These baked protein donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with protein. Made with whey protein powder and simple ingredients, this easy protein donut recipe can be baked in the oven or air fryer for a quick high-protein breakfast or snack. Each serving has 15g of protein, and the donuts are perfect for meal prep.

P.S. Love high-protein treats? Try my protein cookie dough next. It's quick, easy and perfect when you're craving something sweet without turning on the oven.

Be sure to check out the video and tips below. 👇

They’re easy to make in a donut pan in the oven or air fryer and come together with pantry staples like flour, eggs, milk, and protein powder.

Jump to:

• ❤️ WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS PROTEIN DONUT RECIPE
• 🎥 HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN DONUTS
• 🥄 INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
• 🍩 BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR DONUTS
• 👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN DONUTS
• Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Prepare the Donut Pan
• Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
• Oven Method
• Air Fryer Method
• Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• ARE PROTEIN DONUTS HEALTHY?
• 📝 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST PROTEIN DONUTS
• 💖 PROTEIN DONUT VARIATIONS
• CHOCOLATE PROTEIN DONUTS
• HIGH PROTEIN GLAZED DONUTS
• SPRINKLES
• 💫 CAN YOU MEAL PREP PROTEIN DONUTS?
• HOW TO STORE
• ❓ FAQ
• Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
• Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
• Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

❤️ WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS PROTEIN DONUT RECIPE

• High in protein: Each serving contains 13g of protein, making these donuts a great high-protein breakfast or snack.

• Baked, not fried: These protein donuts are baked in a donut pan for an easy alternative to traditional fried donuts.

• Oven or air fryer: Make them in the oven or use the air fryer when you want a quick small batch.

• Great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or protein snack.

• Simple ingredients: They're made with everyday ingredients including flour, eggs, milk and whey protein powder

🎥 HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN DONUTS

🥄 INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS

Self-raising flour: Keeps the donuts light and fluffy without needing additional baking powder.

Vanilla whey protein powder: Adds protein and a little sweetness. Different protein powders absorb liquid differently, so the texture may vary if you substitute another type.

Milk: Helps create a smooth donut batter. You can use your preferred dairy or non-dairy milk.

Eggs: Add structure and help keep the baked donuts soft.

Butter: Adds moisture and flavour. Melt it before adding it to the batter.

Cinnamon sugar: Gives the finished protein donuts a classic cinnamon-donut coating.

🍩 BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR DONUTS

I use vanilla whey protein powder for these baked protein donuts because it gives them a soft, fluffy texture while adding extra protein and sweetness.

For the best results:

• Use vanilla whey protein
• Avoid overly absorbent plant proteins
• Don’t overmix the batter

👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN DONUTS

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

flour, vanilla whey protein powder.

Whisk until evenly combined.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in: milk, eggs, melted butter

Mix until a smooth batter forms.

Do not overmix or the donuts may become dense.

Step 3: Prepare the Donut Pan

Spray the donut pan with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Pour the batter evenly into the donut molds.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Oven Method

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 18–20 minutes, or until the protein donuts are lightly golden and cooked through. Avoid overbaking, as protein powder can make baked donuts dry.

Air Fryer Method

Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through. Check them a few minutes early, as air fryer cooking times can vary.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Remove the donuts from the pan and lightly spray them with olive oil spray.

Dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.

ARE PROTEIN DONUTS HEALTHY?

These healthy protein donuts are a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts because they’re:

• baked instead of fried
• higher in protein
• made with less sugar
• easy to portion for meal prep

They make a great high-protein breakfast, snack, or healthier dessert option.

📝 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST PROTEIN DONUTS

Use whey protein powder: Vanilla whey works well and helps keep the donuts soft and fluffy. Different protein powders can change the texture.

Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make protein donuts dense or tough.

Don't overbake: Protein powder can dry out quickly, so remove the donuts as soon as they're cooked through.

Grease the donut pan well: This makes the donuts much easier to remove without breaking.

Let them cool slightly: Leave the donuts in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

For meal prep: Make a batch ahead and store them in an airtight container for an easy high-protein breakfast or snack.

💖 PROTEIN DONUT VARIATIONS

CHOCOLATE PROTEIN DONUTS

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the batter.

HIGH PROTEIN GLAZED DONUTS

Top with a simple protein glaze made from protein powder and milk.

SPRINKLES

Add colourful sprinkles on top of a protein glaze.

💫 CAN YOU MEAL PREP PROTEIN DONUTS?

Yes! These protein donuts are great for meal prep because you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them for breakfast or as a high-protein snack during the week.

Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, place parchment paper between the donuts so they don't stick together.

For an easy protein donut meal prep, portion the donuts into individual containers so they're ready to grab for breakfast or a snack.

Looking for another make-ahead breakfast? Try my Peanut Butter Overnight Weetabix. You can prepare it the night before for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.

HOW TO STORE

Store the donuts in an airtight container for:

• 2 days at room temperature
• up to 5 days in the refrigerator

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQ

Looking for a savory high-protein option? Try my Cottage Cheese Pizza for an easy protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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