Welcome to the ultimate guide for making incredibly quick and easy homemade donuts! These delightful Air Fryer Donuts are a true game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat. Crafted without the hassle of yeast or the mess of traditional deep-frying, this recipe transforms readily available canned biscuits into fluffy, golden rings of joy in mere minutes. Not only can you whip up full-sized donuts, but those adorable centers also become delicious donut holes, ensuring every tasty morsel is enjoyed. Get ready to indulge in warm, fresh donuts coated in classic cinnamon sugar, all with minimal effort and cleanup. This method promises a healthier twist on a beloved classic, making homemade donuts an accessible pleasure for everyone.
The Irresistible Charm of Air Fryer Donuts: Speed, Simplicity, and Flavor
There’s an undeniable comfort and joy in a warm, freshly made donut, especially when paired with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy afternoon latte. However, the thought of traditional donut-making often conjures images of sticky dough, lengthy proofing times, and the inevitable messy deep-frying. This is precisely where our ingenious Air Fryer Donut recipe steps in, offering a brilliant shortcut that delivers all the flavor and texture you crave without any of the conventional fuss.
This recipe ingeniously utilizes the convenience of store-bought canned biscuit dough, transforming it into irresistible donuts in literally minutes. The concept isn’t new; we’ve successfully used biscuit dough for other quick and delicious creations like garlic parmesan pull-apart rolls and skillet rolls, always to rave reviews. Applying this simple yet effective trick to donuts was a natural progression, and the results are consistently spectacular – fluffy interiors with a delicate crispness, all ready for your favorite toppings.
Beyond the impressive speed, air frying offers significant advantages over traditional deep-frying. You achieve that wonderfully crispy exterior and tender interior with dramatically less oil, making these a noticeably lighter option without compromising on that satisfying donut taste and texture. Furthermore, the cleanup is an absolute breeze, freeing up more of your precious time to simply savor your homemade treat. While we adore the classic cinnamon sugar coating for its comforting familiarity, the inherent versatility of these air fryer donuts means you can effortlessly customize them with a myriad of glazes, sprinkles, or other toppings, ensuring they’re perfect for any craving, celebration, or casual indulgence.
The Healthier Twist: Benefits of Air Frying Your Donuts
Choosing your air fryer to create these delectable donuts brings forth a cascade of advantages that traditional baking or deep-frying simply cannot match. For starters, it stands as a significantly healthier alternative to immersing your donuts in hot oil. The air fryer works by circulating superheated air around the food, effectively “frying” it to a beautiful crispness and golden hue with only a fraction of the oil typically required. This method dramatically cuts down on the fat and calorie content, allowing you to indulge in your favorite breakfast pastry with a lighter conscience.
Secondly, unparalleled convenience is a hallmark of this cooking method. Air fryers heat up incredibly fast, and the cooking time for each batch of donuts is remarkably short – often less than 10 minutes. This speed transforms homemade donuts from a special-occasion project into an achievable reality, even on hectic weekday mornings or for an impromptu weekend treat. Say goodbye to the tedious wait for a pot of oil to reach temperature and the subsequent challenges of managing splattering grease.
Lastly, the ease of cleanup is a major win. Gone are the days of laboriously disposing of large quantities of used cooking oil or scrubbing greasy pots and pans. Your air fryer basket typically requires just a quick wash, saving you valuable time and effort in the kitchen. For a quick, healthier, and significantly less messy way to produce irresistibly delicious donuts, the air fryer undeniably emerges as the superior and most efficient tool for the job.
Essential Ingredients for Your Effortless Air Fryer Donuts
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its remarkably minimal ingredient list, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute craving or when you want a homemade treat without a trip to the store. You’ll likely find most, if not all, of these simple staples already residing in your pantry or refrigerator!
- Canned Biscuits: These are the true heroes of our no-fuss donuts. We highly recommend opting for flaky layer biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers. These specific biscuits puff up magnificently in the air fryer, creating that desirable light, airy, and slightly chewy texture that closely mimics a traditional donut. While other varieties like buttermilk biscuits can also be used, the flaky layers consistently deliver a superior, more tender donut experience. A standard can typically contains 8 biscuits, providing a perfect batch size for a family treat.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter plays a pivotal role in this recipe. It acts as the perfect adhesive, ensuring our cinnamon sugar coating sticks flawlessly to the warm, freshly air-fried donuts. Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of your final product, which is particularly useful if your chosen biscuit dough already contains a fair amount of sodium. Ensure the butter is fully melted and kept warm for easy, even brushing.
