If you are looking for a quick and irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. With just a handful of simple pantry staples and the magic of an air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly golden, fluffy donuts without the hassle of deep frying. These cinnamon sugar-coated delights come together in minutes and deliver that sweet, nostalgic flavor that will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish the first one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these donuts is delightfully simple because each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery richness to the warm cinnamon scent, these elements come together seamlessly.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Provides the sweet base for the cinnamon sugar coating that clings perfectly to the donuts.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs brilliantly with sweet sugar for that classic flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Introduces subtle, earthy undertones to elevate the spice mix without overpowering it.
- Refrigerated jumbo biscuits (12 ounces): The secret to fluffy, pillowy donuts with no fuss, making the dough preparation a breeze.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds a luscious richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the donut’s surface.
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by whisking together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large, shallow bowl. This aromatic mixture will become the irresistible coating that makes these donuts so lovingly delicious. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it warm up while you get everything else ready. Preheating ensures your donuts cook evenly and develop their signature golden color.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Separate the refrigerated jumbo biscuits and place them on a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll each biscuit to about 1-inch thickness. Then, with a donut cutter or a small biscuit cutter, cut out a 1-inch hole from the center of each to create the classic donut shape. Don’t toss the holes — they make wonderful bite-sized treats!
Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. This little step prevents the donuts from sticking and helps them crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts
Place your donut shapes in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other so the hot air can circulate freely. If all won’t fit at once, simply cook them in batches. This ensures each donut gets the perfect golden finish.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden
Cook the donuts for about 4 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary slightly, but you’re looking for that lovely golden-brown hue all over.
Step 7: Melt the Butter
While your donuts are cooking, melt the salted butter in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 30-second bursts to avoid overheating, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Step 8: Coat Your Donuts
Once the donuts come out hot and golden, immediately dip each one in the melted butter, making sure to coat both sides. Then roll them generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture. This warm, buttery coating is what takes these donuts from delightful to downright addictive.
How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These air fryer donuts are wonderful on their own, but if you want to jazz them up, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top or drizzling a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of colored sanding sugar adds a festive touch perfect for sharing with friends.
Side Dishes
Pair your air fryer donuts with a hot cup of coffee or a mug of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy snack. Fresh fruit, like sliced berries or orange wedges, can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, cinnamon-infused bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your donuts stacked on a pretty plate or threaded onto skewers for a playful presentation at brunch or parties. You can even arrange the biscuit holes alongside for a fun, mini-donut accompaniment that kids (and adults) will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any donuts left after your feast (though that’s a rare sight), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about one to two days but are best enjoyed the same day for that unbeatable freshness and texture.
Freezing
Donuts can be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps them tasting fresh for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back that just-made softness and warmth, reheat your donuts in the air fryer at 320°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This refreshes their crisp exterior and tender inside without drying them out as the microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use any biscuits for this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe?
While jumbo refrigerated biscuits are perfect for a light and fluffy texture, smaller biscuits can work too—you might just need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Look for wholesome, flaky varieties that bake well in the air fryer.
Do I need an air fryer to make these donuts?
The air fryer is the star here because it gives you that golden, crisp exterior without oil frying. If you don’t have one, these donuts could be baked in the oven, but the texture might be a bit different and less crunchy on the outside.
Can I add toppings like glaze or sprinkles?
Absolutely! While the cinnamon sugar coating is classic, feel free to get creative. Drizzle glaze, melt chocolate, or sprinkle colored sugar or crushed nuts right after coating them in butter for extra fun flavors and textures.
Are these donuts suitable for kids?
Yes! They’re soft, sweet, and small enough for little hands to enjoy. Just keep an eye on the temperature after cooking to make sure they’ve cooled enough before little ones dig in.
What variations can I try with this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe?
Try swapping cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice in the fall or adding cocoa powder to the sugar mixture for a chocolate twist. You can also drizzle caramel or top with fresh fruit preserves for a special treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, fluffy donut coated in cinnamon sugar, especially when you’ve whipped it up quickly at home using this easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe. Whether for a special breakfast, snack, or dessert, these donuts bring joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and add your own favorite twists—happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy light and fluffy homemade donuts made quickly and easily in the air fryer. These cinnamon sugar-coated air fryer donuts are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, requiring minimal ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 12 ounces refrigerated jumbo biscuits (340 grams, 1 can)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (57 grams, ½ stick)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (6 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined. Set this bowl aside for coating the donuts later.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and set it to 350°F (177°C) to preheat while preparing the donuts.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: Separate each biscuit from the refrigerated jumbo biscuit can. Place them on a clean work surface and roll each out to about 1 inch thick. Using a biscuit or donut cutter, cut a 1-inch diameter hole from the center of each biscuit to create the donut shape.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Donuts for Cooking: Place the donut-shaped biscuits in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each donut to allow even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry Donuts: Cook the donuts for 4 to 5 minutes at 350°F, or until each donut is golden brown and cooked through.
- Melt Butter: While the donuts cook, melt the salted butter by placing it in a shallow microwave-safe bowl and microwaving in 30-second increments until fully melted.
- Coat Donuts: Once cooked, remove the donuts from the air fryer. Immediately dip each donut, turning to coat both sides in the melted butter. Then, thoroughly coat each buttered donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture prepared earlier.
- Serve: Serve the air fryer donuts warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- If you don’t have a donut or biscuit cutter, use a small round object like a bottle cap to cut the center holes.
- Cook donuts in batches if your air fryer basket is small to ensure even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the air fryer to maintain crispness.
- This recipe uses store-bought biscuit dough for convenience but can be adapted using homemade biscuit dough.
