Mastering Homemade Gluten-Free Fried Donuts: A Deliciously Allergy-Friendly Recipe Guide

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy, golden donut, perfectly fried and dusted with sugar or coated in a sweet glaze. Now imagine enjoying that decadent treat, knowing it’s entirely gluten-free and crafted right in your own kitchen! This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating bakery-quality gluten-free donuts from scratch, offering dairy-free options and ensuring they are also free from soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. Prepare to rediscover the joy of homemade donuts, reminiscent of cherished bakery days.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

Why These Gluten-Free Donuts Will Become Your New Favorite

For many, the craving for a truly satisfying donut is strong, but finding a quality gluten-free option can feel like a quest. My deep affection for donuts means I’d choose one over almost any other dessert. The challenge, however, is that delicious gluten-free donuts are incredibly scarce. Life simply feels less vibrant without them, which is precisely why mastering a homemade recipe is essential. The good news? It’s far simpler than you might imagine. While a little patience is required for the dough to rest and rise, if you can confidently roll and shape dough, you’re well on your way to enjoying these at home.

This donut dough is a dream to work with – it rolls out beautifully and is remarkably pliable. It strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, allowing you to customize your finished product. Whether you prefer a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a generous dip into your favorite frosting, or an elaborate sprinkle creation, these donuts are a delightful blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

I understand if the idea of deep-frying at home feels intimidating. However, I can assure you that this process is genuinely straightforward, and the donuts fry up surprisingly quickly. With my practical tips, you’ll achieve success, enjoying warm, golden-brown perfection in no time.

Making These Gluten-Free Raised Donuts Dairy-Free (and Allergy-Friendly)

Transforming these delicious gluten-free donuts into a dairy-free treat is incredibly simple, requiring just three easy adjustments. Instead of traditional milk, opt for a reliable dairy-free alternative like So Delicious Unsweetened Plain Coconut Milk Yogurt Alternative. For butter, swap in Country Crock’s Plant Butter with Olive Oil, or any other high-quality plant-based butter. Finally, add an extra egg to the recipe to help maintain the dough’s structure and moisture, compensating for the dairy removal. These simple changes ensure a delicious, allergy-friendly donut that everyone can enjoy!

For those needing a truly top-8-free doughnut, which means being free of eggs as well, I highly recommend checking out my recipe for gluten-free vegan baked double chocolate donuts. It’s a fantastic alternative that ensures everyone with severe allergies can indulge safely.

Choosing the Right Yeast for Your Donuts

For this recipe, I highly recommend using **instant yeast**. This type of yeast is incredibly convenient because it doesn’t require prior activation (or “proofing”) in warm liquid before being added to the dry ingredients. This saves you an entire step and valuable time, allowing you to get straight to mixing your dough. While premium brands like Red Star are excellent, even a reliable store brand like Walmart’s Great Value works wonderfully. The most critical factor is ensuring your yeast is fresh and not expired. Expired yeast will significantly impact your dough’s ability to rise, leading to dense, flat donuts. Always check the expiration date and store your yeast in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life.

The Non-Negotiable Ingredient: Psyllium Husk

Yes, you absolutely must use psyllium husk in this recipe. The psyllium husk powder, when combined with water, creates a unique gel-like substance. This gel is then incorporated into the dough, playing a vital role in mimicking the elasticity and structure that gluten typically provides. Without gluten, baked goods can often be crumbly and lack that characteristic chewiness. Psyllium husk is the secret ingredient that gives these gluten-free donuts their beautiful bounce and prevents them from falling apart. Do not skip this step!

You can often find psyllium husk in bulk at health food stores or online. When purchasing online, be aware that different brands can have varying hues, sometimes leaning towards a purple or bluish tint. While this won’t affect the taste, if you desire the classic amber-colored donuts, you might want to contact the brand beforehand to inquire about a “blonde” psyllium husk powder. This ensures your donuts will look as appealing as they taste.

