5 Best Arrowroot Powder Substitutes for Doughnuts

Quick tip: Maintains a light, crispy texture and glossy finish similar to arrowroot powder.

Tapioca starch is a fine, gluten-free starch extracted from cassava root, which gelatinizes at a similar temperature to arrowroot powder. It helps create a crisp exterior and tender crumb by forming a light gel network that traps moisture without weighing down the doughnut batter.

When using tapioca starch, ensure it is well incorporated to prevent clumping. Because it thickens quickly, mix it with dry ingredients first before adding liquids. Avoid overmixing to maintain the airy structure.

Compared to arrowroot, tapioca starch produces a slightly chewier texture but still retains the desired crispness and moisture balance essential for doughnuts.

Quick tip: Provides a mild crispness but can be slightly grainier in texture.

Rice flour is a gluten-free flour that adds structure and crispness to fried doughnuts. However, it lacks the strong gelatinizing power of arrowroot, so combining it with a small amount of cornstarch helps mimic the binding and crisping properties.

Mix the rice flour and cornstarch thoroughly with other dry ingredients. Be cautious not to increase the total dry ingredient volume excessively, which could dry out the doughnut.

This blend yields a crisp exterior but may result in a slightly coarser crumb and less elasticity compared to arrowroot powder.

Quick tip: Creates a chewy, slightly sticky texture that can enhance doughnut elasticity but may reduce crispness.

Sweet rice flour contains a high amount of amylopectin, which contributes to chewiness and elasticity in doughnuts. It gelatinizes well, helping to retain moisture and improve the dough’s stretch.

Use sweet rice flour carefully as it can make the doughnuts denser and less crisp if overused. It works best when combined with other flours or starches to balance texture.

Compared to arrowroot, it produces doughnuts with a more elastic bite and less of the delicate crisp exterior typically desired.

Quick tip: Can cause a gummy texture if not balanced properly; use sparingly in doughnuts.

Potato starch is a gluten-free starch that thickens quickly and holds moisture well. However, in fried doughnuts, it can create a gummy or sticky texture due to its high moisture retention.

To use potato starch successfully, combine it with other starches or flours to reduce gumminess. Avoid using it as a sole substitute.

Compared to arrowroot, potato starch tends to produce doughnuts that are less crisp and have a heavier mouthfeel.

Quick tip: May result in a denser, less tender doughnut with a duller finish.

Cornstarch is a common thickener but has a different gelatinization temperature and texture profile than arrowroot. It tends to create a firmer, less delicate crumb and does not produce the same glossy finish.

When substituting, cornstarch can be used in a pinch but may require adjustments in frying time or temperature to avoid a heavy texture.

Doughnuts made with cornstarch instead of arrowroot are generally less light and crisp, with a more matte appearance.