Save The first time I made donuts in my air fryer, I was skeptical—how could something so simple and quick taste like the real deal? But standing in my kitchen at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, watching those biscuits puff up into golden rings, the cinnamon sugar smell filling the space, I understood instantly. My neighbor knocked on the door fifteen minutes later asking what smelled so good. I handed her a still-warm donut and watched her eyes light up. That's when I knew this recipe had won me over.
I made these for my daughter's friend group one rainy afternoon, and they disappeared so fast I barely got one for myself. Watching them tear into these warm donuts, dunking them in their hot chocolate, laughing at how messy the cinnamon sugar was—that's when I realized these aren't just donuts. They're an excuse to make something feel special on an ordinary day.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 8 biscuits): This is your secret weapon. Already seasoned and ready to rise, it transforms into something that rivals bakery donuts without the fuss or fancy equipment.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): Brush it on while the donuts are still warm so it soaks in and makes the coating stick. This is where the richness comes from.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Keep it plain and fine so it coats evenly, creating that irresistible crunch against the soft dough.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Don't skimp here. This is the whole personality of the donut, and quality cinnamon makes all the difference.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Heat it to 350°F and give it a full 3 minutes to warm through. A properly preheated air fryer is the difference between donuts that puff and ones that stay dense.
- Cut your donut shapes:
- Pop those biscuits out of the can and use a small round cutter—or honestly, a bottle cap works just fine—to punch out the center of each one. You'll have eight perfect rings and eight little holes to fry too.
- Prep the basket:
- A quick spritz of nonstick spray prevents any sticking drama and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Lay the donut rings in a single layer, making sure they don't touch, and air fry at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. They'll puff up and turn golden while you watch.
- Make the coating while they cook:
- Mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl so it's ready the moment the donuts come out. Speed matters here.
- Coat them while warm:
- Brush each donut generously with melted butter, then toss it immediately into your cinnamon sugar mixture, turning to coat all sides. The warmth helps everything stick.
- Finish the donut holes:
- Fry those little centers for about 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway, then treat them to the same butter and sugar love.
Save There's a moment, right after I pull these out of the air fryer and the cinnamon sugar hits the warm dough, where my kitchen smells like a state fair. It's that small magic that reminds me why I cook—to turn ordinary moments into something people talk about later.
Why Air Fryer Donuts Win
Air frying cuts the fuss out of donut making without sacrificing that fluffy interior and slightly crispy exterior you're chasing. You're not dealing with hot oil spatters, you're not burning your fingers, and your whole house doesn't smell like a deep fryer for three days. The biscuit dough does most of the work for you—it already has the right rise and structure built in.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you nail the classic, the door opens to so many directions. A pinch of nutmeg mixed with the cinnamon sugar adds warmth and sophistication. Maple sugar instead of plain sugar creates a different kind of cozy. Even a tiny hint of vanilla extract brushed on with the butter shifts everything in a subtle, delicious way. The base recipe is so forgiving that playing around is not just okay, it's encouraged.
Serving and Storage
These donuts are best eaten fresh and warm, still in that window where the outside is crisp and the inside is tender. But if you do end up with leftovers—which honestly rarely happens in my house—they'll keep in an airtight container for a day and reheat beautifully in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes. Serve them with coffee, hot chocolate, or even cold milk; they pair with everything.
- Eat them within a few hours of making for the best texture, though they'll taste good the next day too.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature so they don't dry out.
- If you want to prep ahead, cut the donut shapes and freeze them unbaked, then air fry straight from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the cooking time.
Save These are the kind of donuts that feel like spoiling yourself without the guilt or the complicated process. You'll find yourself making them more often than you expected, and everyone will wonder how you managed to make something this good so easily.
Common Questions
- → What type of dough is best for these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough works best for creating soft and fluffy donuts that cook evenly in the air fryer.
- → How do I ensure the donuts cook evenly?
Arrange the donuts in a single layer without touching in the air fryer basket and flip halfway through cooking for an even golden color.
- → Can I adjust the cinnamon sugar coating?
Yes, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a richer flavor or adjust the sugar to suit your taste.
- → What is the best way to cut the donut shapes?
Use a small round cutter or a bottle cap to remove the centers from each biscuit to form classic donut shapes.
- → Are there alternative options to butter for coating?
Plant-based butter can be substituted for a dairy-free version while maintaining the rich coating texture.
- → How should these be served for the best experience?
Serve warm to enjoy the ideal texture and flavor, especially when paired with hot beverages like coffee or chocolate.