If you’re looking for a quick, delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Using simple pantry staples and an air fryer, you can whip up fluffy, perfectly golden donuts coated in cinnamon sugar that taste like they came straight from a cozy bakery. This recipe is all about keeping things fuss-free without sacrificing that warm, comforting bite everyone loves. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast or a fun snack, these donuts will quickly become your go-to recipe for homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a key role in creating the delicious flavor and texture that make these donuts unforgettable. From the flaky biscuit dough that forms a tender base, to the cinnamon sugar that adds a perfect sweet-spicy crunch, every element is essential.
- Jumbo Biscuits: Using canned jumbo biscuits like Pillsbury Grands gives you light, fluffy texture without any extra kneading or rising time.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the coating and balances the cinnamon’s warmth perfectly.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a fragrant scent and that classic spice donut lovers crave.
- Butter (melted): Provides richness and helps the sugar-cinnamon mixture stick, giving the donuts a luscious finish.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 360 degrees. It only takes about 3 to 5 minutes to heat up, which means your donuts will cook evenly and develop that golden crust we all adore.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
While the air fryer heats, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. This simple blend will coat your donuts in a sweet-spicy shell that’s downright irresistible.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Open your can of flaky biscuits and carefully cut out the center of each biscuit with a small 1-inch round cookie cutter, creating the classic donut shape. Remember to save those donut holes for a fun snack later. 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 Your Donuts
Place the donuts (not the holes) in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook them for 5 minutes at 360 degrees until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. During this time, go ahead and melt your butter to have it ready for glazing.
Step 5: Butter and Coat Your Donuts
Once cooked, take the donuts out and brush each one generously with melted butter using a silicone pastry brush. Immediately dip and roll the donuts into your cinnamon sugar mixture, coating every inch. Use a spoon to sprinkle a little extra sugar on top if needed, then gently shake off any excess.
Step 6: Enjoy Fresh and Hot
Serve your donuts immediately while warm for the best taste and texture. There’s something magical about biting into a freshly coated cinnamon sugar donut right out of the air fryer!
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can take these donuts to the next level. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle warm glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a glossy finish. Chopped nuts or sprinkles can also add a fun texture and color.
Side Dishes
Pair these air fryer donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate. Fresh berries or a small fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, cinnamony flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful breakfast treat, stack the donuts on a tiered tray and serve them with small bowls of different toppings like flavored cream cheese spreads, jams, or Nutella. You can also thread a few on a skewer for a playful donut kabob presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the donuts individually in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen donuts can last up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover donuts in the air fryer at 330 degrees for 2-3 minutes to refresh that crispy exterior and warm center—much better than a microwave’s soggy results!
FAQs
Can I use canned biscuits other than Pillsbury Grands?
Absolutely! Any jumbo flaky biscuit brand will work as long as the dough is soft and not too dense. The key is to have light dough that puffs up nicely in the air fryer.
Can I air fry the donut holes? How long do they take?
Yes, donut holes cook even faster—about 3-4 minutes at 360 degrees. Keep an eye on them as they brown quickly due to their small size.
Is it necessary to use butter for coating the donuts?
Butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness—but if you prefer a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
What air fryer models work best for this recipe?
Most standard countertop air fryers will work well. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the basket to keep donuts evenly spaced for crisp, fluffy results.
Can I add other toppings or flavors?
Definitely! Try powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg in the sugar mix for variety. The Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is wonderfully flexible to your flavor preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is such a fun and easy way to bring homemade donuts to your kitchen without any complicated steps or deep frying. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become one of my favorite quick treats to whip up. So grab those canned biscuits and get ready for a bakery-style experience at home—the perfect fresh, cinnamon-sugar donuts are just minutes away!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts + 8 donut holes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are a quick and delicious treat made with jumbo biscuit dough, coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for a homemade breakfast or snack without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 1 can Jumbo Biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 Tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F by turning it on to this temperature and letting it run for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for coating the donuts later.
- Prepare Doughnuts: Open the can of jumbo biscuits and use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the centers of each biscuit to form donut shapes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil or olive oil spray to prevent sticking (avoid non-stick sprays like Pam).
- Air Fry Donuts: Place the prepared donut rings (not the holes) into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake at 360°F for 5 minutes.
- Butter and Coat: While the donuts bake, melt the butter. Once baked, use a silicone pastry brush to coat each donut generously with melted butter. Then dip and roll donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly, using a spoon to sprinkle over the top and gently shake off any excess.
- Serve: Serve the donuts hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your quick and easy air-fried treats!
Notes
- Do not use non-stick sprays like Pam as they can damage air fryer baskets.
- You can also air fry the donut holes using the same method, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed.
- For extra flavor, try adding a bit of nutmeg or vanilla to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Use fresh warm butter for better coating and flavor absorption.
- Enjoy donuts immediately as they taste best warm and fresh.
