Air Fryer Donuts: Cinnamon Sugar Ready Fast
- The Best Speedy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Why Air Frying Creates the Perfect Donut Texture
- Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Donuts
- Pro Tips and Common Air Frying Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage, Reheating, and Shelf Life
- Creative Serving Suggestions for Homemade Donuts
- Recipe FAQs
- 📝 Recipe Card
The Best Speedy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Quick Dessert Revolution: Ready in Under 15 Minutes
You know that feeling when you crave something decadent that warm, yeasty flavor of a fresh donut but you absolutely refuse to deal with the smell and splatter of deep frying? Me too. That’s why I perfected this incredibly simple method.
Listen, you can have a batch of perfect, golden, cinnamon sugar-crusted Air Fryer Donuts hot and ready in about the time it takes to brew a pot of coffee.
The secret? We are unapologetically using refrigerated flaky biscuit dough. It’s a complete game changer and the ultimate speed hack for a delicious donut dessert. This Air Fryer Donuts recipe delivers maximum flavor and fluffiness with zero stress.
This isn't just about speed, though. These Air Fryer Donuts taste phenomenal. The rapid circulation of heat in the machine puffs up the biscuit dough beautifully, creating a crispy exterior that shatters the moment your teeth hit the velvety soft interior.
Trust me, once you try these, the craving for deep fried treats will disappear.
Why Air Frying Creates the Perfect Donut Texture
Simple Baking Science: Biscuit Dough to Donut
Why does the air fryer work so well for making Air Fryer Donuts from canned biscuits ? It all comes down to mimicking the over high heat environment of deep fat frying without the medium.
The intense, concentrated heat of the air fryer immediately activates the leavening agents (baking soda/powder) in the refrigerated biscuit dough, causing an explosive puff. This rapid expansion, combined with the quick setting of the exterior crust (the Maillard reaction, which gives that gorgeous golden brown), traps moisture inside.
The result is a light, airy center the exact opposite of a dense baked good. The thin layer of melted butter applied right after cooking then sizzles and acts as the perfect sticky base for that massive cinnamon sugar coating.
When you follow this Air Fryer Donuts recipe , you are essentially pressure baking a glorious, quick dessert.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Choosing the Right Refrigerated Biscuit Dough
You need the flaky style of biscuit dough, not the homestyle or buttermilk ones that are meant to separate into layers. The flakiness helps these Air Fryer Donuts Using Biscuits expand unevenly and get those delicious little nooks and crannies.
While we're talking easy desserts, if you want something truly indulgent after mastering these Air Fryer Donuts , you absolutely need to check out my recipe for Kinder Bueno Donuts: The Ultimate Indulgent Hazelnut Cream Filling .
| Ingredient | Role | Smart Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Biscuit Dough | Structure & Fluffiness | store-bought pizza dough (adjust cook time slightly) or a homemade no-yeast dough. |
| Unsalted Butter, Melted | Coating & Sugar Adherence | Refined Coconut Oil or Plant Based Butter (great for making dairy-free Air Fryer Donuts ). |
| Granulated Sugar | Crisp, Sweet Exterior | Monk fruit or Erythritol (ratio will change start with less) or Powdered Sugar (for a softer coating). |
| Ground Cinnamon | Essential Flavor | Nutmeg/Cardamom blend (for a spiced chai vibe) or simply skip it for a Glazed Air Fryer Donuts finish. |
step-by-step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Donuts
This whole process moves fast. Have your butter melted and your cinnamon sugar coating mixed before the biscuits even go into the machine!
- Prep the Dough: Open the canned biscuits. Using a small cookie cutter, bottle cap, or even a shot glass, cut a neat hole out of the center of each biscuit. Don't throw away those centers! They are the precious Air Fryer Donut Holes .
- Preheat & Prep the Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). It's crucial to spray the basket lightly with over high heat oil (like avocado). This prevents the dough, which is wet and sticky, from welding itself to the metal.
- Fry in Batches (The Puff): Arrange the donut rings in a single layer. Do not overcrowd, or you'll end up steaming them, resulting in sad, flat donuts. Cook for 4- 5 minutes, flip carefully using tongs, and cook for another 3- 4 minutes until they are gorgeously golden brown and puffed up like little pillows.
- Process the Holes: Cook the reserved Air Fryer Donut Holes next. They need less time, usually 3– 4 minutes total, until they achieve that deep, savory golden color.
- The Essential Hot Butter Dunk: As soon as the donut comes out of the air fryer, it needs to be coated immediately . Use tongs to quickly dip the entire warm Air Fryer Donuts into the melted butter bowl, or use a pastry brush to ensure full saturation.
- Coat and Finish: Transfer the buttered donut directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll it around until the entire surface is covered. The heat of the donut melts the butter, setting the sugar mixture into a beautiful, crunchy crust. Serve these delightful delicious donuts immediately!
