Air Fryer Donuts

I did a thing this past Sunday morning. I made Air Fryer Donuts.

I was doom scrolling and saw the cinnamon sugary wheels of glory calling my name. And they look so easy! I happened to have requested 2 cans of biscuit dough on hubby’s last trip to the store, so why not give them a whirl?

Most folks bought an Air Fryer to be healthier. To make their favorites with less oil but all the crisp. Apparently I didn’t get that memo because I used mine to take buttery biscuit dough, fry it, baste it with more butter and then toss it in cinnamon sugar.

Do Air Fried Donuts Taste Like Real Donuts?

I likened them to the now famous cronut – Dominique Ansel’s cross between a croissant and donut. But my sister, a true doughnut connoisseur, quickly corrected me that these should not be uttered in the same sentence- I still stand by my statement.

This is most certainly a doughnut hack. These aren’t going to rival the best yeast donuts or cake-like donuts you’ve ever had.

What I can tell you they are is delicious. They are quick to make and require just 4 ingredients. I would tell you they aren’t very messy, but I made mine with a 2-year-old (it’s also her hands in the video- but she’s 6 now), so mine were totally messy and every surface was covered in sugar fingerprints.

Why Make Air Fryer Donuts?

Super fluffy donuts that are ready in 10 minutes and taste delicious- what’s not to love!

• Short ingredient list – In fact, you only need four ingredients to make these babies. No all purpose flour, eggs, vanilla extract or coconut oil needed!
• Fun for the kids – This kids LOVE helping in the kitchen with this recipe. It’s super easy for little hands to help.
• Easy to customize – If you’re not a fan of cinnamon sugar, add a chocolate glaze and sprinkles instead! The options are endless. You can even make several kinds in one batch.

Ingredients

The short ingredient list is one of my favorite parts of this air fryer donuts recipe.

• Refrigerated flaky large biscuits – This is my favorite donut hack ever. Refrigerated biscuits from the store make the easiest donuts in no time!
• Sugar – Just white granulated sugar is perfect here.
• Ground cinnamon – You can learn how to make the perfect cinnamon sugar ratio, or buy it already mixed at the sore. But it’s so simple to make.
• Unsalted butter – You can use salted in a pinch. We just need a base for the cinnamon sugar to stick to.

Variations

My Air Fryer Donuts are topped with just cinnamon sugar coating. Plain and simple, I like the crunch- it reminds me of mom’s cinnamon toast as a kid.

But you can use whatever toppings your heart desires. Dress them like any other donut. Dipping in a basic powdered sugar and milk glaze is always acceptable. As are sprinkles, or “sparkles” as my daughter calls them.

More donut toppings:

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts

Start with a can of refrigerated biscuit dough. My Air Fryer only accommodates 4 donuts without overlapping, so I worked in 2 batches.

1. Make the Donut. Work on a non-stick surface or a lightly floured surface. Using a 1-inch cookie cutter, make holes in the center of each biscuit. This is necessary for them to cook the whole way through. It if you fry them whole, the center will still be doughy. I didn’t have a 1-inch cookie cutter so instead I used the cap off a bottle.

1. Grease them Up. Set aside the doughnut holes. Spray the inside of your Air Fryer with oil and then add donuts. Lightly spray the tops.
2. Air Fry. Cook at 350°F for 5 minutes, turning half way through. No need to respray, as the bottoms will have residual oil on them already. Repeat with the other four biscuits and also the donut holes.

1. Butter Baste. Baste with the melted butter.

1. Toss in cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm!

Round Out the Meal

You can serve these donuts with any of your other favorite breakfast foods. I like to serve mine with a savory breakfast meat like bacon or sausage. You can also whip up some scrambled eggs or a spinach quiche.

Or if you’re just doing donuts and coffee, serve them with a frothy cup of whipped coffee. Yum!

Storage and Freezing

You can make anything ahead of time, the question is will it taste good? Donuts are best right out of the fryer when made traditionally and the same rings true here.

How to Store Donuts in the Air Fryer

Donuts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for several days, if they last long. They are best on day #1 and might need a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave to reheat the butter goodness back to its former glory.

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Donuts?

I do not recommend freezing these donuts. You can, but the texture is totally off when thawed. They take less than 10 minutes to make, might as well make them fresh.

More Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is easily my favorite meal of the day. Sweet, savory, I like it all! Here are a few of our favorite easy breakfast ideas.

Maple Coffee Cake

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EASY Fruit Pizza

This Dessert Pizza with fresh fruit, cream cheese frosting and a crispy cookie base is a fun and tasty treat the whole family will go crazy for!

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Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancake Recipe

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Air Fryer Donut Recipe

3.75 from 107 votes

Buttery and delicious Air Fryer Donuts in just 10 minutes and using only 4 ingredients. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these are going to be your new favorite!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

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Equipment

• Air Fryer Liners
• Air Fryer
• Silicone Basting Brush
• Deep 9-inch Pie Plate

Ingredients

• 16.3 ounce can refrigerated flaky large biscuits
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• cooking spray*
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

Instructions

• Remove the biscuits from the can, separate them, and place them on a work space like a cutting board or rolling mat. Use a 1-inch round cookie cutter (or similarly-sized bottle cap) to cut holes out of the center of each biscuit.
• Lightly coat your air fryer basket with cooking oil.
• Place 4 donuts in a single layer without touching in the air fryer.
• Close the air fryer and set to 350°F (nope, you do not need to preheat).
• Cook for 5-6 minutes or until donuts are lightly browned and you can see the layers of biscuit start to seperate. Flip halfway through the cooking process.
• Repeat with the remaining biscuits.
• In a small, shallow bowl or pie plate, mix together sugar and ground cinnamon.
• Baste both sides of the warm donuts with melted butter.
• Toss in cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately.
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!

Video

Notes

*Many companies do not suggest using nonstick cooking spray such as Pam, which can damage the coating on the basket. Instead, make your own spritz and use olive oil or avocado oil.

You can also cook the donut holes by following the same process and cooking for 4 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 286 kcal, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Cholesterol: 16 mg, Sodium: 545 mg, Potassium: 129 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 8 g, Vitamin A: 175 IU, Calcium: 35 mg, Iron: 2 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 286

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer donuts, homemade doughnuts

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