Selecting the Best Gluten-Free Flour

The type of gluten-free flour you choose is paramount to the success of this donut recipe. I specifically developed and tested these donuts using King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour Blend. This blend is meticulously formulated to perform much like traditional wheat flour, providing the right balance of starches and flours for optimal texture and rise. Substituting with a different brand, especially a single-grain gluten-free flour (like almond flour, rice flour, or oat flour), is not recommended and should be done at your own risk. It’s crucial to understand that replicating the complex structure of “regular” wheat flour requires a carefully balanced blend of multiple gluten-free flours and starches, not just one. Using a single-grain flour will likely result in a drastically different and unsatisfactory outcome.

Perfecting Your Donut Shapes

Achieving beautifully shaped donuts is part of the fun! I personally use a biscuit cutter set that includes various sizes. I find the largest cutter ideal for the main donut shape, and the smallest one perfect for cutting out the center hole. Alternatively, a dedicated donut cutter simplifies the process even further, creating both the donut and the hole simultaneously. Whichever tool you choose, ensure you lightly flour it to prevent sticking. After cutting, gently transfer your donut shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough space to rise without touching.

Can I Prepare These Donuts Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to enjoy fresh donuts without the early morning hustle, you can prepare the dough the night before. Simply make the dough as instructed, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in your refrigerator overnight. The cold temperature will slow down the yeast activity, allowing for a long, slow fermentation that often enhances flavor. In the morning, take the dough out, roll it, shape your donuts, and let them rise at room temperature (or in a warm oven environment, as described below) for about one hour before frying and glazing. This make-ahead option is a fantastic way to enjoy warm, homemade donuts with minimal morning effort.

Choosing the Right Oil for Frying

The success of your fried donuts largely depends on the oil you use. You need an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Canola oil is my top recommendation, and I typically use a whole 48 oz bottle to ensure ample depth for frying. Other excellent choices include vegetable oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil (if allergies aren’t a concern). Avoid oils with low smoke points or strong flavors, like olive oil, as they will burn quickly and impart an undesirable taste to your donuts. Using enough oil is key – the donuts should float freely without touching the bottom of the pot, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful golden crust.

The Crucial Role of Oil Temperature

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is perhaps the most critical factor for perfect fried donuts. If your oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy and dense. Conversely, if the oil is too hot, the outside will burn rapidly while the inside remains raw. The ideal temperature range for frying these gluten-free donuts is **320-330 degrees F (160-165 degrees C)**. It is absolutely essential to use a reliable thermometer to monitor this. An instant-read digital thermometer is incredibly accurate and fast, or you can use a clip-on candy thermometer, whichever you prefer. Don’t eyeball it; precise temperature control is your best friend for achieving light, airy, and perfectly cooked donuts.

Expert Frying Tips for Perfect Donuts

Frying can seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time:

• **Avoid Crowding the Pan:** This is crucial. Donuts need ample space to move freely and cook evenly. Overcrowding will cause the oil temperature to drop significantly and result in unevenly cooked, soggy donuts. I typically use a 10″ Lodge porcelain dutch oven and fry only 3-4 donuts at a time, depending on their size.
• **Use a Deep Pot:** A deep pot, such as a Dutch oven, is ideal for frying. Its tall sides significantly reduce splattering and provide enough depth to pour sufficient oil, allowing the donuts to float without touching the bottom. This ensures a consistent cook and a beautiful rise. Avoid shallow skillets, as they are prone to mess and less consistent results.
• **Ample Oil for “Swimming”:** As mentioned, use an entire 48 oz bottle of canola (or chosen neutral) oil to guarantee enough depth. Once the oil has cooled completely after frying, pour it back into its original bottle using a funnel for easy and responsible disposal. Never pour hot oil down the drain.
• **The Magic of a Spider Strainer:** For easily retrieving your delicate donuts without squishing them, a spider strainer is invaluable. Its wide, mesh basket allows you to gently lift donuts and donut holes from the hot oil, letting excess oil drip away before transferring them to paper towels.
• **Monitor Oil Temperature Between Batches:** Stove tops can be fickle. If you notice your oil temperature fluctuating, it’s always a good idea to check it with your thermometer between batches. Adjust your heat settings as needed to keep it within the ideal 320-330°F range. This prevents donuts from becoming too greasy (if too cool) or burning (if too hot).
• **The Art of the Flip:** Since the oil will only come up about halfway on the donut, you’ll need to flip each one once to ensure both sides cook to a golden perfection. I often set a 60-90 second timer for each side as a guideline, but my eyes are my primary tool. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color. If they’re browning too quickly, your oil might be too hot; too slowly, it might be too cool. Donuts left to fry longer will be a darker brown; I personally prefer mine a lighter, golden hue.

