If you’ve been craving a sweet treat that’s quick, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is going to become your new best friend. These donuts are golden, tender, and coated in a heavenly cinnamon sugar blend, all without the mess of deep frying. Using refrigerated jumbo biscuits as the base makes the process effortless while the air fryer delivers that ideal crisp exterior. Get ready to whip up a batch of delicious, homemade donuts that taste like they came from a bakery but can be ready in just minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is how simple but essential the ingredients are, each playing a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth. From the buttery dough to the fragrant cinnamon sugar coating, everything works together to make these donuts irresistible.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to the cinnamon coating, ensuring every bite is delightful.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings the warm, comforting spice that pairs wonderfully with sweet donuts.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle note that adds depth and complexity to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- 12 ounces refrigerated jumbo biscuits (about 1 can): The easy foundation for your donuts, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (½ stick): Melts perfectly to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness to each donut.
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Begin by whisking together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large shallow bowl. This blend will coat your donuts perfectly, giving them that irresistible sweet and spiced crunch. Setting it aside lets you focus on the dough next.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures your donuts cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust we all love so much.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Separate your refrigerator biscuits onto a clean surface. Roll each biscuit out to about 1-inch thickness to allow enough dough for the donut shape without being too thick. Use a donut or biscuit cutter to create a 1-inch hole in the center of each piece, turning them into classic donuts ready for air frying.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
To prevent sticking, lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your donuts will lift out easily after cooking and keeps clean-up hassle-free.
Step 5: Place Donuts in the Basket
Arrange the cut donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each donut so the hot air can circulate for an even cook. If your basket is small, plan on cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook the donuts for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown all around. Keep an eye on them as air fryer models may vary slightly in temperature and timing.
Step 7: Melt the Butter
While your donuts cook, melt the salted butter in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl. Heating it in 30-second increments prevents overheating and ensures a smooth consistency perfect for dipping.
Step 8: Coat and Serve
As soon as the donuts come out of the air fryer, dip each one into the melted butter, coating both sides generously. Then, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully covered. Serve them warm to enjoy gooey, soft centers with a crispy sugar crust.
How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to get creative with toppings beyond the classic cinnamon sugar! A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate glaze, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts or shredded coconut can add delightful textures and flavors to these donuts.
Side Dishes
For a truly comforting experience, pair your air fryer donuts with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea. The warm beverages complement the sweet and spiced notes beautifully, making breakfast or snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the donuts on a pretty cake stand or serving them alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream for a brunch-worthy spread. You can also serve them with small bowls of jams, creams, or even a caramel sauce for dipping to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating will stay deliciously intact, but the donuts are best enjoyed fresh for optimal softness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the donuts after they have cooled completely. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. This way you can enjoy fresh-tasting donuts anytime with just a little reheating.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-from-the-kitchen warmth, pop the donuts in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the texture gummy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular biscuits instead of jumbo biscuits?
Yes! Regular biscuits can work, but jumbo biscuits are preferable because they yield donuts with the perfect thickness and softness. If using regular-sized biscuits, you may want to stack two layers for a similar effect.
Do I really need to use an air fryer?
The air fryer is what makes this recipe quick and less messy, giving the donuts a crisp exterior without frying in oil. You can bake them in an oven, but the texture and cooking time will differ.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely, just swap the regular refrigerated biscuits for a gluten-free biscuit dough option. The rest of the recipe remains the same and will still create tasty donuts.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
You can use a small round cutter or even a clean bottle cap to create the holes in the center. Just make sure the cutter is sharp enough to cut through the biscuit dough cleanly.
How do I store leftover cinnamon sugar coating?
Store any leftover cinnamon sugar mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. It’s great for sprinkling on toast, oatmeal, or even frosting if you want to get creative!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves sweet, homemade treats without hours in the kitchen or a greasy aftermath. Once you try these light, fluffy donuts coated in that perfect cinnamon sugar, you’ll wonder why you never made them before. Gather your favorite toppings, dust off your air fryer, and get ready to create moments of cozy deliciousness that everyone will adore.
Print
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Donuts recipe offers a quick and delightful way to enjoy homemade donuts with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, these donuts are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. Using refrigerated biscuit dough and an air fryer makes the process simple and fast, delivering delicious results without deep frying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (6 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Main Dough
- 12 ounces refrigerated jumbo biscuits (340 grams, about 1 can)
For Coating
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (57 grams, ½ stick)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside for coating the donuts later.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (about 175°C) and allow it to preheat as you prepare the donuts.
- Prepare the Dough: Separate each biscuit from the refrigerated dough can and place them on a clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each biscuit out to approximately 1 inch thickness. Then, use a biscuit cutter or donut cutter to punch a 1-inch hole in the center of each biscuit, creating the classic donut shape.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Donuts for Cooking: Place the cut donut shapes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each donut. If all donuts don’t fit at once, plan to cook them in batches for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Donuts: Cook the donuts at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on all sides. The donuts should be cooked through and have a slightly crisp exterior.
- Melt the Butter: While the donuts are cooking, put the salted butter in a shallow microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments until completely melted, stirring between intervals if needed.
- Coat the Donuts: Remove the cooked donuts from the air fryer. Immediately dip each donut into the melted butter, making sure both sides are fully coated. Then, generously roll or sprinkle the donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Serve: Serve the donuts warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your quick and delicious air fryer donuts!
Notes
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use two different-sized biscuit cutters or glass cups to create the donut shape.
- Make sure to work quickly when dipping the donuts in butter and sugar to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- You can keep leftover donuts fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day and reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- For a chocolate twist, sprinkle cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar mixture or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished donuts.
- Adjust sugar and spices to your taste preference for a milder or stronger cinnamon flavor.
