Save to Pinterest I discovered these donuts on a sleepy Sunday morning when my air fryer arrived and I had nothing but a can of biscuits in the fridge. Within minutes, I was pulling out golden, fluffy rings that tasted nothing like the shortcut they actually were. Now whenever I need something sweet that feels indulgent but doesn't require yeast, butter, or an hour of rising time, this is what I reach for.
I made these for my neighbor one afternoon when she stopped by with her kids, and watched their faces light up when I told them the whole thing took less time than making coffee. She's made them at least twice a week since, and now her youngest asks for them by name.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: One 16 oz can gives you exactly 8 biscuits, which becomes 8 perfect donut shapes with zero measuring or mixing required.
- Nonstick cooking spray: A light coating prevents sticking and helps the donuts brown evenly without added oil.
- Granulated sugar: Half a cup mixed with cinnamon creates the golden coating that makes people think you spent real time on these.
- Ground cinnamon: Just 1 1/2 teaspoons gives warmth without overwhelming the tender dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Four tablespoons brushed on while the donuts are still warm help the cinnamon sugar stick and add that rich, buttery flavor.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm for 3 minutes so the donuts start cooking immediately and puff up properly.
- Shape the donuts:
- Separate each biscuit and use a small round cutter (about 1 inch across) to punch a hole in the center of each one. Save those little holes if you want to air fry them separately for donut holes.
- Prepare the basket:
- Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Air fry the donuts:
- Arrange your donut shapes in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They're done when they're puffed and golden brown, not pale.
- Mix your coating:
- While the donuts cook, combine your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl so it's ready the moment they come out.
- Coat with butter and cinnamon sugar:
- Immediately brush the hot donuts with melted butter on all sides, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they're completely coated. This is when the magic happens—the warmth helps everything stick.
- Serve and repeat:
- Eat the warm ones right away, then cook any remaining donuts the same way if you're making a second batch.
Save to Pinterest The first time I made these, my daughter walked into the kitchen and said they smelled like the donut shop we used to visit on Saturday mornings. I hadn't expected these biscuit shortcuts to capture that exact feeling, but they did.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well
An air fryer circulates hot air around every side of the donut at once, which means you get that crispy exterior and fluffy interior without needing hot oil or a deep fryer at home. The dry heat also keeps the biscuit dough from absorbing grease the way deep frying would, so these feel lighter and airier than you'd expect.
Flavor Variations That Actually Work
The classic cinnamon sugar is where to start, but once you've made these once, the variations become fun experiments. I've tried a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract drizzled over cooled donuts, which gives a more delicate sweetness. Powdered sugar coating alone feels elegant and less heavy, while cocoa powder mixed with sugar appeals to anyone who wants chocolate in their morning donut.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fresh donuts are always best, but I've kept these in an airtight container on the counter for a full day without them drying out. You can also speed things up by prepping your cinnamon sugar mixture the night before, so you only have coating to do in the morning. If you want to make them ahead for guests, air fry them without the coating, then reheat in the air fryer for 1 minute and coat fresh when ready to serve.
- Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to stay soft.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 1 minute if they've cooled and you want them warm again.
- Make your donut holes from the centers you cut out and cook them for just 2 to 3 minutes until they're tiny, puffy, perfect bites.
Save to Pinterest These donuts have become my answer to that moment when someone drops by unexpectedly and you want to offer something warm and homemade. They remind me that the best treats aren't always the most complicated ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough is best for these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough works best as it puffs nicely and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- → How do I get the donuts perfectly golden?
Preheat the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, flipping once halfway for even browning.
- → Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating lighter or sweeter?
Adjust the cinnamon and sugar ratio to your taste; more cinnamon adds warmth, while extra sugar increases sweetness.
- → Is there a way to add variation to the coating?
Yes, you can try rolling the warm donuts in powdered sugar or cocoa powder as an alternative coating.
- → How should I store leftover donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within one day for best freshness.