- Granulated Sugar: This forms the sweet foundation of our classic cinnamon sugar coating. Standard white granulated sugar provides the ideal fine texture and balanced sweetness, contributing to that irresistible crunch and sugary bliss on the donut’s surface.
- Ground Cinnamon: The warm, fragrant, and instantly recognizable spice that infuses these donuts with their comforting, aromatic, and undeniably delicious flavor. For the best possible taste, always check the freshness of your cinnamon; a newly opened jar or a recently ground spice will make a noticeable difference in the vibrancy of your finished donuts.
And that’s genuinely all you need! Just a handful of readily available ingredients separate you from a batch of warm, perfectly air-fried, homemade donuts. This inherent simplicity is precisely what elevates this recipe to a cherished go-to for countless home cooks and busy families.
Mastering the Art: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Donuts in Your Air Fryer
Crafting these delicious air fryer donuts is an incredibly straightforward process, accessible even for those new to baking or air frying. Follow these clear and simple steps to achieve perfectly golden, fluffy, and utterly delicious results every single time:
- Prepare Your Air Fryer for Success: Start by lightly spraying the air fryer basket or racks with a non-stick cooking spray. For optimal results and to protect your appliance, we highly recommend using a coconut oil or avocado oil spray. Certain vegetable oil-based aerosol sprays can, over time, degrade the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. As an excellent alternative, you can line the basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers, ensuring it’s trimmed to size and doesn’t obstruct the crucial airflow.
- Unpack and Lay Out Biscuits: Carefully remove the pre-made biscuits from their can. Gently separate them and lay them out on a clean cutting board, a piece of parchment paper, or a clean work surface. Ensure there’s ample space between each biscuit for comfortable handling.
- Craft the Donut Shape: To create the classic donut hole, use a round frosting tip (a large round tip works perfectly, about 1-inch in diameter) or a small, similarly sized cookie cutter. Gently press it through the center of each biscuit. Ensure you save these precious little cut-out centers – they are destined to become delightful mini donut holes!
- Thoughtfully Load the Air Fryer: Carefully place 3 to 4 of your biscuit donuts into the air fryer basket or onto the racks. The key here is to avoid overcrowding. Ensure there is sufficient space between each donut to allow the hot air to circulate freely and evenly. Overcrowding will impede proper cooking, leading to unevenly browned or potentially soggy results. You will almost certainly need to cook these in multiple batches, depending on the specific size and capacity of your air fryer model.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and bake the donuts for a precise 7 minutes. For most air fryer models, preheating is not a prerequisite for this recipe, simplifying the process further. However, if your particular air fryer model strongly recommends preheating, or if you simply prefer to do so, then reduce the cooking time slightly to approximately 5 minutes. The donuts should emerge beautifully golden brown and delightfully puffed up when thoroughly cooked.
- Butter and Coat While Warm: Immediately upon removing the donuts from the air fryer, and while they are still wonderfully warm, lightly brush each one generously with the melted unsalted butter. It’s crucial to brush the butter rather than dipping the entire donut. Dipping can oversaturate the donut, leading to the cinnamon sugar clumping unattractively or melting off instead of adhering uniformly.
- Apply the Cinnamon Sugar: Without delay, and after buttering, gently dip the buttered side (or carefully roll) each donut into your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. Ensure an even and generous coating across the entire surface. This quick action allows the sugar to stick perfectly to the warm butter.
- Serve for Optimal Enjoyment: For the absolute ultimate experience, serve these delectable air fryer donuts immediately while they are still warm. The warmth enhances their fluffy texture, and the cinnamon sugar coating maintains a delightful, slightly crisp quality. Enjoy every homemade bite!
Yes! Delightful Air Fryer Donut Holes Are a Perfect Bonus!
Under no circumstances should you discard those adorable little centers you painstakingly cut out from the biscuits! They are destined to become fantastic, bite-sized donut holes, and the best part is, they cook up even faster than their larger counterparts in the air fryer. This delightful bonus ensures that every single part of your canned biscuit dough is transformed into a delectable, sweet treat.
To prepare these mini delights, simply gather the biscuit holes and arrange them on your air fryer rack or in the basket. Again, ensure they are spaced out sufficiently to allow for optimal air circulation. Bake them at the same temperature, 360°F (180°C), but for a significantly shorter period, typically just 2 to 3 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are lightly puffed. Just like the full-sized donuts, brush them generously with melted butter immediately after cooking, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a perfect coating. Serve them alongside your regular donuts for a complete homemade spread, or enjoy them as a separate, charmingly bite-sized snack. They are particularly popular with children and offer an extra burst of irresistible sweetness!
Customizing Your Air Fryer Donuts: Endless Possibilities for Flavor
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is undeniably a crowd-pleaser and a staple for a reason, these air fryer donuts are incredibly versatile and serve as a fantastic blank canvas for a myriad of flavor customizations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize them to suit any palate or occasion! Here are a few exciting ideas to elevate your air fryer donut experience:
- Effortless Simple Glaze: For a timeless glazed donut, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water) and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Dip the warm donuts into this luscious glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then transfer them to a wire rack to set.
- Decadent Chocolate Glaze: Indulge your chocolate cravings by melting ½ cup of chocolate chips with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Dip your warm donuts into this rich glaze and, for an extra touch of fun, immediately top them with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Classic Powdered Sugar: A simple, elegant dusting of powdered sugar offers a timeless and understated sweetness. For the best results, wait until the donuts have cooled slightly before dusting to prevent the sugar from melting entirely into the warm surface.
- Rich Maple Glaze: For a comforting and distinctly American flavor, create a maple glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar with a touch of pure maple syrup and a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. This glaze pairs beautifully with the warm biscuit base.
- Fun Sprinkles and Creative Toppings: After applying any glaze, don’t forget the power of visual appeal! Immediately add colorful sprinkles, finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, or even mini chocolate chips for extra texture, flavor, and a festive look.
Furthermore, feel free to experiment with different spices beyond cinnamon in your sugar coating. A subtle pinch of nutmeg, a hint of fragrant cardamom, or even a pre-made pumpkin spice blend can introduce a delightful and unexpected twist to these already fantastic donuts.
Pro Tips for Achieving Air Frying Perfection
To ensure your air fryer donuts turn out perfectly golden, fluffy, and delicious every single time, keep these essential tips in mind. Mastering your air fryer can make all the difference in the final product:
- Prioritize Air Circulation – Never Overcrowd: This is arguably the most crucial rule when air frying anything, and donuts are no exception. Proper air circulation is absolutely vital for even cooking and achieving that desirable crispy texture. Always leave ample space between your donuts in the basket or on the racks. If necessary, cook them in smaller batches. Overcrowding will trap moisture, leading to unevenly cooked, soggy, or pale donuts.
- Select the Right Non-Stick Spray: As highlighted earlier, it’s best to opt for cooking sprays made with coconut oil or avocado oil. These are generally safer for the non-stick coating of your air fryer’s basket. Avoid using traditional vegetable oil or aerosol sprays that contain propellants, as these can, over time, cause the non-stick surface to degrade and become sticky. If you don’t have suitable spray, a light brush of a little oil directly onto the basket works just as well.
- Monitor Cooking Times Closely – Air Fryers Vary: Remember that not all air fryer models are created equal. Cooking times and temperatures can vary slightly between different brands and sizes. For your very first batch, pay close attention to the donuts as they cook. They should achieve a beautiful golden brown color and be visibly puffed up. Adjust the cooking time by a minute or two, either up or down, based on your specific appliance’s performance.
- Consider Flipping Halfway for Uniformity (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly mandatory for this recipe, gently flipping the donuts halfway through the cooking time can significantly promote more even crispiness and browning on both sides. This ensures a consistent texture throughout.
- Coat Immediately While Warm: The success of your cinnamon sugar coating hinges on timing. The melted butter and the sugar mixture will adhere best to the donuts when they are still warm and fresh out of the air fryer. Don’t delay! Coating them promptly ensures a beautiful, even, and well-adhered layer of sweetness and spice.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Quick Air Fryer Donuts
Can I make these air fryer donuts ahead of time for later?
Like most freshly baked goods, these air fryer donuts are at their absolute peak when served warm, directly from the air fryer. At this stage, the exterior boasts a delightful crispness, and the interior is wonderfully soft and tender. While they remain delicious if allowed to cool, we strongly recommend enjoying them fresh for the optimal experience. If you do choose to make them ahead, you can briefly warm them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) just before serving to revive some of that fresh-baked warmth and crisp texture.
What can I use as an alternative to butter for coating the donuts?