Pro Tips and Common Air Frying Mistakes to Avoid
The difference between a flat, sticky biscuit and a light, fluffy Air Fryer Donuts No Yeast treat often comes down to timing and spacing.
| Mistake | The Science Behind the Problem | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Flat, Dense Donuts | Overcrowding the basket trapped steam, preventing the dough from puffing rapidly and achieving a light crumb. | Always cook in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, do three or four batches. Patience is key for these Air Fryer Donuts from Canned Biscuits . |
| Dough Sticking/Tearing | Not enough oil spray or trying to flip them too early before the crust has set. | Spray the basket thoroughly before every batch. Use tongs to gently lift the donut to check for browning before flipping. |
| Sugar Won't Stick | The donut cooled down too much before coating. The sugar needs the residual heat to dissolve the butter and adhere. | Have the coating ingredients ready before the first batch is finished cooking. Work fast! |
| Uneven Browning | Heat concentrated in one area, likely due to a lack of preheating. | Always preheat the air fryer to ensure the heating element is already hot when the dough goes in. |
Storage, Reheating, and Shelf Life
Best Methods for Storing Leftover Air Fryer Donuts
Let’s be real, Air Fryer Donuts are best eaten within 30 minutes of being made. However, if you do have leftovers (a rare and strange occurrence), they need careful handling.
Storage: Store them loosely covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Because they are not deep fried, they tend to dry out faster than traditional donuts.
Do not put them in an airtight container or refrigerate them this traps moisture and makes the cinnamon sugar crust soggy.
How to Reheat for That Fresh Baked Feel
To recapture that fresh out-of-the-fryer magic, the air fryer is your best friend again. Reheat your leftover Air Fryer Donuts at 150°C (300°F) for just 2– 3 minutes. This warms the interior and slightly re-crisps the sugar crust, bringing them back to life.
Speaking of quick air fryer magic, if you need an appetizer that brings the crunch, don't miss my Air Fryer Ravioli: Ultimate Crispy Panko Appetizer .
Creative Serving Suggestions for Homemade Donuts
Quick Customization Ideas (Adding Glaze or Frosting)
If cinnamon sugar isn't your jam, try one of these quick finishes:
- Simple Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with a tiny splash of vanilla extract and milk until it's thick but pourable. Dip the top of the warm Air Fryer Donuts straight into the glaze.
- Chocolate Dip: Melt semi sweet chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil until smooth and glossy. Dip the tops and let them set on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Powdered Sugar: Skip the butter entirely and just toss the warm Air Fryer Donut Holes directly in powdered sugar for a quick, elegant finish.
Pairing Air Fryer Donuts with Beverages
These Air Fryer Donuts are sweet and rich, so they pair perfectly with strong, unsweetened beverages. Think robust black coffee, strong espresso, or a hearty glass of chilled milk.
They are the perfect little donut dessert for a lazy weekend morning or an emergency weeknight treat. You won't believe how easy it is to make such delicious Air Fryer Donuts !
Recipe FAQs
Why use store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough for donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough is the key to the speed and simplicity of this recipe. It yields a light, fluffy, slightly chewy interior texture that mimics traditional deep fried yeast donuts remarkably well when air-fried. This method allows you to skip the lengthy process of mixing ingredients and proofing yeast.
What is the best way to cut the donut shapes and holes?
Use a standard round cookie cutter (about 2.5 to 3 inches) for the main donut shape. For the centers, a very small round cutter, a large piping tip, or a clean bottle cap works perfectly to create the donut holes. Ensure you use clean, firm cuts to help the dough puff up evenly during cooking.
What is the ideal cooking time and temperature for these air fryer donuts?
The ideal setting is typically 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Since air fryer models vary greatly, you must flip the donuts halfway through the cooking process. Monitor them closely after the 4-minute mark until they are golden brown and fully puffed.
How do I prevent the biscuit dough from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To ensure easy removal, lightly mist the bottom of your air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, or brush it with a little melted butter, before placing the dough inside. Alternatively, you can use pre-cut perforated parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to line the basket.
Can I use toppings other than cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely. These air-fried biscuit donuts are versatile and accept many variations. Instead of the cinnamon sugar mixture, you can dip the warm donuts in melted butter and immediately toss them in powdered sugar, or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
How should I store leftover air fryer donuts?
These donuts are best enjoyed immediately after coating, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To restore some of their fresh, soft texture, reheat them briefly in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes before serving the next day.
Can I make the donut holes as well, or just the main donuts?
The small centers cut out from the main dough circles make excellent donut holes! Air fry them alongside the larger donuts, adjusting the time slightly; they usually require only about 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F. Coat them quickly in the cinnamon sugar while still hot.
Speedy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fiber | N/A |