If deep-frying still feels too daunting, remember you can always explore my baked cake donut recipe, which offers a delicious oven-cooked alternative!

Can I Fill These Delicious Donuts?

Absolutely! These versatile donuts are perfect for filling. Instead of cutting out the traditional donut hole, simply use a circle cutter to create solid rounds. Once fried and cooled, you can inject them with your favorite fillings. Using a piping bag fitted with a Bismark Filling Tip makes this process incredibly easy. Experiment with a variety of fillings: classic fruit jams or jellies, rich chocolate ganache, creamy vanilla custard, or even a luscious lemon curd. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create gourmet-style filled donuts right at home.

Creative Donut Toppings and Glazes

The final touch for any donut is the topping, and with these gluten-free beauties, you have a world of options! My preferred method for glazing is to prepare the icing in a wide, shallow bowl. This allows me to easily hold the donut by its edges and dip it directly into the glaze, achieving a beautiful, smooth, and even coating without the need for spreading. For a classic simple finish, you can also dust warm donuts with powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar) or roll them in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Beyond the basics, get creative! A simple vanilla glaze is always a hit, but you can also make a rich chocolate glaze (recipe included), a tangy lemon glaze, or even a maple glaze. Add sprinkles for a festive touch, or if your dietary needs allow, chopped nuts for extra texture. Food dye can transform your icing to match specific themes, holidays, or simply your mood. Remember, for glazes, aim for a consistency that is thicker than you initially think you’ll need; this prevents it from running off the donut and ensures a generous coating.

Essential Tools for Making Yeasted Donuts

Having the right tools makes the donut-making process much smoother and more enjoyable:

• **Deep Pan for Frying:** A sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot like a 10″ Porcelain Lodge Dutch Oven is ideal for maintaining consistent oil temperature and minimizing splatter.
• **Spider Strainer:** Essential for gently retrieving donuts from hot oil.
• **Paper Towels:** For draining excess oil from freshly fried donuts.
• **Stand Mixer with Dough Hook:** While possible by hand, a stand mixer makes mixing this dough effortless and ensures proper development.
• **Spatula:** For scraping down the bowl of the mixer.
• **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
• **Saran Wrap (Plastic Film):** For covering dough during rising to prevent it from drying out.
• **Rolling Pin:** For rolling out the dough evenly.
• **Donut Cutter/Biscuit Cutters:** For shaping your donuts; a biscuit cutter set provides versatility for different sizes and donut holes.
• **Small Mixing Bowl and Whisk:** For preparing glazes.
• **Instant-Read Digital Thermometer or Candy Thermometer:** Non-negotiable for precise oil temperature control.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients before you start ensures a smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need for these incredible gluten-free donuts:

• **Instant Yeast:** Crucial for the rise (always check expiration date!).
• **Sugar:** For sweetness and to activate the yeast.
• **Milk:** Or your chosen dairy-free alternative for moisture and flavor.
• **Psyllium Husk Powder:** The essential gluten replacement for elasticity.
• **Cold Water:** To create the psyllium husk gel.
• **King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour:** Highly recommended for consistent results.
• **Salt:** To balance flavors.
• **Baking Powder:** For additional lift (ensure it’s fresh!).
• **Eggs:** For binding and richness.
• **Salted Butter:** Or plant-based butter, melted, for flavor and tender crumb.
• **Canola Oil:** Or another neutral, high smoke point oil for frying.

