Pin It I discovered air fryer donuts by accident on a Tuesday morning when my kids were begging for something sweet and I had exactly nine minutes before we needed to leave for school. A can of biscuits sat in the fridge, and out of pure desperation, I wondered what would happen if I poked holes in them and threw them in the air fryer. Four minutes later, we were biting into donuts so fluffy and golden that my youngest declared it a miracle. Now this recipe has become our standing joke—the fastest way to feel like a hero in the kitchen.
The real magic happened when I made a double batch for my sister's book club. She walked in expecting store-bought pastries and instead found a warm plate of donuts that had taken me less time than it takes to boil water. Her face when she bit into one made the entire recipe worth keeping in my permanent rotation. Now whenever she texts asking what I'm bringing to an event, she specifically requests these.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): This is your secret weapon—it's already seasoned and designed to puff up beautifully, so you're not starting from scratch but still getting that homemade feel.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Just a light coat keeps everything from sticking without adding extra oil or mess.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): The coating base that caramelizes slightly on the warm donut surface and sticks perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): This should be fresh if you can manage it, since it's the only real spice doing the heavy lifting in flavor.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): Brush it on while the donuts are still warm so it soaks in and helps the sugar coating cling.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it preheat for three minutes while you prep your dough—you want it hot and ready to create that instant golden exterior.
- Transform the biscuits:
- Pop open your dough can, separate each biscuit gently, and use a small round cutter (about the size of a shot glass) to punch a hole straight through the center of each one. Those little holes you save aren't scraps; they're bonus donut holes that cook even faster.
- Prep the basket:
- Give your air fryer basket a light spritz of nonstick spray so nothing grabs hold during cooking.
- Air fry to golden:
- Arrange your donut rings in a single layer in the basket, then air fry for three to four minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get that puffy golden color. You'll know they're done when they've puffed up and the edges turn a light caramel brown.
- Mix your coating:
- While the donuts cook, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl so you're ready to coat them the moment they come out.
- Coat while warm:
- This is the crucial moment—brush each warm donut generously with melted butter on all sides, then toss it into your cinnamon sugar mixture and turn it until every surface is coated. The warmth of the donut helps the sugar stick and the butter makes it all cling together like magic.
- Finish and serve:
- Arrange your finished donuts on a plate and let them cool for just a minute before eating. If you have donut holes, repeat the cooking and coating process with those too.
Pin It There's something deeply satisfying about pulling warm, perfectly golden donuts from the air fryer and watching someone's immediate reaction when they bite into something so soft and cinnamon-sweet. It's the kind of small kitchen moment that reminds you why cooking matters, even when it only takes nine minutes.
Flavor Variations That Actually Work
Once you've mastered the base recipe, the variations become endless and surprisingly easy. The butter-coating method works perfectly for powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even a maple-cinnamon blend if you're feeling autumnal. I've tossed a batch in crushed graham crackers mixed with brown sugar and nobody complained, so don't be afraid to experiment with what's already in your pantry.
Storage and Reheating Strategies
These donuts are at their absolute best fresh and warm, but I understand that life doesn't always cooperate with that timeline. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day—beyond that they start to get a bit dense, though they're still edible. If you need to reheat them, a quick fifteen-second spin in the air fryer at 300°F brings back most of that original texture without drying them out.
Glazes and Toppings Worth Trying
While the cinnamon sugar coating is perfect in its simplicity, there are moments when you want something with a little more richness or shine. The easiest upgrade is a basic vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract drizzled over cooled donuts, or you can brush them with chocolate glaze while they're still slightly warm and let it set into a thin shell.
- For a simple glaze, whisk together one cup powdered sugar, two tablespoons milk, and half a teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle generously over cooled donuts.
- Brown butter adds a nutty depth if you're willing to take an extra two minutes to brown some butter on the stovetop and mix it into your cinnamon sugar coating.
- Don't forget the donut holes—they coat and eat even faster than the full donuts and make perfect little bites for when you want just a taste of indulgence.
Pin It This recipe lives in that magical space where minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction, and that's exactly why it's become a permanent fixture in my kitchen rotation. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving something sweet, these donuts deliver the kind of joy that comes from food that tastes like it took way more time than it actually did.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough is best for these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough works perfectly for a light, fluffy texture and quick preparation.
- → Can the donuts be made without an air fryer?
While air frying ensures a crispy exterior and soft interior quickly, you can bake them in an oven at 350°F until golden.
- → How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating?
Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, then toss the warm donuts after brushing with melted butter for even coating.
- → Are the donut holes cooked the same way?
Yes, donut holes can be air fried similarly and coated with the cinnamon sugar for a bite-sized treat.
- → How should the donuts be stored if not eaten immediately?
Store in an airtight container for up to one day; reheat briefly to regain softness and flavor.