Introduction: Can You Make Warm, Fluffy Donuts in Minutes with No Deep Frying?
Ever craved fresh, warm donuts but didn’t want the mess of deep frying? Easy Air Fryer Donuts are here to save the day! Using simple canned biscuit dough, these donuts come together in under 15 minutes with a golden, fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that’s pure magic. Perfect for breakfast, a quick dessert, or a fun treat with kids, this beginner-friendly recipe is fast, foolproof, and oh-so-delicious. Ready to whip up a batch of donuts that taste like they came from a bakery? Let’s get started!
Overview: Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Game-Changer
These Air Fryer Donuts are a quick and easy way to satisfy your donut cravings without the hassle of traditional frying. Made with store-bought biscuit dough, they’re fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar mix that screams comfort. With just 10 minutes of active prep and a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a batch of warm donuts that rival any donut shop. They’re perfect for beginners, busy mornings, or a fun family activity.
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes active prep, 4–5 minutes cooking (total: ~15 minutes).
- Difficulty Level: Easy—ideal for beginners or cooking with kids.
- Why It’s Special: No deep frying, minimal ingredients, and a quick cooking time make these donuts a stress-free treat with maximum flavor.
Essential Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Donuts
This recipe uses just four ingredients to create fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-coated donuts. Each one is key to achieving that classic donut vibe. Here’s the breakdown, with why each matters and substitution ideas.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can, such as Pillsbury Grands): The base for the donuts.
- Why it’s important: The pre-made dough is fluffy, easy to shape, and cooks perfectly in the air fryer, saving tons of time.
- Substitutions: Use homemade biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. For gluten-free, try a gluten-free biscuit dough, but check air fryer cooking times.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the topping stick and adds richness.
- Why it’s important: It gives the donuts a golden finish and a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Substitutions: Use margarine, coconut oil, or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the coating.
- Why it’s important: It creates the classic sweet crunch of a donut shop treat.
- Substitutions: Try brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-sugar option.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, spicy flavor to the coating.
- Why it’s important: It gives the donuts that iconic cinnamon-sugar taste that’s nostalgic and delicious.
- Substitutions: Swap for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different twist, or skip for a plain sugar coating.
Pro Tip: Use a standard-size can of biscuit dough (8 biscuits) for best results. Larger or smaller biscuits may need slight adjustments in cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts
This recipe is super simple and comes together in a snap! Follow these steps to create your air fryer donuts, with tips for perfect results.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden crust. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, skip to the next step.
- Prepare the Donuts:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate into individual biscuits.
- Use a small round cutter (like a 1-inch biscuit cutter or bottle cap) to punch a hole in the center of each biscuit, creating a classic donut shape. Save the donut holes for cooking, if desired.
- Tip: Save the donut holes to air fry alongside the donuts—they make cute, poppable treats!
- Air Fry the Donuts:
- Place the donuts (and donut holes, if using) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Tip: Check for doneness early, as air fryer models vary. The donuts should be puffed and golden, not doughy inside.
- Coat the Donuts:
- While the donuts are warm, brush each one lightly with 2 tablespoons melted butter using a pastry brush.
- In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Roll the donuts in the mixture or sprinkle it over them until evenly coated.
- Tip: Coat while warm for the best sugar adhesion. If rolling, do it gently to keep the donuts’ shape.
Cooking Tip: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for the best results, and keep cooked donuts warm in a low oven (200°F) if needed.
Assembly: Serving Your Air Fryer Donuts with Flair
Your Air Fryer Donuts are ready to enjoy! Here’s how to present and serve them to make them irresistible.
- Serve Them Up: Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture, or let them cool slightly for easier handling.
- Plate with Style: Stack the donuts on a colorful plate or arrange them with the donut holes in a fun pattern. Dust with extra cinnamon-sugar for a sparkly finish.
- Presentation Tip: The golden donuts with their cinnamon-sugar coating look amazing in a basket or on a tiered stand, perfect for brunches or parties.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk for a classic donut shop vibe.
Pro Tip: For a party, set up a “donut bar” with different toppings like sprinkles, powdered sugar, or chocolate drizzle for guests to customize their donuts.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Keeping Your Donuts Fresh
These donuts are best fresh but can be stored or prepped ahead for convenience. Here’s how to keep them tasting great.
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the air fryer.
- Tip: Store without the cinnamon-sugar coating to prevent sogginess, and recoat after reheating.
- Re-Serving:
- Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 1–2 minutes to restore the warm, fluffy texture. Brush with a little melted butter and recoat with cinnamon-sugar if needed.
- Tip: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the donuts soggy.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Shape the donuts and cut out the holes up to a day in advance, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Air fry when ready.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mix ahead and store in a sealed container for quick coating.
- Tip: Don’t coat with butter or sugar until after air frying to keep the donuts fresh.
