These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are hands-down the quickest, coziest way to put a batch of fluffy, cinnamon-sugar treats on the table—no need to fuss with yeast or hot oil! In just minutes, you can transform canned biscuits into warm, melt-in-your-mouth donuts that taste like they came from your favorite bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Fast: From the fridge to your first bite, these Easy Air Fryer Donuts take just 15 minutes—including prep!
- No Yeast, No Mess: Skip complicated doughs and sizzling oil—canned biscuits and the air fryer do all the heavy lifting.
- Ultimate Customizability: Start with the classic cinnamon-sugar, then switch up the flavors, toppings, or even glazes to suit your craving.
- Perfectly Pillowy Texture: Each donut comes out golden on the outside, perfectly fluffy inside—every time, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these Easy Air Fryer Donuts is how just a handful of pantry staples turn into something extraordinary. Each ingredient makes a difference—from the rich butter soak to the sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
- 1 can Jumbo Biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands): These give you that ideal, bakery-style puff without the hassle of homemade dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The sweet crunch that gets absorbed into every nook and cranny after baking.
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon: For classic donut shop vibes and deep, cozy flavor.
- 5 Tablespoons butter, melted: Makes that sugar-cinnamon coating stick and adds irresistible richness.
- Coconut oil spray (or olive oil spray): For greasing the air fryer basket—never use aerosol nonstick sprays like Pam, as they can damage your air fryer.
Variations
Part of the magic of this recipe is how delightfully adaptable it is—don’t be afraid to run wild with swaps and fun flavors. Your Easy Air Fryer Donuts can become the ultimate personalized treat, whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or simply chasing a new craving.
- Chocolate Glaze: Drizzle or dip your donuts in melted chocolate chips for a quick, decadent twist.
- Maple Icing: Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup and a little milk for a sweet topping with breakfast vibes.
- Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free biscuit brand, plant-based butter, and coconut sugar for a completely vegan batch.
- Filled Donuts: After air frying, inject a bit of jam, chocolate spread, or custard for a bakery-style surprise.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer & Ingredients
Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (about 180°C). This helps your donuts puff up with a gorgeous golden crust. While it heats, combine your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl and set aside. It’s also the perfect time to melt your butter—just zap it in a bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Pop open your can of jumbo biscuits and separate the rounds. Use a 1-inch cookie cutter (or the rim of a small bottle cap) to cut a hole in the center of each one—don’t toss those holes, they make the cutest mini-donuts!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Lightly mist your air fryer basket with coconut or olive oil spray. Arrange the donuts in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if needed). Bake at 360°F for 5 minutes until they’re puffed up and lightly browned. For the donut holes, just cook for 3 minutes—watch them closely!
Step 4: Coat & Enjoy!
As soon as the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush both sides generously with melted butter. Immediately dredge in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, using a spoon to sprinkle sugar over the tops and sides if needed. Shake off any extra and serve your Easy Air Fryer Donuts hot for the best experience!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Air Fryer Donuts
- Biscuit Brand Matters: Choose a flaky-style biscuit (like Pillsbury Grands), which puffs up beautifully and yields that classic donut texture—avoid Southern-style or “buttermilk” for this recipe.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give each donut space to rise and crisp up, even if you have to cook in two batches for picture-perfect results.
- Butter Timing is Key: Brush the donuts with melted butter while they’re still warm, so every bit soaks in and helps the cinnamon-sugar cling with every bite.
- Freshness Wins: These treats taste best fresh from the fryer—serve promptly for maximum fluffiness and a delightful crisp exterior.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Garnishes
For next-level Easy Air Fryer Donuts, try dusting them with extra cinnamon-sugar right before serving, or drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Want to up the wow? Add a sprinkle of colorful jimmies, edible glitter, or a zigzag of melted chocolate for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
A steaming cup of coffee, homemade hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk makes the ultimate pairing for these donuts. If you’re serving them at brunch, they’re delicious alongside a fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfait, or even a platter of crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the donuts on a pretty cake stand and let the cinnamon sugar sparkle, or layer them in a basket lined with a cheerful napkin. For parties or brunches, offer a “dipping bar” with small bowls of melted chocolate, sprinkles, or fruit preserves for DIY donut magic—kids and adults love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose a touch of their crispiness but stay soft and sweet for a quick grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Easy Air Fryer Donuts cool fully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month; just know the sugar may dissolve slightly upon thawing, but they’ll still taste fantastic.
Reheating
For best results, revive donuts in the air fryer at 320°F for 1–2 minutes to re-crisp, or pop in the microwave for about 10 seconds for soft, warm treats. If reheated, add a fresh dusting of cinnamon-sugar to bring back that irresistible bakery feeling.
FAQs
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Can I use any kind of biscuit dough for Easy Air Fryer Donuts?
Flaky, layered biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers) works best for light, pillowy results. Buttermilk or Southern-style biscuits will cook through, but the texture won’t be quite as donut-like—so for classic flavor and fluffiness, stick with the flaky variety if possible!
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What’s the best way to keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off?
Brushing the warm donuts with plenty of melted butter is the secret. The butter acts as glue, so make sure not to let the donuts cool too much before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar for maximum coating and flavor.
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Can I double the Easy Air Fryer Donuts recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! You can double or even triple the recipe, just be sure to cook the donuts in batches so the air fryer basket isn’t crowded. This ensures every donut puffs up beautifully and gets that perfect golden exterior.
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Do I have to use an air fryer, or can I bake these instead?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the biscuit donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes. They won’t have quite the same airy texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you need a quick, craveable dessert or an extra-special breakfast, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Easy Air Fryer Donuts. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and wonderful homemade donuts can be. Happy air frying, friends!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 Donuts + 8 Holes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy delicious homemade donuts made in the air fryer with this easy recipe. These fluffy treats are coated in cinnamon sugar and are perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Donuts:
- 1 can Jumbo Biscuits like Pillsbury Grands
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 Tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit by running it for 3-5 minutes.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare Biscuits: Open the can of biscuits, cut out the centers using a cookie cutter, and lightly coat the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray.
- Air Fry Donuts: Place the donuts in the air fryer and bake at 360 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Melt the butter, brush it on the baked donuts, and coat them with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Shake off excess cinnamon sugar and serve the donuts hot.
- Donut Holes: Air fry the holes for 3 minutes, coat with butter, and cover with cinnamon sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
