You know those mornings when only a warm, fluffy donut will do? But the thought of deep-frying? Oof. Messy, splattery, and honestly, a little intimidating for just one (or two!) craving. Well, get ready to have your mind blown, because we’re about to make incredible air fryer donuts that taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery, only better because YOU made them! Trust me, achieve that golden, slightly crisp exterior and wonderfully soft interior without all the fuss. It’s like magic, but it’s just smart cooking! This little trick with refrigerated biscuit dough is my go-to when the donut craving hits HARD, and it’s SO satisfying. To learn more about my kitchen philosophy and why I love sharing these kinds of recipes, you can check out my about page!
- Why You'll Love These Quick Air Fryer Donuts
- Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Donuts
- How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
- Tips for the Best Air Fryer Donuts
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Donuts
- Nutritional Information (Estimated)
- Share Your Air Fryer Donut Creations!
Why You’ll Love These Quick Air Fryer Donuts
Seriously, you’re going to be obsessed with these:
- Super Speedy: You can whip these up in under 15 minutes! Perfect for those sudden sweet cravings.
- Way Less Mess: Forget the oil splatter and the cleanup! The air fryer is your friend here.
- Pure Deliciousness: They turn out golden, fluffy, and just begging for a cinnamon sugar coating.
- So Satisfying: Homemade donuts without the whole production? Yes, please!
Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Donuts
Okay, get ready for how easy this is! You only need a few things:
- 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
Alright, let’s get these beauties made! It’s really quite simple, and watching them puff up in the air fryer is just the coolest. My kitchen smells amazing when I do this, and yours will too! Remember, the key here is speed and not overcrowding the basket so they can get nice and golden. If you want to see some more awesome air fryer creations, you should definitely check out this recipe for more inspiration!
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
First things first, let’s get that yummy coating ready. Just grab a small bowl and whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until they’re all nicely combined. Set this aside; we’ll use it in a minute!
Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Now for the star of the show: the biscuits! Carefully separate your biscuit dough. You can either leave them whole or, if you want cute little donut holes to munch on, cut each biscuit into quarters. I usually cut mine in half when I want classic-sized donuts, but donut holes are always a hit!
Air Fry the Donuts
Okay, time for the magic! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is super important for getting that lovely golden crust. Once it’s hot, arrange your biscuit pieces in the air fryer basket. Make sure you don’t pile them up – a single layer is key so that the hot air can circulate all around them. You might need to do this in two batches, depending on your air fryer size. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, and don’t forget to flip them halfway through! You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on both sides. I’ve found that some air fryers run a little hotter, so keep an eye on them!
Finishing Touches for Your Air Fryer Donuts
As soon as they come out of the air fryer (careful, they’re hot!), immediately brush them all over with that melted butter. Then, while they’re still warm and buttery, gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re coated perfectly. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Donuts
Okay, so these air fryer donuts are pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks from my kitchen that I swear by to make them absolutely perfect every time. Since every air fryer is a little different, you might need to play with the time a bit. My Frigidaire runs a tad cooler, so sometimes I need an extra minute or two to get that perfect golden glow. And speaking of glow, if you want to try a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar, just mix some powdered sugar with a tiny splash of milk or water until it’s drizzly. SO good! Want more breakfast ideas? You should totally wander over to my breakfast and brunch collection for more fun stuff!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When you’re making these super easy air fryer donuts, the type of biscuit dough really matters! I always reach for the classic refrigerated kind – it’s just dependable and has the perfect tender texture when cooked. You definitely want the kind that comes in those pop-open cans. As for the sugar, granulated sugar is great, but if you’re feeling fancy, a light brown sugar would give a deeper caramel note. And butter is best, but if you’re out, a good quality margarine melted works in a pinch!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Donuts
Got a question about these speedy little donuts? I’ve probably answered it below! They’re so easy, but sometimes little things pop up in the kitchen.
Can I make air fryer donuts from scratch?
You absolutely can! While this recipe uses a handy shortcut with refrigerated biscuit dough, making your own donut dough from scratch is definitely possible in the air fryer. You’ll want to follow a yeast-raised or cake donut recipe, shape them, and then carefully place them in the air fryer. Just remember that cooking times and temperatures might vary a bit more with homemade dough, so keep a close eye on them!
Are biscuit dough donuts in the air fryer healthier?
Compared to traditional deep-fried donuts, yes, these air fryer versions are generally considered healthier because they use significantly less oil. We’re essentially baking them with hot air, not submerging them in grease! They still have sugar and dough, so they’re a treat, but you get that delightful texture without all the extra fat from deep frying. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy that craving with a lighter touch!
How do I get my air fryer donuts crispy?
For that perfect little crispness on the outside, make sure your air fryer is fully preheated before you add the donuts. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket! Giving them space allows the hot air to circulate and crisp them up evenly on all sides. Flipping them halfway through is crucial for getting that golden-brown color all around. You want them slightly firm to the touch when they’re done, not mushy.
What temperature and time should I use for air fryer donuts?
We found that 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes works like a charm for these biscuit dough donuts. It gives them enough time to cook through and get nicely golden without burning. But hey, air fryers can be quirky! It’s always a good idea to check them around the 5-minute mark and adjust the time based on how your specific machine cooks. You’re looking for that lovely golden-brown hue!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Now, I know we’re not making these for a health kick (though they are way better than deep-fried!), but it’s always good to have a general idea. These numbers are just estimates, and they can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how big you cut those biscuit pieces. Treat these as a helpful guide!
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: Around 150
- Fat: About 8g
- Saturated Fat: Around 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Around 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Around 18g
- Sugar: About 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Share Your Air Fryer Donut Creations!
Okay, now it’s your turn! Did you make these super easy air fryer donuts? I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Let me know in the comments below how they turned out, if you tried any fun variations, or just how quickly you devoured them! You can also share your pics and tag us on Facebook at Recipes To Keep – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
PrintAir Fryer Donuts
Make light and fluffy donuts in your air fryer with this simple recipe. Enjoy a homemade donut experience with less oil and fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 7 min
- Total Time: 12 min
- Yield: 8-10 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Separate the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit in half.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the biscuit halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove donuts from the air fryer and immediately brush with melted butter.
- Roll the buttered donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For donut holes, use smaller pieces of biscuit dough.
- You can also make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or water.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg