If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of a fluffy, tender donut with a sweet and spicy coating, then this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These donuts are incredibly easy to prepare, coming together in under 30 minutes, and use simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The magic happens in the air fryer, which produces donuts with a satisfying golden exterior without the mess and fuss of deep frying. Whether you’re making breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a fun dessert, these donuts deliver that cozy homemade delight with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in flavor and texture. The sugar and cinnamon blend creates that classic sweet-spiced coating, while the refrigerated jumbo biscuits provide a soft, pillowy base that cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Butter adds richness and helps the topping stick perfectly to the donuts, making every bite irresistible.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness for coating the donuts and balancing the spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth, an essential part of the classic cinnamon sugar combo.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic touch that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 12 ounces refrigerated jumbo biscuits: The base dough for a light, fluffy donut that’s super quick to prepare and cook.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and a buttery sheen, helping the cinnamon sugar coating adhere perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by whisking the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large shallow bowl. This blend is what transforms the simple biscuit dough into a sweet-spiced delight, ensuring an even coat later on. Set that bowl aside for easy access when your donuts come out of the fryer.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is key for achieving that golden, crispy exterior without a greasy finish. It also helps your donuts cook evenly and quickly, ensuring they’re perfectly fluffy inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Separate the jumbo biscuits and place them on a clean surface. Roll each biscuit gently to about a 1-inch thickness. Then, use a biscuit or donut cutter to cut a 1-inch hole from the center of each, creating that iconic donut shape. Don’t toss those holes—cook them as little donut bites or enjoy as-is!
Step 4: Get the Air Fryer Basket Ready
Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This little step means your donuts will slip out easily without losing any of their beautiful crust.
Step 5: Arrange the Donuts for Cooking
Place the shaped donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each so hot air can circulate properly. If your basket is small, work in batches; it’s worth the extra few minutes to maintain that perfect texture.
Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook the donuts for 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown all over, with a slightly crisp crust and a tender interior. The quick cooking time preserves the softness of the biscuit dough while giving you that wonderful “fried” finish without oil.
Step 7: Melt the Butter
While the donuts are cooking, melt the butter in a shallow microwave-safe bowl using 30-second increments. This butter bath is crucial—it locks in moisture and helps the cinnamon sugar stick like a dream once your donuts come out hot.
Step 8: Coat the Donuts
Take the donuts out of the air fryer and immediately dip each one, front and back, into the melted butter. Then roll them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mix to coat evenly. Serve these warm for that melty, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Air Fryer Donuts Recipe to the next level by sprinkling powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze over the top. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, pairs beautifully as a vibrant, juicy contrast. A dusting of cocoa powder or a handful of chopped nuts can also add a delightful crunch and flavor twist.
Side Dishes
These donuts make a fantastic companion to a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad to balance indulgence with fresh, light flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns your Air Fryer Donuts into a decadent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Air Fryer Donuts into mini donut sandwiches by slicing them and adding fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese frosting? Arrange them on a festive platter with colorful sprinkles and let guests customize their own sweet treats. You can also stack them skewered on sticks for a playful “donut pop” presentation that’s perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Air Fryer Donuts Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration because it can dry out the donuts and make them less tender.
Freezing
To enjoy these donuts later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored this way, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored donuts in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. This quickly revives their crispy exterior and warm, fluffy inside without drying them out. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, a quick zap in the microwave for 15 seconds works too, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuits for this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade sweet dough will work beautifully, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness. Just be sure the dough isn’t too thin so it holds up during air frying.
Do I need to flip the donuts while they cook?
No flipping necessary. The air fryer’s circulating heat cooks the donuts evenly on both sides, giving you that golden color all around.
Can I change the cinnamon sugar coating?
Definitely! You can mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, add crushed nuts for crunch, or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to tailor the donuts to your taste.
What can I use if I don’t have a donut cutter?
You can use two different sized round cutters, like a large glass and a small bottle cap, or even a sharp knife to create the donut shape carefully. It doesn’t have to be perfect to taste amazing.
Are these donuts suitable for kids?
Yes! Since they’re baked in the air fryer, these donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried ones and are safe for children to enjoy. Just be sure they’re cooled to a safe temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a game changer if you’re craving a quick, homemade sweet treat without the hassle of deep frying. Simple to make and so satisfying, it’s a sure way to brighten up any morning or snack time with something warm and cozy. Give it a try, and I promise these donuts will become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Donuts recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy warm, fluffy donuts without the hassle of deep frying. Made from refrigerated biscuit dough, these donuts are air fried to golden perfection, then coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture for a deliciously sweet treat. Perfect for a speedy breakfast or an indulgent snack, they come together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 12 ounces refrigerated jumbo biscuits (1 can, approximately 340 grams)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (6 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Coating
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (57 grams, ½ stick)
Instructions
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside to use for coating the donuts later.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for perfectly golden donuts.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: Separate the refrigerated jumbo biscuit dough into individual biscuits and place them on a clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each biscuit out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut a 1-inch hole out of the center of each rolled biscuit using a biscuit or donut cutter, creating the classic donut shape.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the bottom of the preheated air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the donuts from sticking during air frying.
- Arrange Donuts for Cooking: Place the prepared biscuit donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each donut for even air circulation. If there isn’t enough room for all the donuts, cook them in multiple batches.
- Air Fry Donuts: Cook the donuts in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown all around. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Melt Butter: While the donuts are cooking, melt the salted butter by placing it in a shallow microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted, stirring if needed.
- Coat Donuts: Once the donuts finish cooking, immediately dip each donut on both sides into the melted butter, then roll them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated.
- Serve: Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use jumbo refrigerated biscuits for fluffier, larger donuts.
- Ensure the air fryer is preheated for even cooking.
- Donuts are best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in the air fryer to regain crispness.
- For a different flavor twist, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Be careful when dipping the hot donuts in butter to avoid burns.
- Donut holes can be cooked alongside or separately for bite-sized treats.
