Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
These Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts are a delightful treat that brings the classic flavors of Boston cream pie into a convenient donut form. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these airy, cream-filled donuts are made in the air fryer, ensuring they stay light and fluffy while being healthier than traditional fried options. Whether it’s a family gathering, a brunch with friends, or simply indulging yourself, these donuts are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: These donuts are made in the air fryer, which simplifies the cooking process and reduces mess.
- Decadent Flavor: With rich pastry cream and chocolate glaze, each bite is a delicious combination of sweetness and creaminess.
- Versatile Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts suit any gathering or celebration.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy all the flavor without the gluten, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with fillings or toppings to create your own unique version of these treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This is the star of the show! It cooks the donuts evenly while keeping them lighter than traditional frying methods.
- Mixing bowls: Use these for combining your ingredients effortlessly.
- Piping bag: If you want to fill your donuts neatly with pastry cream, this tool makes it easy.

Ingredients
To make these delicious Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts, you will need:
For the Donuts
- 1 recipe Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
For the Pastry Cream
- 1 recipe Vanilla Pastry Cream
For the Chocolate Glaze
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
How to Make Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Base
- Start by following your chosen recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts. This will be the base of your Boston cream donuts.
- Once prepared, allow them to cool slightly before filling.
Step 2: Make Your Vanilla Pastry Cream
- Prepare your Vanilla Pastry Cream according to your recipe instructions until it’s thickened and smooth.
- Allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator before using.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Glaze
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 tablespoon corn syrup.
- Microwave in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring between each session until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Fill Your Donuts
- Using a piping bag (or a small spoon), fill each donut with chilled Vanilla Pastry Cream.
- Ensure not to overfill; just enough for a delightful surprise inside!
Step 5: Glaze Your Donuts
- Dip each filled donut into the warm chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place on a wire rack to set before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts as a sweet delight that’s sure to please everyone!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
These delightful Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts are perfect for any occasion. Serve them fresh for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, and impress your family and friends.
Enjoy with Coffee
- Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combo that enhances the flavors.
Add Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside a mix of fresh berries such as strawberries and blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top your donuts with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
Ice Cream Delight
- Create a dessert sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two donuts for a delicious treat.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and depth, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Garnish with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top for added crunch and texture.
How to Perfect Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
Achieving the perfect Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure success:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and ingredients for the best rise and flavor in your donuts.
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Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and liquids can make or break your donut texture. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy if possible.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking, leading to perfectly golden-brown donuts.
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Do Not Overcrowd: Give your donuts space in the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow, ensuring they cook evenly.
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Cool Before Glazing: Let the donuts cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
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Experiment with Fillings: While vanilla pastry cream is classic, feel free to try other fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate mousse!
Best Side Dishes for Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
Pairing side dishes with these scrumptious donuts can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the richness of the donuts with refreshing flavors.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit create a nutritious side that complements sweet treats well.
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Crispy Hash Browns: The savory crunch of hash browns pairs beautifully with sweet donuts, adding variety to your plate.
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Nut Butter Toast: Whole-grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter offers a hearty addition to your meal.
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Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy, nutritious pudding is a healthy side dish that goes well with sweet flavors.
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Savory Egg Muffins: Mini egg muffins packed with veggies bring protein and balance to your brunch table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and liquids. This ensures consistency in the dough.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allow the pastry cream to chill before filling the donuts. This helps it thicken and makes it easier to fill.
- Overfilling donuts: Fill each donut with just the right amount of cream to avoid messiness when glazing. Too much can cause leaks.
- Neglecting air fryer settings: Each air fryer is different; adjust cooking times accordingly. Start with shorter times and check for doneness frequently.
- Using expired ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and other ingredients. Expired items can ruin the texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep donuts separate from glaze to maintain texture.
Freezing Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
- Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one donut at a time on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan on low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts.
How do I make gluten-free donuts?
To make gluten-free donuts, use gluten-free flour blends specifically designed for baking, following a reliable recipe like this one.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any other non-dairy alternative for the chocolate glaze.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, gradually add more gluten-free flour until it reaches a manageable consistency while mixing.
How can I customize my Boston Cream Donuts?
You can customize your donuts by adding different flavors to your pastry cream, such as almond extract or chocolate chips.
Can I bake these donuts instead of using an air fryer?
While air frying gives them a unique texture, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various fillings or toppings. Try making these delightful treats today!
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts
Indulge your sweet tooth with these delicious Gluten-Free Air Fryer Boston Cream Donuts! Combining the classic flavors of Boston cream pie in a fun, portable donut form, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Light and fluffy thanks to air frying, these donuts are filled with creamy vanilla pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. Ideal for gatherings or as a special treat for yourself, these gluten-free delights are sure to impress everyone at the table. Easy to customize with different fillings or toppings, they offer endless possibilities for indulgence. Enjoy these delightful donuts that are both satisfying and guilt-free!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
- Vanilla Pastry Cream
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer Glazed Donuts as per your chosen recipe.
- Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream until thickened; chill completely.
- Create the Chocolate Glaze by melting chocolate chips with heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup in intervals.
- Fill each cooled donut with pastry cream using a piping bag or spoon.
- Dip each filled donut into the warm chocolate glaze and allow excess to drip off before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg