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.

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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.