Expand Your Gluten-Free Baking Skills

If you’ve successfully conquered gluten-free donuts, you’re ready to explore a whole new world of gluten-free baking! The techniques and understanding you’ve gained will serve you well in preparing other delicious items. I encourage you to check out my other recipes, including easy gluten-free bread, comforting gluten-free banana bread, pliable gluten-free tortillas, crispy gluten-free graham crackers, and savory gluten-free breadsticks. Don’t forget my extensive collections of cookies and muffins. Your kitchen is destined to become a gluten-free bakery in no time, filled with wonderful aromas and satisfying treats!

Need a Quick Gluten-Free Donut Fix?

We all have those moments when time is short, but the craving for a donut is undeniable – especially if your child has an impromptu “donuts with Dad” day! For such occasions, I’ve found that the brand Katz offers a fantastic range of gluten-free options. You can usually locate them in the freezer section of most health food stores or conveniently order them from Amazon. While they are smaller and require thawing or warming, they are a perfectly acceptable and delicious solution when you’re pressed for time and can’t bake from scratch. Keep a box on hand for those unexpected cravings!

Watch the Video: Your Donut-Making Companion!

To ensure your confidence and success, I’ve created a detailed video tutorial that guides you through every step of making these gluten-free donuts from start to finish. Think of me as your personal donut sherpa, leading you to deliciousness! The video should auto-populate on this page. If for any reason it doesn’t appear, you’ll find it embedded at the bottom of the recipe card. And if all else fails, you can always watch it directly on my YouTube Channel. Visual guidance can be incredibly helpful, so I highly recommend watching it before you begin your baking adventure.

Gluten Free Donuts Recipe

Yield:
9

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time:
3 hours 5 minutes

Craving a classic fried donut but need it gluten-free? This recipe delivers! Achieve golden, fluffy perfection right in your kitchen with this easy-to-follow guide. Also includes options for dairy-free and is naturally free from soy, peanut, tree nut, and sesame. A true bakery favorite, reinvented for everyone!

Ingredients

DOUGH:

• 8 g psyllium husk powder
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 packet instant yeast, 7g
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup milk, warm (or dairy-free alternative like unsweetened plain coconut milk yogurt alternative for DF)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 and 1/2 cup King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour
• 1 egg (use 2 eggs if making dairy-free)
• 3 TBSP salted butter, melted (or Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil for DF)

FOR FRYING:

• 48 oz bottle of Canola oil, or other neutral oil with a high smoke point (e.g., vegetable, grapeseed, sunflower)

CHOCOLATE GLAZE:

• 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3-4 Tablespoons water
• Optional: Sprinkles (see note about allergy-friendly sprinkles)

