeps the dough tender without heaviness.
Dairy-free butter (40g): Melts through the dough for richness and depth in flavor.
Dairy-free butter for coating (5 tablespoons): Helps the sugar stick to the doughnuts for that classic, irresistible crust.

Caster sugar for coating (80g): Gives a sweet, crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft doughnut.
Berry jam (1 jar, raspberry recommended): Provides the perfect fruity filling that brings a burst of tartness and sweetness.

How to Make Easy Vegan Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your dairy-free milk gently — it should be just warm to the touch, not hot — to wake up that active dry yeast. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of caster sugar, stir, cover with a tea towel, and let the yeast bubble up its magic for about 5 to 10 minutes. When it’s frothy and alive, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

While the yeast is doing its thing, sift your flour and the remaining sugar together in a large bowl. This ensures that your doughnuts will have a smooth and consistent texture, setting the foundation for the perfect bite.

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients

Slowly melt your dairy-free butter on the hob until fully liquefied. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter and sunflower oil. This step brings all the flavors and textures together, forming your dough’s rich base.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Whether by stand mixer or hand, knead the dough on a floured surface until it feels soft, smooth, and elastic—about 3 to 5 minutes. This kneading develops the gluten structure that gives doughnuts their chewy yet tender crumb. Be careful not to overwork it or your doughnuts may turn out tough.

Step 5: First Proofing

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a tea towel to keep the warmth in. Set it somewhere cozy (near a radiator or in a slightly warm oven) and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. Watching the dough puff up is always a satisfying sign!

Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts

Once your dough has doubled, roll it out into about a 1-inch thick rectangle. Using a 1-inch cookie cutter, punch out doughnut shapes and place them on a lined tray. Save the scraps, roll them out again, and repeat the process. Cover them gently and let them rise for another hour or two until wonderfully puffy.

Step 7: Air Fry the Doughnuts

Preheat your air fryer to 180ºC and lightly oil the basket. Arrange a few doughnuts with space to expand, then air fry them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even golden coloring. The results are perfectly cooked doughnuts that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, without any unnecessary oil.

Step 8: Coat and Fill

Melt the dairy-free butter and brush it all over your warm doughnuts, then roll each in caster sugar for that gloriously sweet crust. Using a piping bag filled with raspberry jam, snip the tip, and inject a generous amount of jam into each doughnut. This final touch transforms your creation into a gleaming, jam-filled delight.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe

A close-up view of several round doughnuts placed on a white marbled surface, each lightly dusted with a fine layer of white sugar giving a soft, powdery texture on their golden brown tops and sides; among them, one doughnut is filled with bright red jam filling slightly oozing out, visible on the top center, showing a glossy smooth texture contrasting with the sugar coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing flair, dust your doughnuts lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted dairy-free chocolate over the jam-filled centers. Fresh berries or edible flowers can add a pop of color and sophistication if you’re serving these for guests.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts pair beautifully with a steaming hot cup of coffee or a creamy plant-based latte. For a brunch spread, add a bowl of fresh fruit or a vegan yogurt parfait with granola for contrast in texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your doughnuts stacked on a cake stand for a festive touch or individually wrapped with a pretty ribbon for gifting. You could also create a doughnut board with assorted jams, nut butters, and vegan sprinkles for a DIY dipping party that’s sure to delight everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The best way to enjoy leftover doughnuts is fresh, but if you must store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. They’ll remain soft and delicious enough for a next-day treat.

Freezing

You can freeze these doughnuts by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Reheating

Reheat your doughnuts in the air fryer at 160ºC for about 3 minutes to regain their crisp exterior and warm, fluffy interior. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them gummy rather than soft.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dairy-free milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! While soya milk is the preferred choice for the best rise and texture, oat or almond milk also work wonderfully without changing the flavor much. Just make sure the milk is unsweetened and warmed to activate the yeast properly.

Is it necessary to use an air fryer for these doughnuts?

While this Easy Vegan Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe is specifically designed for the air fryer, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 180ºC for around 12 to 15 minutes. The air fryer just gives an extra level of crispness with less oil.

Can I substitute the caster sugar with another sweetener?

Caster sugar works best due to its fine texture, but you can experiment with superfine coconut sugar or organic white sugar. Avoid coarse sugars as they can affect yeast activation and the coating texture.

How do I know if my yeast is still active?

When you combine yeast with warm milk and a bit of sugar, it should start to bubble and froth within 5-10 minutes. If it stays flat or doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the milk too hot or cold, so it’s best to start again for reliable rising.

Can I make the jam filling from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade berry jam or any fruit preserve will work beautifully with this recipe. Just ensure it’s a smooth consistency so it pipes easily without clogging the bag.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Vegan Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside out. It’s fun, satisfying, and delivers that perfect mix of fluffy texture and sweet, jammy goodness. Once you try these doughnuts, you’ll agree they’re a game changer for homemade vegan treats. So grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to this delightful indulgence—you deserve it!