If you love homemade donuts but hate the hassle of deep frying, this easy air fryer donuts recipe is for you! With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy warm, fluffy donuts without the excess oil.
Using an air fryer for donuts creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and airy. Unlike deep-fried donuts, these require no messy oil, making them a healthier and quicker alternative. Plus, they’re made with refrigerated biscuit dough, so there’s no need to worry about complicated dough-making processes.
Air frying is revolutionizing the way we cook, making traditionally deep-fried foods much lighter. According to Wikipedia, an air fryer uses hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of fried food, but with significantly less oil. That means you get the same delicious taste with a fraction of the calories!
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a quick sweet treat. Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon sugar coating or want to experiment with different toppings like powdered sugar or a chocolate glaze, these donuts can be easily customized to suit your cravings.
Stay tuned as we dive into why air fryer donuts are the ultimate quick and easy treat! 🍩
Why Air Fryer Donuts?
Making donuts in an air fryer is a game-changer. Traditional deep-frying can be messy, time-consuming, and loaded with extra oil. In contrast, air frying allows you to create light, crispy, and delicious donuts with minimal effort. Here’s why this method is so popular:
1. Healthier Alternative to Deep-Frying
- Air frying uses hot air circulation instead of submerging food in oil, resulting in donuts with less fat and fewer calories.
- According to Wikipedia, deep-frying can significantly increase the calorie content of food due to oil absorption.
- Less oil means less grease and a cleaner cooking process.
2. Quick & Convenient
- These easy air fryer donuts take only 5-6 minutes to cook, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
- No need to wait for oil to heat up or deal with post-frying cleanup.
3. Perfect Texture: Crispy Outside, Soft Inside
- The air circulation in the fryer ensures an even golden brown finish.
- The inside stays light and fluffy, just like a traditional donut.
4. Beginner-Friendly
- Since this recipe uses store-bought biscuit dough, there’s no need to worry about making dough from scratch.
- Even if you’ve never made donuts before, this foolproof method guarantees great results.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of warm, sweet donuts in no time! Ready to get started? Let’s go over what you’ll need. 🍩
Ingredients Breakdown
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to make these easy air fryer donuts. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
For the Donuts:
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – The key ingredient in this quick recipe! Store-bought biscuit dough provides the perfect shortcut, eliminating the need for yeast and proofing time. Brands like Pillsbury Grands work especially well.
- Melted Butter – Brushing the warm donuts with butter helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick while adding a rich, buttery flavor.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar – A classic choice for coating donuts, it adds sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture. Learn more about granulated sugar and how it enhances baked goods.
- Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the sugar perfectly. Discover more about cinnamon and its culinary uses.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations:
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways to customize your air fryer donuts:
- Alternative Coatings: Swap out the cinnamon sugar for a powdered sugar glaze, chocolate drizzle, or even a maple glaze.
- Extra Flavor Additions: Add a dash of nutmeg or a few drops of vanilla extract to the melted butter for enhanced flavor.
- Toppings: After coating the donuts, sprinkle with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzle with caramel.
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making these delicious air fryer donuts! 🍩
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these easy air fryer donuts is as simple as prepping the dough, cooking, and coating them in a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside texture.
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat for about 2-3 minutes.
- Preheating ensures that the donuts cook evenly and achieve a golden brown finish.
2. Prepare the Dough
- Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the individual biscuits.
- Use a small round cutter (or a bottle cap) to remove the center of each biscuit, creating a donut shape. Don’t discard the centers—you can air fry them as donut holes!
3. Arrange the Donuts in the Air Fryer
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the donuts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
4. Cook the Donuts
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even golden-brown color.
- The donuts should be puffed up and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- While the donuts are cooking, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
6. Coat the Donuts
- Once the donuts are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately brush them with melted butter.
- Dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- These warm, sweet, and fluffy air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Serve with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect treat.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore some fun variations and customizations to take your air fryer donuts to the next level! 🍩
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about air fryer donuts is how easily they can be customized! Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon sugar coating or something more indulgent like chocolate glaze or maple drizzle, there are countless ways to make this recipe your own.
