40-Minute Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style)

This 40-minute Gluten Free Donuts recipe is the real deal fried, bakery style one you've been looking for. Without compromising on texture or flavor, they are gluten free and delicious thanks to a great combo of gluten free all purpose flour and some other special ingredients. Now you can have a warm, mouthwatering donut in your hands that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and smash that donut shop craving.

With a crispy, golden outside and an oh-so-soft interior, you won't even be able to tell these donuts are gluten-free. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease years back, I was determined to create gluten free recipes that taste exactly the same as the real deal. I created this donut recipe back in 2016 and it has been a family favorite ever since!

Why this recipe is the best

• Authentic taste and texture: Since these donuts are fried and not baked, you get the real donut taste and texture without the gluten! I have tried baked donuts and they are definitely not the same.
• Customizable: With different frosting, topping, and filling options, you can make these donuts your own. We love topping them with maple frosting and candied bacon for a really special experience.
• Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, this gluten free donut recipe is perfect for Saturday or Sunday mornings. My kids love waking up to the smell of fresh donuts and crispy bacon! We have made them time and again and they really can be made that quickly.

What you'll need

• Eggs - These are essential for the structure of the dough. I haven't tried them egg free so can't speak to that but have seen that the eggs definitely help in the dough.
• Milk & Sour Cream - Whole milk is best for both the dough and the homemade icing but 2% works well also. Both the milk and sour cream add richness and moisture. Don't skip this!
• Flour - For best results, I recommend using a GF cup for cup flour blend like King Arthur's gluten flour. It is made to mimic the taste and texture of regular flour, providing consistent results.
• Oil - Coconut oil or palm oil are my go-to's.

How to make The best fried gluten-free donuts

1. Making sure the wet ingredients are combined well first matters most.

2. Next you want to mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl get rid of all the clumps, I mean, have you ever had a clump of baking soda in a recipe? It's the worst!

3. Make sure that you heavily flour (with gluten free flour of course) your surface before you roll & cut your donuts and be sure they are at least 1 inch thick.

Pro Tip: For easy handling, grease your hands with non-stick cooking spray before working with the dough. The dough should be slightly sticky.

4. Frying the donuts for the perfect amount of time is essential here. I have found that 2-3 minutes per side is just about right.

5. While your donuts cool on a wire rack, it is a great time to make the frosting.

Tips for frying

Using a deep fryer or large pot works best although frying in a small pan will work if that's all you have. Do not use a donut pan as these need to be fried for that authentic flavor. 

Only use hot oil, around 375 degrees works best for getting authentic, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside donuts. I like to use a thermometer to get the exact temperature.

Want some more topping or Flavor Variations

1. Classic cinnamon sugar donuts: After frying, brush the donuts with a layer of melted butter. Then, roll in a cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
2. Jam filled donuts: Make donut bars instead of regular donuts, and use a piping bag to inject your favorite icing into the donut after frying. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
3. Chocolate glaze donuts: Prepare the chocolate frosting as directed in the recipe card, then top with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes before the glaze dries.
4. Maple bacon donuts: Add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the icing recipe. Top the frosted donuts with crispy bacon for a sweet and savory contrast.

This recipe was originally published on February 7, 2016. It has been updated with new photos, pro tips and information multiple times including most recently, in December 2024. The recipe is still the same delicious recipe you know. Here are two of the old photos.