Air Fryer Donut Recipe – Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts in 15 Minutes

Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, craving something warm, fluffy, and sweet. You want that cozy, satisfying feeling only a fresh donut can provide. But who has the energy to deal with deep frying or waiting for dough to rise? That’s where this air fryer donuts recipe comes to the rescue. It’s ridiculously easy, quick, and gives you that classic cinnamon-sugar goodness you’re dreaming of without the fuss.

This air fryer donut recipe uses a clever shortcut — refrigerated biscuit dough. Yep, you read that right. No messing around with yeast or waiting for dough to rise. It’s as simple as popping open a can, cutting out some donut shapes, and letting your air fryer work its magic. And let’s be real, isn’t there something oddly satisfying about opening a can of biscuit dough?

The first time I tried making these, I was skeptical. How could something this easy taste so good? But after that first warm, buttery bite coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, I was hooked. The air fryer gives the donuts a lovely golden-brown finish, making them crisp on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. They’ve quickly become a go-to treat for last-minute brunches, unexpected guests, or just when I need a sweet pick-me-up.

If you love delicious, comforting treats that don’t require hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a real treat. And the best part? You don’t have to feel guilty about indulging because these air fryer donuts are way lighter than their deep-fried cousins. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this air fryer donut recipe, but let’s break it down to the essentials:

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a baking pro to pull this off. With only four simple ingredients, you’ll have fresh donuts ready to eat in less than 15 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want something sweet and special without putting in much effort.

It’s also incredibly versatile. While the classic cinnamon-sugar coating is a crowd-pleaser, you can get creative with glazes, toppings, or even stuffing the donuts with your favorite jams or Nutella. It’s a recipe that’s just begging to be customized.

Another reason to love these air fryer donuts is their lightness. Unlike deep-fried donuts, these are cooked with hot air, resulting in less oil and fewer calories. That means you can enjoy a couple of donuts without feeling like you need to nap the rest of the day.

Plus, the texture is absolutely dreamy. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s the best of both worlds. And did I mention the aroma? That warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar scent filling your kitchen is pure bliss.

Lastly, these donuts are family-friendly. Kids can have fun helping with the dough cutting and coating. And if you’re hosting a brunch or a cozy get-together, this recipe will impress your guests without breaking a sweat.

Once you try making these air fryer donuts, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting, quick, and delicious.

Health Benefits

While we all know donuts are a treat, making them in the air fryer offers a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried versions. Here’s why these air fryer donuts are a slightly better choice when you’re craving something sweet:

Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, which means these donuts are lower in fat and calories. Instead of submerging the dough in hot oil, air frying uses circulating hot air to achieve that golden-brown exterior. This process results in a much lighter treat, perfect for those trying to cut back on unhealthy fats.

Since air frying reduces oil consumption, it also cuts down on cholesterol intake. Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is essential for heart health, so enjoying these air fryer donuts instead of their deep-fried counterparts is a smart move.

Another benefit of this recipe is its simplicity and straightforward ingredient list. The donuts are made from store-bought biscuit dough, which is relatively low in sugar and contains essential nutrients like iron and calcium. While they’re not exactly a health food, you can feel better about enjoying them compared to heavily processed, deep-fried alternatives.

You can also boost the nutritional value of these donuts by experimenting with different coatings and fillings. Instead of cinnamon sugar, try dusting them with a blend of powdered peanut butter and cocoa powder. Or fill them with high-quality fruit preserves for a touch of natural sweetness.

Additionally, because these donuts are made in an air fryer, they cook quickly. The shorter cooking time preserves more nutrients in the dough than prolonged frying or baking. And if you’re looking for a way to indulge your sweet tooth without overindulging, making smaller donut holes instead of full-sized donuts can help with portion control.

It’s also worth noting that by making these donuts at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can opt for low-fat or reduced-sugar biscuit dough and adjust the toppings to suit your dietary preferences.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5–6 minutes per batch (depending on your air fryer’s size and power)
Servings: Makes 8 donuts (with donut holes)

Nutritional Information (Per Donut):

• Calories: 261 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Sodium: 567mg
• Sugar: 8g
• Calcium: 32mg
• Iron: 2mg

Now that you know why this recipe is so amazing, let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer donuts.

Ingredients List

Ingredients Needed (Makes 8 Donuts):

• Refrigerated Biscuits: 1 can (16.3 oz) Grand Flaky Layers Pillsbury biscuits. This convenient dough makes everything so much easier.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. Adds the perfect sweetness to coat the donuts.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. For that classic warm, comforting flavor.
• Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (Salted or unsalted). Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the donuts and adds richness.

