Save to Pinterest My daughter dragged a chair to the counter last Tuesday and announced we were making donuts. I had exactly zero donut-making skills and nine minutes before school pickup. We used refrigerated biscuit dough, the air fryer, and somehow created something magical. The house smelled like cinnamon and victory.
My neighbor texted at 7pm on a Sunday, craving something sweet but not wanting to commit to actual baking. I showed up with a box of these air fryer donuts and her teenage son ate three before asking if Id cater his graduation party. The cinnamon sugar coating sticks perfectly because of the melted butter step—do not skip it.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret shortcut that rises beautifully and creates tender donut texture without proofing or kneading
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve golden color without excessive oil
- Granulated sugar: Creates the classic crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with soft dough
- Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that transforms simple sugar into that nostalgic bakery flavor
- Unsalted butter, melted: The essential adhesive that helps cinnamon sugar cling to every surface
Instructions
- Heat things up:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes while you open the biscuit can—let that satisfying pop signal donut time
- Create donut shapes:
- Separate biscuits and use a 1-inch round cutter to punch holes in centers, saving those precious bits for bonus donut holes
- Prep the basket:
- Give your air fryer basket a quick spray of nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup stays minimal
- Air fry to perfection:
- Arrange donuts in one comfortable layer and cook 3-4 minutes, flipping at the halfway point for even golden color
- Mix the coating:
- Whisk sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl while donuts cook so you are ready for immediate coating
- Butter and coat:
- Brush warm donuts generously with melted butter on all sides then toss in cinnamon sugar until thoroughly coated
- Serve immediately:
- Enjoy warm while sugar is slightly crunchy and repeat with remaining dough until all donuts are gone
Save to Pinterest My grandmother claimed she spent hours making donuts from scratch every Sunday morning. Years later I found her stash of refrigerated biscuit cans in the back of her pantry. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make you look like a kitchen wizard with zero effort.
Making Donut Holes
Those centers you cut out become the most addictive bite sized treats. Air fry them for just 2 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Coat them exactly like the full sized donuts but toss them more vigorously to get into all the crevices and crannies.
Temperature Matters
350°F is the sweet spot for cooking the dough completely through without burning the exterior. Higher temperatures create dark crusts before the center finishes. Lower temperatures make doughy greasy donuts that nobody wants.
Flavor Variations
Sometimes cinnamon sugar needs a break. Try powdered sugar for a classic look or mix cocoa powder into your sugar for chocolate lovers. A vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract transforms these into bakery style treats.
- Add nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a spiced variation
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over chocolate coated donuts
- Fill cooled donuts with jam using a piping bag for filled donut experience
Save to Pinterest These disappeared faster than anything else Ive ever made. The air fryer magic creates that perfect fried texture without the mess of hot oil.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough is used?
Refrigerated biscuit dough is used for a quick and fluffy base that's easy to shape and air fry.
- → How do I get the hole in the center of the donuts?
Use a small round cutter, about 1 inch in diameter, to cut the center from each biscuit before air frying.
- → What temperature and time are best for air frying?
Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and air fry the donuts for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
- → How is the cinnamon sugar coating applied?
After air frying, brush donuts with melted butter and toss them in a cinnamon sugar mix to coat thoroughly.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, you can drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or roll in cocoa powder for variation.