1. Alternative Coatings
If you’re looking for something different from the traditional cinnamon sugar coating, try these options:
- Powdered Sugar – Dust warm donuts with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finish.
- Chocolate Glaze – Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter, then dip the donuts for a rich, chocolatey treat. Find more inspiration from Pinterest.
- Maple Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with maple syrup for a delicious fall-inspired coating.
2. Flavor Additions
Enhance the flavor of your donuts by incorporating these simple additions:
- Pumpkin Spice – Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar mix for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Stir a few drops into the melted butter before brushing the donuts for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar mix adds a subtle depth of flavor.
3. Toppings & Extras
Want to take your donuts to the next level? Try these fun toppings:
- Sprinkles – Add colorful sprinkles to a glazed donut for a festive touch.
- Crushed Nuts – Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or peanuts over the glaze for extra crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over warm donuts for a gourmet finish. Check out Pinterest for more homemade dessert ideas.
These customizations make it easy to create a variety of flavors, ensuring that no two batches are ever the same. Next, let’s go over how to store and reheat your donuts so you can enjoy them later! 🍩
Storing & Reheating Instructions
While these air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh, you might have leftovers that you want to save for later. Proper storage and reheating will help maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
1. How to Store Air Fryer Donuts
- At Room Temperature: Place the donuts in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps prevent them from drying out.
- In the Refrigerator: If you want them to last a little longer, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, refrigeration can make them slightly denser.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze these donuts for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature before reheating.
2. Best Way to Reheat Air Fryer Donuts
Reheating properly ensures your donuts taste as fresh as possible. Here are the best methods:
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the donuts for 1-2 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Oven: Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be careful—microwaving can make them soft rather than crispy.
3. Can You Store Cinnamon Sugar Donuts After Coating?
Yes, but the sugar coating may become slightly moist over time. To refresh them, simply roll the donuts in a little extra cinnamon sugar after reheating.
With proper storage, you can enjoy your homemade air fryer donuts anytime! Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about making donuts in the air fryer. 🍩
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common questions people have when making air fryer donuts.
1. Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Biscuit Dough?
Yes! While refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe quick and easy, you can use homemade yeast dough or cake donut batter. Just ensure that the dough is not too wet, as it may not hold its shape in the air fryer.
2. What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Aside from cinnamon sugar, there are many ways to top your donuts:
- Powdered Sugar – A light dusting adds sweetness without being too heavy.
- Chocolate or Maple Glaze – Dip in a homemade glaze for a bakery-style finish.
- Sprinkles & Nuts – Adds crunch and a fun visual touch. For inspiration, check out Pinterest.
3. How Long Do These Donuts Stay Fresh?
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refer to the storing and reheating guide.
4. Can I Freeze Air Fryer Donuts?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them before adding the sugar coating. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, then coat in cinnamon sugar or glaze.
5. Why Are My Donuts Not Crispy?
If your donuts aren’t crispy, it could be due to:
- Overcrowding the air fryer – Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate.
- Skipping preheating – A preheated air fryer ensures an even crisp.
- Not flipping halfway – This helps cook both sides evenly.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly crispy and fluffy air fryer donuts every time! 🍩
PrintEasy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: A Quick & Delicious Treat
These easy air fryer donuts are a quick and delicious way to enjoy homemade donuts without the hassle of deep frying. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough, they come together in minutes and have the perfect crispy outside and soft, fluffy inside. Coated in a simple cinnamon sugar mixture, these donuts are a great treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. You can also customize them with different toppings and glazes to suit your taste. With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up a batch of warm, sweet donuts in no time!
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Open the biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use a small round cutter to remove the center of each biscuit to create a donut shape.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.
Place the donuts in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
While the donuts are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Remove the donuts from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter. Immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and a golden-brown finish.
- Do not overcrowd the basket—place the donuts in a single layer to allow proper air circulation.
- If using homemade dough, adjust the cooking time as needed since it may take longer than pre-made biscuit dough.
- Don’t waste the donut holes! Air fry them for 3-4 minutes for bite-sized treats.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of pumpkin spice or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.