Gather your ingredients, and get ready to make the easiest, most delicious donuts you’ve ever had. Up next, we’ll dive into the step-by-step cooking instructions.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Making these air fryer donuts is super easy and fast. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Dough

• Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them onto a clean cutting board.
• Use a small round cutter (or the back of a piping tip) to cut a hole in the middle of each biscuit, creating a donut shape. Don’t toss those donut holes — we’re making those too!

2. Preheat and Arrange

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (if your air fryer requires preheating).
• Arrange 4 donuts and 4 donut holes in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

3. Air Fry the Donuts

• Air fry the donuts at 350°F for 5–6 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
• Check them around the 4-minute mark to make sure they’re not overcooking.
• Once done, transfer the donuts and holes to a cooling rack.

4. Prepare the Coating

• In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
• Pour melted butter into another bowl.

5. Coat the Donuts

• While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the melted butter, coating both sides. Let excess butter drip off.
• Immediately roll the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
• Place the coated donuts back on the cooling rack and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve your donuts warm and fresh. Enjoy them on their own, or get creative with extra toppings like chocolate drizzle, icing, or sprinkles.

How to Serve

These air fryer donuts are fantastic straight out of the fryer, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your experience:

• Classic Style: Serve warm with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea.
• Glazed Goodness: Drizzle with vanilla or chocolate glaze and top with sprinkles.
• Fruit-Filled Delight: Slice the donuts in half and fill them with jam, Nutella, or peanut butter.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice the donuts in half and place a scoop of ice cream in the middle for a fun dessert twist.

Whether you keep it simple or dress them up, these donuts are sure to impress.

Pairing Suggestions

To make your donut experience even better, here are some perfect pairings:

• Drinks: Serve with a rich, creamy coffee, hot chocolate, or even a chilled glass of milk.
• Breakfast Spread: Pair with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Brunch Table: Combine with other air fryer treats like cinnamon rolls, French toast sticks, or mini quiches.
• Dessert Plate: Serve alongside fresh berries and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying these air fryer donuts.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing:

• Place fully cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
• You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds, but they won’t be as crisp.

By following these steps, you can easily enjoy these air fryer donuts anytime.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making these air fryer donuts is super simple, but here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Give your donuts space to cook evenly. If they overlap, they’ll end up soggy instead of crisp.
• Skipping the Preheat: Some air fryers need preheating to cook the donuts evenly. Always check your air fryer’s instructions.
• Using Hot Butter: When coating the donuts, let the melted butter cool slightly. If it’s too hot, it can make the donuts soggy.
• Overcooking the Donuts: Keep an eye on them. They can go from golden brown to burnt quickly.
• Skipping the Cooling Rack: Letting the donuts rest on a cooling rack helps them stay crisp instead of getting soggy.

Pro Tips

To make sure your air fryer donuts turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Cold Dough: Keeping the biscuit dough cool until you’re ready to use it will help maintain its flakiness.
• Work in Batches: If your air fryer is small, cook the donuts in batches to prevent overcrowding.
• Customize Your Coating: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar blend for a chocolatey twist.
• Add Extra Flavor: Try sprinkling some crushed nuts or coconut flakes over your donuts for added texture.
• Play with Fillings: For something extra special, use a piping bag to inject jam or chocolate into the donut holes before coating them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, but it will take longer. Homemade dough typically needs time to rise and may require a slightly longer cooking time in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to keep the donuts fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Can I skip the butter coating?

Technically, yes. But the butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the donuts and adds extra richness.

Can I use pre-made icing instead of cinnamon-sugar?

Absolutely! Glaze your donuts with vanilla, chocolate, or maple icing, and add sprinkles if you like.

Why are my donuts turning out dry?

They’re probably overcooked. Try reducing the air frying time by a minute or two.

Can I reheat frozen donuts in the air fryer?

Yes, reheating them at 350°F for 2–3 minutes works beautifully.

Is it necessary to flip the donuts during cooking?

No, air frying them at 350°F cooks them evenly without the need to flip.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free biscuit dough if you can find it.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, by using vegan biscuit dough, plant-based butter, and sugar that’s not processed with bone char.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Congratulations! You just made a batch of warm, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious air fryer donuts. Wasn’t that easy? With only a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes of your time, you’ve created a treat that tastes like it came from a bakery.

Now it’s your turn to get creative. Will you stick with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating or experiment with glazes and fillings? The possibilities are endless.

I’d love to see how your air fryer donuts turn out! Feel free to share your creations, leave a comment with your own twists on the recipe, or tag me on social media. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to bookmark it for future cravings.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious donuts!

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