Golden, fluffy biscuit donuts coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, made effortlessly in the air fryer. These classic treats are crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and come together in just minutes—no deep frying required. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, a nostalgic dessert, or a fun weekend baking project, these air fryer biscuit donuts offer a delicious shortcut to homemade comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer biscuit donuts are the perfect combination of convenience and indulgence. Using pre-made biscuit dough, they require minimal prep and eliminate the mess and heaviness of deep-frying. The result? A light and airy donut with a golden, crispy exterior that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. With just a few pantry staples and your air fryer, you can whip up a batch of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated donuts in under 15 minutes. It’s a budget-friendly, beginner-friendly recipe that’s great for family breakfasts, brunches, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, flaky-style)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Separate the biscuit dough and use a small round cutter (or bottle cap) to remove the centers — these can be cooked as donut holes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the biscuit donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the donuts are puffed and golden brown.
- While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Roll each donut in the mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Serve warm for a soft, fluffy texture or let them cool slightly for a crispier bite.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 8 donuts
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per donut
Variations
- Glazed Donuts: Replace the cinnamon-sugar coating with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished donuts for a richer treat.
- Filled Donuts: Slice cooled donuts in half and fill with jam or pastry cream.
- Spiced Sugar Mix: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for seasonal flair.
- Mini Donuts: Use smaller biscuit dough pieces or only use the donut holes for bite-sized treats.
storage/reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them soggy.
FAQs
How do I make biscuit donuts without an air fryer?
You can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes or pan-fry them in a bit of oil until golden.
Can I use any type of biscuit dough?
Flaky-style biscuit dough works best for a light and airy texture, but any refrigerated biscuit dough will suffice.
What can I use if I don’t have a cutter for the centers?
A bottle cap, shot glass, or even a small round cookie cutter can be used to punch out the centers.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the biscuit shapes in advance and refrigerate until ready to air fry.
Are these donuts healthier than fried ones?
Yes, air fryer donuts use significantly less oil, making them a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.
Can I freeze the cooked donuts?
Yes, freeze cooled donuts in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 325°F.
What dipping sauces go well with these donuts?
Try chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or a vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.
Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Absolutely. You can eat them plain or customize with powdered sugar or icing.
How do I make donut holes with the centers?
Air fry the centers for 3–4 minutes, then coat in butter and cinnamon-sugar just like the full donuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect the texture.
Conclusion
Air fryer biscuit donuts are a quick, delicious treat that brings all the joy of homemade donuts with none of the fuss. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch. Whether you enjoy them warm and fluffy or crisp and sugary, these donuts are bound to become a regular in your easy-baking repertoire.
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Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are a quick and easy sweet treat made with flaky biscuit dough, air fried to golden perfection, and rolled in cinnamon-sugar. These nostalgic donuts are crisp outside, fluffy inside, and ready in just minutes — no deep frying needed!
Ingredients
-
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, flaky-style)
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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3 tbsp melted butter
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Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
-
Separate biscuits and cut out the centers with a small round cutter or bottle cap — save the centers for donut holes.
-
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
-
Arrange donuts in a single layer in the air fryer (work in batches if needed).
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Air fry for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until puffed and golden.
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While warm, brush each donut with melted butter.
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Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then coat each donut in the mixture.
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Serve warm or let cool for a crispier texture.
Notes
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Donut holes can be cooked the same way and make great bite-sized treats.
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Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Try adding a drizzle of icing or dipping in chocolate for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
