Save My kitchen smelled like a donut shop one random Tuesday afternoon when my daughter challenged me to make donuts without deep frying—something she'd read about on her phone. I laughed it off until she showed me someone had done it in an air fryer with store-bought biscuit dough. Twenty minutes later, we had golden, puffy rings cooling on the counter, and she dusted them with cinnamon sugar while humming to herself. That's when I realized this wasn't just a shortcut; it was actually better than anything I'd attempted before.
I brought these to a small book club gathering once, nervous because I'd never served homemade donuts to anyone before. What struck me most wasn't the compliments (though there were plenty)—it was watching everyone reach for a second one while still talking about their books, completely distracted. That's when I knew these weren't just easy; they were the kind of easy that feels impressive to other people.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): This is your secret weapon—it already has the right texture and rise built in, so you skip the messy yeast and proofing steps.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): Melt it just before coating the donuts so it adheres to the cinnamon sugar and creates that irresistible sticky layer.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Don't skip the quality here; finer sugar coats more evenly and dissolves slightly into the butter for a better texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): If your cinnamon has been sitting in the cabinet for over a year, now's the time to replace it—the flavor difference is noticeable and worth it.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for about 3 minutes while you prep your dough. A fully preheated basket makes all the difference in even browning.
- Shape your donuts:
- Pop open that can of biscuits and grab a small round cutter or even a bottle cap. Press it firmly into the center of each biscuit and wiggle it a bit to cut clean circles—you'll get a ring and a center piece, which becomes your donut hole.
- Prepare your air fryer basket:
- Give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks to the bottom. Arrange your donut rings in a single layer with a tiny bit of space between them; they puff up slightly and you don't want them touching.
- Cook until golden:
- Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, turning them over halfway through. You're looking for a light golden brown color and a little bounce when you touch one. The smell alone will tell you when they're close to done.
- Mix your coating while they cook:
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl so it's ready the moment the donuts come out. This timing matters because warm donuts accept the coating better.
- Coat immediately:
- Pull the donuts out and brush each one generously with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Work quickly while they're warm so everything sticks beautifully. If you have donut holes, give them only 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time before following the same coating process.
Save There's something almost magical about sitting down with a warm cinnamon sugar donut and realizing you made it yourself in less time than it takes to drive to the donut shop. That quiet satisfaction, paired with the simple pleasure of something sweet, is exactly why this recipe lives in my regular rotation now.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well Here
The air fryer circulates heat at high speed, which means the biscuit dough puffs up fast and develops a light, crispy exterior without absorbing any oil. Compared to deep frying, there's no splattering mess, no lingering grease smell in your kitchen for days, and cleanup takes about 30 seconds. Every time I use this method, I'm struck by how the texture is actually superior to what I'd make in a pot of oil, which sounds impossible until you try it.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ons
Once you've nailed the basic cinnamon sugar, you can experiment with different coatings. A pinch of nutmeg added to the cinnamon sugar mimics old-fashioned glazed donuts, while some people brush the warm donuts with maple syrup instead of butter and coat them in brown sugar mixed with cinnamon. I've even tried a light vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, drizzled over the top once they've cooled slightly.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These donuts are best eaten warm, ideally within a few hours of making them, though they'll stay soft in an airtight container for up to two days. Pair them with hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for that classic comfort pairing. If you want to make them ahead for a gathering, prepare the dough but cook and coat them just before serving so everyone gets the full warm, tender experience.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—never the fridge, as it hardens them faster.
- You can reheat a donut in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300°F to restore warmth and texture.
- Make the donut holes at the same time for a fun side treat or to surprise kids with a smaller version.
Save These air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts have become my go-to proof that simple, convenient cooking doesn't mean sacrificing taste or that homemade feeling. Every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe, and I love telling them it takes less than 20 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh dough instead of canned biscuits?
Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought fresh biscuit dough. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness and density. Start with 5-6 minutes and check for golden color.
- → How do I store leftover donuts?
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness and warmth.
- → What can I add to the cinnamon sugar coating?
Try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or a hint of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Maple sugar or brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for deeper flavor notes.
- → Are donut holes edible with this method?
Absolutely! The reserved centers become perfect donut holes. Air fry them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway. Coat them in cinnamon sugar the same way as full donuts.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the melted butter with plant-based butter. Check your biscuit dough brand to ensure it's dairy-free, as some varieties contain milk products.
- → Why do my donuts sometimes turn out dense?
Overcrowding the air fryer basket or cooking too long can cause density. Cook in batches if needed and don't flip too aggressively. Puffiness comes from proper air circulation and timing.