Save My kids discovered air fryer donuts by accident one Saturday morning when I was too lazy to go to the bakery. I grabbed a can of biscuit dough from the fridge, a small cookie cutter, and wondered if it would even work. Four minutes later, we were biting into golden, impossibly fluffy donuts that tasted like we'd spent an hour in the kitchen. Now it's the first thing they ask for when they want something sweet, and honestly, I can't blame them.
I'll never forget watching my partner try one straight from the air fryer with just the cinnamon sugar coating. Their eyes got wide like they'd tasted something illegal, and that's when I knew this shortcut wasn't just convenient, it was genuinely delicious. Now whenever someone says they don't have time to make dessert, I text them this recipe.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 8 biscuits): This is your secret weapon, already seasoned and ready to transform into something fancy without any real effort.
- Nonstick cooking spray: A light coat keeps the donuts from sticking and helps them cook evenly on all sides.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): The sweet coating that makes these feel like the real deal, even though you made them in minutes.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Warm spice that elevates simple sugar into something that smells like a bakery.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tbsp): The butter is essential, it makes the coating stick and adds richness that you can taste immediately.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Heat your air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes while you gather everything. This small step ensures even cooking and prevents any raw spots.
- Cut the Donut Shapes:
- Pop open the biscuit can and separate each one gently. Use a small round cutter (about 1 inch) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit, creating that classic donut shape, and save the little holes if you want to fry those separately.
- Spray and Arrange:
- Give your air fryer basket a light spritz of cooking spray, then place the donuts in a single layer. If they're crowded, work in batches because they need space to puff up.
- Fry Until Golden:
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through so they brown evenly on both sides. You'll know they're done when they're puffed and golden, and you can smell that bakery magic happening.
- Prepare Your Coating:
- While the donuts fry, mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Having this ready means you can coat the donuts while they're still warm, which is when the butter makes it all stick perfectly.
- Coat and Serve:
- Brush each hot donut with melted butter on all sides, then immediately toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. Serve them warm, and repeat the process with any remaining donuts or holes.
Save The moment that made me believe in this recipe was when my daughter brought it to show-and-tell as something she and I made together. Her teacher couldn't believe donuts came from a can and an air fryer, and neither could the other parents. That's when I realized this recipe isn't just about speed, it's about making moments where everyone feels like they did something special.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
The air fryer gives you that crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture that usually requires deep frying or careful oven timing. There's no oil to heat up or dispose of, no complicated technique to master, just heat circulating around your donuts and making them golden in minutes. Once you see how fast and how good they turn out, you'll understand why this has become our go-to shortcut.
Flavor Variations to Explore
Cinnamon sugar is perfect, but you don't have to stop there. I've rolled them in powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness, dunked them in melted chocolate mixed with a little coconut oil, and even tried a maple glaze when I had time. The base is always the same four minutes of magic, so the real fun is deciding how to dress them up.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are best eaten within a few hours of making them, when they're still soft and fluffy. If you need to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, though they'll get slightly firmer. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a minute to bring back some of that fresh-made warmth.
- Cold donuts can be refreshed in a 300°F air fryer for 1-2 minutes if you're willing to wait.
- Make a batch of donut holes at the same time since they cook in the exact same timeframe.
- Keep extra cans of biscuit dough in the fridge so you're always ready for a donut emergency.
Save Making donuts at home never felt possible until I tried this, and now I can't imagine going back to buying them. There's something deeply satisfying about pulling warm, perfectly coated donuts from the air fryer and watching someone's face light up when they bite into one.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of dough works best?
Refrigerated biscuit dough provides the perfect softness and rise, making it easy to shape and quick to cook.
- → Can I make donut holes with this method?
Yes, the dough cut from the center can be air-fried like the donuts to make delicious donut holes.
- → What temperature is ideal for air frying?
Preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
- → How is the cinnamon sugar coating applied?
After cooking, the donuts are brushed with melted butter, then tossed in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for a sweet, spiced finish.
- → Can these donuts be stored after cooking?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to one day without losing quality.