Save I discovered these donuts by accident on a lazy Sunday morning when my kids wanted something sweet but I had zero motivation to turn on the oven. A can of biscuits sat in the fridge, and suddenly I remembered seeing someone make air fryer donuts online—could it really be that simple? Fifteen minutes later, golden, fluffy donuts emerged, and the kitchen smelled like a bakery. My youngest insisted they tasted better than anything from a shop, and honestly, I wasn't going to argue.
The best moment came when I made these for my neighbors' kids while they were visiting—watching their faces light up when I handed them a warm donut still dusted with cinnamon sugar made me feel like a hero. One of them asked if I'd bought them from somewhere fancy, and when I said I made them in an air fryer from biscuits, their mom laughed and said she'd be stealing the recipe.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): This is the foundation—it rises beautifully in the air fryer and gives you that tender, slightly fluffy texture that makes people forget these started as canned dough.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): The warm butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness; use it immediately after cooking while the donuts are still hot.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Mix this with cinnamon for the coating—the sugar caramelizes slightly from the warm donuts and creates that irresistible sweet crust.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Don't skimp here; good quality cinnamon makes all the difference in the final flavor.
Instructions
- Get Your Air Fryer Ready:
- Preheat to 350°F for 3 minutes—this ensures even cooking and that perfect golden exterior.
- Shape Your Donuts:
- Pop open the biscuit can and use a small round cutter or even a bottle cap to punch out the center of each biscuit. Don't be shy with the pressure; you want a clean hole.
- Prepare the Basket:
- A light spray of nonstick cooking spray prevents sticking and helps them brown beautifully.
- Arrange and Air Fry:
- Place donut shapes in a single layer without touching—they'll puff up as they cook. Air fry for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through, until they're golden and puffed like little pillows.
- Make Your Coating:
- While the donuts cook, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl so you're ready the moment they're done.
- Coat Immediately:
- The magic happens right after cooking: brush each warm donut with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar. The heat helps everything stick.
- Don't Forget the Holes:
- Cook the reserved centers for 3–4 minutes for adorable donut holes that everyone fights over.
Save There's something almost magical about pulling warm, sweet-smelling donuts from the air fryer and knowing you made them yourself in minutes. That moment when you bite into one and discover it's soft inside with that delicate crispy coating—that's when you realize sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones.
Why Air Fryer Donuts Win
Air frying is genuinely different from deep frying—you're circulating hot air around the donut instead of submerging it in oil, which means less mess, less cleanup, and donuts that taste lighter. The cinnamon sugar coating caramelizes beautifully on the outside while the inside stays tender and pillowy. Plus, there's something satisfying about opening an air fryer basket to reveal golden pastries when you were working with canned dough just minutes before.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Serve these warm, ideally within an hour of making them while they still have that fresh-from-the-kitchen appeal. The warm donuts pair perfectly with cold milk for kids or strong coffee for adults—there's a reason bakeries always have that combo. I've also served them alongside hot chocolate on chilly mornings, and they disappear faster than you'd expect.
Creative Twists to Try
Once you master the basic version, you can play around with the coating. I've added a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar and it elevates the whole thing, giving it a subtle spiced warmth that feels almost fancy. You could also try brown sugar instead of granulated for a deeper molasses note, or even a tiny pinch of sea salt to contrast the sweetness.
- Try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of vanilla extract to your cinnamon sugar mix.
- Make a quick glaze with powdered sugar and milk for a different texture.
- Use plant-based butter if you're keeping things dairy-free.
Save These donuts have become my go-to when I need something that feels homemade but doesn't require planning or stress. They remind me that sometimes the best kitchen victories come from happy accidents and a little willingness to experiment.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of dough is best for these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough provides a quick, fluffy base that puffs nicely when air fried, creating a light texture.
- → How do I shape the donuts before cooking?
Use a small round cutter or bottle cap to cut out the centers from each biscuit, forming the classic donut shape.
- → Can I make these donuts dairy-free?
Yes, substituting plant-based butter for the coating will create a dairy-free option without compromising flavor.
- → What temperature and time should I use for air frying?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the donuts for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, turning halfway.
- → Is it possible to make donut holes with leftover dough?
Absolutely! Cook the reserved centers for 3-4 minutes at the same temperature for mini cinnamon sugar bites.