Instructions

1. **Prepare Psyllium Gel:** Using a kitchen scale for accuracy, measure out 8g of psyllium husk powder. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the psyllium powder with 1/2 cup cold water. Set this mixture aside; it will quickly begin to thicken and form a gel.
2. **Combine Dough Ingredients:** In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the instant yeast, sugar, warm milk (or dairy-free alternative), salt, baking powder, King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour, egg (or two eggs if dairy-free), melted butter (or plant-based butter), and the prepared psyllium gel.
3. **Mix the Dough:** Attach the dough hook to your mixer. Mix the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes, stopping as necessary to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. **First Rise (Chilling):** Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for one hour. This chilling period helps the dough firm up and become easier to handle, and also develops flavor.
5. **Roll the Dough:** After chilling, lightly dust a clean work surface, your rolling pin, and the top of the dough with additional gluten-free flour. Roll the dough evenly to a thickness of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
6. **Cut Donut Shapes:** Using a donut cutter or biscuit cutters (a larger one for the donut, a smaller one for the hole), cut out your donut shapes. Carefully transfer them to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have some space between them.
7. **Second Rise (Warm & Humid):** Cover the cut donuts tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a warm environment to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can use your oven: preheat it to its “warm” setting for a few minutes, then turn it off before placing the donuts inside. The ideal temperature for rising is around 79°F (26°C). To create a humid environment, place a small pot with 3-4 cups of steaming hot water on the other oven rack. Keeping the oven light on can also help maintain a slightly warmer temperature.
8. **Allow to Rise:** Let the donuts rise for 1 hour. They should look noticeably puffier.
9. **Prepare Glaze (Optional):** While the donuts are rising, prepare your chocolate glaze (if using). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 3-4 tablespoons of water. Add water gradually until you achieve a thick but pourable consistency that won’t be too thin and run off the donut.
10. **Heat Frying Oil:** Around 50 minutes into the rising time, begin heating your frying oil. Pour the entire 48 oz bottle of canola oil into a large, deep Dutch oven. Heat the oil slowly to reach the desired temperature of 320-330°F (160-165°C). Use a candy thermometer or a digital instant-read thermometer to ensure accuracy. Maintaining the correct temperature is absolutely crucial for perfect donuts.
11. **Begin Frying:** Once the 1-hour rising time is complete and the oil is at the correct temperature, carefully place 3-4 donuts into the hot oil. Avoid crowding the pan, as this will drop the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Gently lower them in to prevent splashing.
12. **Fry Until Golden:** Fry for approximately 60-90 seconds per side, or until both sides are beautifully golden brown. Pay close attention to the color rather than strictly adhering to the time, as cooking times can vary. Use a spider strainer to gently lift the fried donut from the oil, allowing excess oil to drip off, then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to cool.
13. **Continue Frying Batches:** Repeat the frying process with the remaining donuts. If necessary, check the oil temperature between batches and adjust your stove’s heat settings to ensure the oil remains within the ideal range. You’ll notice if they’re browning too quickly (oil too hot) or too slowly (oil too cool).
14. **Glaze and Serve:** Once the donuts have cooled slightly (they can still be warm!), dip them into your prepared glaze. If desired, immediately add sprinkles. Serve promptly. Alternatively, for a glaze-free option, you can dust them with powdered sugar or roll them in a cinnamon and sugar mixture while still warm.
15. **Storage and Reheating:** Donuts are always best enjoyed fresh. If you happen to have any leftovers, they can be re-softened by warming them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Notes

For the best possible results and a deeper understanding of the techniques, be sure to read all the FAQs above and watch the instructional video.

A note on psyllium husk powder: Some brands can have a tendency to impart a bluish or purplish tint to your dough. If you are aiming for a classic amber-colored donut, I highly recommend contacting the manufacturer before purchasing to ensure you select a “blonde” psyllium husk powder that will not alter the color of your finished product.

*Regarding allergies: Our family’s allergies are severe and re-evaluated annually, allowing us to strictly adhere to label information. I do not contact companies to investigate ingredient derivations or potential cross-contact. If your allergies necessitate these precautions, please perform your own thorough research. I cannot guarantee the safety of any ingredient; only you can make that determination for your specific needs. I merely share what works safely for my family.

**If you are preparing this recipe for individuals with food allergies, and you yourself do not manage such allergies, it is HIGHLY recommended that you have the allergic individual (or their guardian) verify every single brand and ingredient you plan to use. Additionally, engage in a discussion with them about best practices for avoiding cross-contamination in your kitchen. Their safety is paramount.

This recipe was inspired by: The Loopy Whisk, Gluten Free on a Shoestring, and Let Them Eat Gluten Free Cake, with adaptations for maximum allergy-friendliness and optimal texture.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 1524Total Fat: 158gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 141gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 412mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 3g

PIN THIS RECIPE NOW so you don’t lose it when the donut craving strikes! While you’re there, be sure to check out my other delicious gluten-free pins and recipes. Your Pinterest board is about to get a whole lot tastier!