If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s quick, delightful, and super fun to make, then you’re going to love this Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe! These donuts come out perfectly golden, fluffy on the inside, and coated with a warm cinnamon sugar layer that feels like a hug in every bite. Using pantry staples and a simple air fryer technique, you can whip up a homemade batch faster than you can say “fresh donut,” making them an irresistible snack or breakfast treat that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to create the perfect texture and flavor for your Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe. Each one plays a starring role, from the tender flaky biscuits that form the base to the cinnamon sugar that gives a sweet and spicy crunch.
- Jumbo Biscuits (1 can): The foundation of your donuts; flaky, soft, and easy to work with for quick baking.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and adds crunch when combined with cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tablespoon): Adds warm spice and that classic donut flavor.
- Butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Coats the donuts to hold the cinnamon sugar and adds rich moistness.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Letting it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes ensures an even temperature so the donuts will bake up beautifully. This small step is key for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the air fryer warms up, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. This simple cinnamon sugar blend will give your donuts their signature sweet and spicy finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Doughnuts
Open the can of jumbo biscuits and carefully cut a 1-inch circle out of the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Use a small cookie cutter or any round tool you have handy. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut or olive oil spray to prevent sticking—avoid non-stick sprays like Pam as they can damage your air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts
Place your donut rings (not the holes) gently in the basket in a single layer so they cook evenly. Air fry at 360 degrees for 5 minutes until they have risen and turned a perfect golden brown on the outside. Meanwhile, melt your butter to get ready for coating.
Step 5: Coat and Finish
Brush the hot donuts evenly with melted butter using a silicone pastry brush. Immediately dip and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating sticks beautifully. You can also use a spoon to help cover every inch. Give each donut a gentle shake to remove any excess sugar and serve them warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top or drizzle with a light glaze or melted chocolate for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar make lovely garnishes too, adding color and a touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, latte, or chai tea to balance the sweetness. For a more filling combo, a fruit salad or yogurt parfait makes a delightful side, turning your donut snack into a complete treat for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your donuts on a decorative plate or a wooden board, and consider adding small bowls of dipping sauces like raspberry jam, Nutella, or caramel. You can also thread them onto skewers alternating with fresh fruit pieces for a playful, shareable donut “kebab” that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any donuts left after the first round of indulgence, store them airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they are best enjoyed fresh but will stay soft for a short while wrapped well.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating to enjoy later.
Reheating
The best way to bring your donuts back to life is by warming them in the air fryer at 320 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes. This will crisp up the outside and restore that fresh-baked texture, making each bite as delightful as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use regular biscuit brands for this Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Any flaky biscuit dough brand will work well, just choose jumbo or large-sized biscuits for perfectly sized donuts that cook evenly.
What can I use instead of butter for coating?
You can substitute melted coconut oil for butter if you want a dairy-free option, and it also adds a subtle tropical note to your cinnamon sugar coating.
Can I cook the donut holes too?
Yes! The cut-out centers can be air fried alongside the donuts for a shorter time (around 3-4 minutes). They make fantastic little bite-sized treats, so don’t waste them.
What if I don’t have a silicone pastry brush?
No worries! You can use a spoon to drizzle the melted butter over the donuts or even lightly dip them in melted butter before coating with cinnamon sugar.
Can I add flavors to the cinnamon sugar?
Definitely. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a little freshly grated orange zest to the cinnamon sugar mix gives a wonderful twist on the classic flavor that’s sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe enough for anyone wanting a quick, delicious, and charmingly simple treat. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet comes together in a snap, perfect for sharing with friends and family or treating yourself to a little moment of joy. So, grab your air fryer and a can of biscuits, and get ready for your kitchen to smell like a cozy bakery!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts and 8 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are a quick and delicious treat made from jumbo biscuits, coated in cinnamon sugar, and cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 1 can Jumbo Biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 5 Tablespoons butter (melted)
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Turn your air fryer on and set it to 360°F (182°C). Let it run empty for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it’s properly heated.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Open the can of jumbo biscuits and use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the centers from each biscuit, creating the classic donut shape. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil or olive oil spray (avoid non-stick sprays like Pam as they may damage the air fryer).
- Air fry the donuts: Place the biscuit donuts (not the holes) in the air fryer basket making sure they don’t overlap. Cook at 360°F for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small bowl.
- Coat the donuts: Using a silicone pastry brush, brush the melted butter all over the hot donuts. Then, dip and roll each donut carefully in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly, using a spoon to sprinkle sugar on top if needed. Shake off any excess sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts while still warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use any large biscuit dough brand if Pillsbury Grands aren’t available.
- Use coconut or olive oil spray to prevent sticking and preserve your air fryer basket.
- The donut holes can be air fried as well—reduce cooking time to 3 minutes.
- Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for a tasty breakfast treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the air fryer to refresh.
