Save I discovered these one lazy Sunday morning when my kids were begging for donuts but I absolutely refused to go to the bakery. Staring at a can of biscuit dough in my fridge and remembering I'd just gotten an air fryer, I thought, why not? Ten minutes later, we were biting into golden, fluffy donuts that tasted like we'd driven somewhere special. That happy accident became our weekend shortcut that somehow feels less like cheating and more like a small kitchen miracle.
The first time I made these for my sister's coffee visit, she was genuinely shocked that I'd made fresh donuts in under 15 minutes total. She kept asking if I'd cheated somehow, and I loved that I could honestly say I just had a good shortcut. Now she makes them constantly and has already converted three of her friends into believers.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits): This is your secret weapon—it's already developed gluten and designed to puff up beautifully, which means you skip all the yeast waiting and still get that soft, tender donut crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Keep it simple here; fine sugar coats the warm donuts evenly without any grittiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon if you can find it, as the flavor difference is noticeable and worth it.
- Unsalted butter, melted: The butter acts as the glue that makes the cinnamon sugar stick while adding richness to every bite.
- Nonstick cooking spray: This prevents sticking and helps them cook evenly without needing to flip them constantly.
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your workspace:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it warm for 3 minutes. This matters more than you'd think—a properly preheated basket ensures even, golden cooking instead of pale spots.
- Cut your donut shapes:
- Pop open the biscuit can and gently separate each biscuit. Use a small round cutter (about 1 inch) to punch out the center of each one, creating that iconic donut hole. Save those holes if you want to cook them separately—they're actually perfect for kids and only take 2 minutes.
- Spray and arrange:
- Give your basket a light coat of nonstick spray and lay your donuts in a single layer, spacing them so air can circulate. If your basket is small, you'll need to cook in batches, which is honestly fine and keeps things from steaming instead of crisping.
- Air fry with intention:
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway through. You're looking for them to puff up and turn golden brown; they'll feel just slightly firm to the touch but still soft inside. The smell at this point is almost embarrassing—too good for something so fast.
- Mix your coating while they cook:
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This timing trick means everything is ready the moment they come out hot, when the butter and sugar will coat most generously.
- Finish with butter and sugar:
- The donuts should come out steaming. Brush them immediately and generously with melted butter on all sides, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The heat helps the sugar adhere and creates a slightly caramelized exterior.
- Serve and repeat:
- Eat these warm—that's when they're at their best. If you're cooking batches, keep finished donuts on a wire rack while you cook the next batch so they stay crispy on the bottom.
Save There's something about setting a warm, cinnamon-sugared donut in someone's hand and watching their face light up that feels like pure kindness. It happened that morning with my sister, and it keeps happening whenever I make these for friends. That simple joy—fresh pastry, no effort required from anyone but me—is exactly why I keep coming back to this recipe.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the basic cinnamon sugar version, the door opens to endless quick variations. A maple glaze made with powdered sugar and a touch of maple syrup takes about 30 seconds to make and tastes like a fall morning. Cocoa powder mixed with sugar creates a chocolate lover's dream, while a simple powdered sugar coating feels more elegant and refined when you want something less sweet.
The Glazing Alternative
If you're in the mood for something closer to a traditional glazed donut, skip the butter and cinnamon sugar and go for a quick glaze instead. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla, let your donuts cool for just a minute (it's okay if they're still warm), and dip them in. It sets faster than you'd expect and gives you that bakery-style finish that feels somehow more impressive.
Why the Air Fryer Wins Here
I used to think air fryers were just a trend, but this recipe converted me completely. They cook donuts evenly, create that perfect golden crust without deep frying, and your kitchen doesn't end up smelling like grease for three days. Plus, there's virtually no cleanup—just a quick wipe of the basket, and you're done.
- The circulating hot air cooks them faster and more evenly than you'd expect from a 4-minute cook time.
- You can easily cook a second batch while people are eating the first one, which is perfect if you're making these for a crowd.
- Unlike traditional frying, there's zero oil splattering or smoke to worry about.
Save These donuts prove that the best meals aren't always the most complicated ones—sometimes they're the ones that bring the most joy in the least time. Keep making them.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough is used for these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough provides a soft, flaky texture that air fries quickly and creates fluffy, tender donuts.
- → How do I get a crispy exterior on the donuts?
Air frying at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden, and coating with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar, ensures a crisp, flavorful crust.
- → Can I make donut holes with this method?
Yes, the small cut-out centers from the biscuits can be air-fried alongside the donuts to create bite-sized donut holes.
- → What variations can be applied to the coating?
Try glazing with powdered sugar and milk or rolling the donuts in cocoa powder for a different taste profile.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container for up to one day to maintain freshness and texture.