If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, or simply prefer another option, coconut oil works wonderfully in place of butter for coating these donuts! Simply melt the coconut oil and use the exact same quantity as you would melted butter. Brush the baked donuts with the melted coconut oil just before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Additionally, many brands of vegan butter sticks or plant-based oils with a neutral flavor could also be successfully used here.
How long do air fryer donuts last, and what are the best storage methods?
These homemade air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, you can place them in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 1 week. If you wish to prepare a larger batch for future enjoyment, these donuts freeze exceptionally well! To freeze, arrange cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 30 minutes until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I make these canned biscuit donuts savory instead of sweet?
Absolutely! The canned biscuit base is incredibly versatile and lends itself beautifully to savory adaptations. Instead of the sweet butter and cinnamon sugar coating, you could brush the warm donuts with a savory garlic butter and then sprinkle them with finely grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning. This would create a delicious savory snack, quite similar to the savory pull-apart rolls mentioned earlier in the article. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like chili powder or a smoky paprika for a unique savory twist!
My air fryer donuts aren’t browning evenly. What could be the issue?
Uneven browning in an air fryer is a common issue, most frequently attributed to overcrowding the air fryer basket. To combat this, ensure there’s ample space between each donut, allowing the hot air to circulate freely and cook them uniformly. If your air fryer has multiple racks, rotate them halfway through cooking. Additionally, gently flipping the donuts halfway through the cooking time can significantly promote even browning on both sides. Keep in mind that some air fryer models may naturally have hot spots, so experimenting with placement and flipping can help achieve consistent results.
Explore More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the sheer simplicity and incredible deliciousness of these air fryer donuts, then you’re truly in for a treat! The air fryer is a remarkably versatile kitchen appliance, perfectly suited for creating a wide array of quick, convenient, and utterly delicious dishes. From savory snacks and appetizers to other delightful breakfast items and even roasted vegetables, integrating the air fryer can revolutionize your daily cooking routine, making healthy and tasty meals more accessible than ever before. Here are a few more fan-favorite air fryer recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure and further explore the capabilities of this fantastic gadget:
- Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Air Fryer Biscuits
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
If you enjoyed making and tasting this Air Fryer Donuts recipe, please consider taking a moment to leave a comment and rating below! Your valuable feedback is greatly appreciated and plays a crucial role in helping other home cooks discover and enjoy delicious, easy recipes just like this one.
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Anna
These Air Fryer Donuts offer a quick, easy, and mess-free way to enjoy homemade donuts using canned biscuits, finished with a classic cinnamon sugar coating. Don’t forget to make the bonus donut holes too!
Pin Recipe
5 mins
7 mins
12 mins
Breakfast
American
8 servings
173 kcal
Ingredients
- 8 canned biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket or racks with coconut oil cooking spray. (Note: Vegetable oil spray tends to damage the finish in the air fryer over time).
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until combined.
- Carefully remove the biscuits from the can and lay them flat on a cutting board or clean work surface.
- Using a round frosting tip or a small cookie cutter (approximately 1 inch in diameter), cut out the center of each biscuit to create the donut shape. Remember to save these cut-out holes!
- Place up to 4 of the biscuit donuts into your air fryer basket or onto the racks. Ensure there is adequate space between each donut to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the donuts at 360°F (180°C) for 7 minutes. Preheating is typically not required for this recipe; however, if you preheat your air fryer, reduce the baking time to about 5 minutes.
- As soon as the donuts are done and still warm, lightly brush each one generously with the melted unsalted butter. (Brushing is recommended over dipping to prevent the donuts from becoming oversaturated and the cinnamon sugar from clumping).
- Immediately after buttering, gently dip each donut into the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
- Serve these delicious air fryer donuts while they are still warm for the best taste and texture experience.
- To make donut holes: Place the saved biscuit centers on the air fryer rack and bake for a shorter duration of 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden and lightly browned. Brush them with melted butter and dip in the cinnamon sugar, then serve warm.
Notes
- One serving in this recipe is defined as one donut.
- Please be aware that the nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and products you use. For precise dietary information, it is always recommended to use a calorie counter or nutritional analysis tool that you are familiar with.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Carbohydrates: 19 g |
Protein: 2 g |
Fat: 10 g |
Saturated Fat: 4 g |
Trans Fat: 1 g |
Cholesterol: 15 mg |
Sodium: 255 mg |
Potassium: 63 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 7 g |
Vitamin A: 176 IU |
Vitamin C: 1 mg |
Calcium: 17 mg |
Iron: 1 mg
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