Pin it The first time I made air fryer donuts, I dropped a raw dough circle right onto my kitchen floor. My kids stared, wide-eyed, until I scooped it up, laughed, and said, "Five-second rule doesn't apply to raw dough!" Now it's our Saturday morning ritual—the kids hover around the air fryer, counting down seconds until that magical moment when warm cinnamon perfumes the entire house. There's something almost magical about transforming simple biscuit dough into these puffy, golden treats that taste remarkably like fair food, minus the deep fryer.
Last winter, during a particularly harsh snowstorm, we lost power for nearly a day. When it finally returned, my daughter suggested we make something special to celebrate. Our pantry was limited, but I had tucked away a can of biscuits and our air fryer still worked. The warm cinnamon aroma filled our previously cold house, and eating those donuts huddled under blankets somehow made them taste even better. My husband declared them better than any bakery version, though I suspect the circumstances enhanced the flavor.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The unsung hero that creates surprisingly authentic donuts—I've found the larger, flakier varieties work best as they puff up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Unsalted Butter: Acts as the glue for your cinnamon sugar coating; brushing while the donuts are hot ensures maximum adherence and flavor absorption.
- Cinnamon: I learned the hard way that fresh cinnamon makes a world of difference—if yours has been sitting in the cabinet for years, treat yourself to a new jar.
- Granulated Sugar: Creates that signature sweet crunch that makes these irresistible; superfine sugar works even better if you have it on hand.
Instructions
- Prep Your Dough:
- Pop open that can of biscuits (I still jump every time despite knowing it's coming) and use a small round cutter to create the classic donut shape. A clean bottle cap works perfectly in a pinch.
- Create Your Workspace:
- Before you start cooking, set up your assembly line with the melted butter in one bowl and the cinnamon-sugar mixture in another. Trust me, you'll want to coat these beauties while they're still hot.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Arrange the donuts in a single layer, giving them space to expand. The transformation from pale dough to golden treats is truly satisfying to watch.
- The Magic Flip:
- Halfway through cooking, gently flip each donut for even browning. You'll know they're done when they've puffed up dramatically and developed a beautiful golden color.
- Coat While Hot:
- Working quickly, brush each donut with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm. The sizzle when butter meets hot donut is one of my favorite kitchen sounds.
- Don't Forget the Holes:
- Those little donut centers cook up into perfect two-bite treats. They need less time, so watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Pin it My nephew, normally the pickiest eater in three counties, visited last summer and tentatively tried one of these donuts. His eyes widened comically, and he proceeded to eat three more in rapid succession. When he asked if we could make them again before bedtime, I knew I'd found the recipe that would forever make me the cool aunt. Now he asks about the "magic donuts" every time we talk on the phone, and I've promised to teach him how to make them next visit.
Serving Suggestions
Something about these donuts transforms regular coffee into the perfect companion beverage. The bitter notes of the coffee cut through the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar coating, creating a balance that feels both indulgent and comforting. For the kids, warm chocolate milk creates a similar magic, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that feels like a special occasion. I've noticed these donuts disappear fastest when served immediately while still warm, with that unmistakable just-made aroma filling the room.
Storage Tips
These donuts are at their absolute peak when fresh from the air fryer, but reality sometimes means leftovers. I've found storing them in a paper bag rather than plastic keeps them from becoming soggy overnight. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave the next morning revives them surprisingly well, though the cinnamon sugar coating might need a little touch-up. My daughter actually prefers them after they've rested overnight, claiming the flavors deepen, but I remain firmly in the fresh-is-best camp.
Flavor Variations
After making these donuts countless times, I've developed several variations that keep things interesting without complicating the process. Adding orange or lemon zest to the sugar mixture creates a subtle citrus note that's especially nice in spring and summer. During fall, I sometimes replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with morning coffee.
- For chocolate lovers, try drizzling the finished donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of milk.
- A dash of cardamom in the cinnamon sugar mixture adds an unexpected warmth that guests often can't quite identify but always love.
- For special occasions, split the sugar mixture and add a few drops of food coloring to create colorful donuts that brighten any breakfast table.
Pin it There's something wonderfully satisfying about creating something that tastes like it took hours in just minutes. These air fryer donuts have become our family's symbol of small celebrations, weekend indulgences, and the simple joy of creating something delicious together.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works perfectly. Roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting into donut shapes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on dough density.
- → How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray before placing the donuts. Ensure they're arranged in a single layer without touching for even cooking and easy removal.
- → Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
These donuts are best served fresh and warm. However, you can store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore texture.
- → What can I do with the donut holes?
Air fry the centers separately for 3-4 minutes to make delicious donut holes. Coat them in the same cinnamon sugar mixture for bite-sized treats.
- → How can I make these donuts dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil. Check your biscuit dough label to ensure it's dairy-free, or use a vegan biscuit dough alternative.
- → Why should I turn the donuts halfway through cooking?
Flipping ensures even browning and puffing on both sides. This creates uniformly golden donuts with consistent texture throughout.