Pro Tip: If freezing, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag to maintain freshness.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative with Your Air Fryer Donuts
These donuts are a blank canvas for fun flavors and toppings! Here are some ideas to mix things up.
- Glazed Donuts: Skip the cinnamon-sugar and dip in a simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk).
- Chocolate-Dipped Donuts: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and dip the tops, then add sprinkles or crushed nuts.
- Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the coating for a fall-inspired treat.
- Powdered Sugar Donuts: Roll in powdered sugar instead of cinnamon-sugar for a classic look.
- Vegan Donuts: Use vegan biscuit dough (check labels) and vegan butter, and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly.
- Filled Donuts: After air frying, use a piping bag to fill with jam, custard, or chocolate spread for a surprise inside.
Experiment Tip: Try cutting the dough into different shapes (like hearts or stars) for a fun twist, or use mini biscuit dough for bite-sized donuts.
Conclusion: Savor Your Easy Air Fryer Donuts!
You’ve just made a batch of Easy Air Fryer Donuts that are fluffy, sweet, and ready in minutes! These quick treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack, bringing all the joy of a donut shop without the hassle. With their golden crust and cinnamon-sugar sparkle, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Play with toppings, shapes, or flavors to make them your own. Grab a donut, share with friends, or enjoy them all yourself—you’ve earned it! Share your donut creations in the comments or on social media. Happy air frying!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Description
Ever craved fresh, warm donuts but didn’t want the mess of deep frying? Easy Air Fryer Donuts are here to save the day! Using simple canned biscuit dough, these donuts come together in under 15 minutes with a golden, fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that’s pure magic. Perfect for breakfast, a quick dessert, or a fun treat with kids, this beginner-friendly recipe is fast, foolproof, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients
This recipe uses just four ingredients to create fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-coated donuts. Each one is key to achieving that classic donut vibe. Here’s the breakdown, with why each matters and substitution ideas.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can, such as Pillsbury Grands): The base for the donuts.
- Why it’s important: The pre-made dough is fluffy, easy to shape, and cooks perfectly in the air fryer, saving tons of time.
- Substitutions: Use homemade biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. For gluten-free, try a gluten-free biscuit dough, but check air fryer cooking times.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the topping stick and adds richness.
- Why it’s important: It gives the donuts a golden finish and a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Substitutions: Use margarine, coconut oil, or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the coating.
- Why it’s important: It creates the classic sweet crunch of a donut shop treat.
- Substitutions: Try brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-sugar option.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, spicy flavor to the coating.
- Why it’s important: It gives the donuts that iconic cinnamon-sugar taste that’s nostalgic and delicious.
- Substitutions: Swap for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different twist, or skip for a plain sugar coating.
Pro Tip: Use a standard-size can of biscuit dough (8 biscuits) for best results. Larger or smaller biscuits may need slight adjustments in cooking time.
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden crust. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, skip to the next step.
- Prepare the Donuts:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate into individual biscuits.
- Use a small round cutter (like a 1-inch biscuit cutter or bottle cap) to punch a hole in the center of each biscuit, creating a classic donut shape. Save the donut holes for cooking, if desired.
- Tip: Save the donut holes to air fry alongside the donuts—they make cute, poppable treats!
- Air Fry the Donuts:
- Place the donuts (and donut holes, if using) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Tip: Check for doneness early, as air fryer models vary. The donuts should be puffed and golden, not doughy inside.
- Coat the Donuts:
- While the donuts are warm, brush each one lightly with 2 tablespoons melted butter using a pastry brush.
- In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Roll the donuts in the mixture or sprinkle it over them until evenly coated.
- Tip: Coat while warm for the best sugar adhesion. If rolling, do it gently to keep the donuts’ shape.
Cooking Tip: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for the best results, and keep cooked donuts warm in a low oven (200°F) if needed.
FAQs: Your Air Fryer Donut Questions Answered
Q: Can kids help make these donuts?
A: Yes! Kids can cut out the donut holes, brush on butter, or roll in cinnamon-sugar. Supervise when using the air fryer.
Q: How long does it take to make these donuts?
A: Active prep takes about 10 minutes, cooking takes 4–5 minutes per batch (total: ~15 minutes for one batch).
Q: Are there health benefits to these donuts?
A: They’re a treat, but air frying uses less oil than traditional frying. Use low-sugar biscuit dough or less coating for a lighter option, and enjoy in moderation.
Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?
A: Yes! Bake at 350°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, or shallow-fry in oil for a traditional donut.
Q: How do I store these donuts?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze for 1 month.
Q: What if my donuts don’t cook evenly?
A: Ensure they’re in a single layer and not touching. Adjust cooking time slightly if your air fryer runs hot or cool.
Q: Can I use homemade dough?
A: Yes! Use a homemade biscuit or yeast donut dough, but adjust cooking time as needed (check for doneness).