Pin It My neighbor knocked on the door one Saturday morning with her new air fryer, grinning like she'd just won the lottery. She had a wild idea: turn a can of biscuit dough into donuts without heating up the whole kitchen. I was skeptical until I watched those biscuits puff up golden and perfect in eight minutes flat. The smell of cinnamon sugar filled my apartment, and I was hooked before I even took the first bite. Now I make these every time someone needs cheering up or I need a quick win in the kitchen.
I brought a batch to my book club on a whim, still warm in a tea towel. Everyone went silent for a full minute, which never happens with that group. Then the questions started: did I wake up at dawn to fry these, did I use a secret family recipe, where did I learn to make donuts? I just laughed and told them the truth. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that look impressive but take less time than picking out an outfit.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The hero of this whole operation, these pre-portioned rounds transform into airy donuts with barely any effort, and the slight buttermilk tang plays beautifully with cinnamon.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on while the donuts are still hot, it acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar and adds a rich, bakery-quality finish.
- Granulated sugar: The base of your coating, it gives that classic sweet crunch and balances the warmth of the cinnamon without overpowering it.
- Ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference here, so if your jar has been sitting in the cupboard since 2019, treat yourself to a new one.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run empty for three minutes. This quick warmup ensures even cooking and prevents the dough from sticking to a cold basket.
- Shape your donuts:
- Pop open the biscuit can and separate the rounds, then use a small round cutter or even a clean bottle cap to punch out the centers. Save those little circles for donut holes, they cook up just as beautifully.
- Prep the basket:
- Give your air fryer basket a light mist of nonstick spray. This step takes two seconds but saves you from scraping stuck dough later.
- Arrange and cook:
- Lay the donuts in a single layer with space between each one so hot air can circulate. Air fry for five to six minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and puffed like little clouds.
- Make the cinnamon sugar:
- While the donuts cook, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This is also a great moment to melt your butter if you have not already.
- Coat while hot:
- The second those donuts come out, brush them all over with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon sugar. The heat makes the coating stick like magic.
- Fry the donut holes:
- Toss the little center circles into the air fryer for three to four minutes. They cook faster than the full donuts, so keep an eye on them.
Pin It My niece ate three of these standing at the counter, cinnamon sugar dusting her cheeks and fingertips. She looked up at me with wide eyes and said, these taste like the fair, and I realized she was right. Sometimes the best cooking is not about perfection, it is about capturing a feeling and sharing it with people you love. These donuts do exactly that.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are best eaten warm, straight from the air fryer while the outside is still crisp and the inside is soft as a pillow. I love pairing them with strong black coffee in the morning or hot chocolate on a cold evening. If you are feeling fancy, serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or even a little dish of salted caramel for dipping. They also make a stunning last minute dessert for brunch guests, just pile them high on a plate and watch them disappear.
Storage and Reheating
Honestly, these donuts are at their absolute peak within the first hour, but life happens and sometimes you need to save a few for later. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they will lose some of their crispness. To bring them back to life, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for about two minutes, then brush with a little melted butter and toss in fresh cinnamon sugar. They will not be quite as magical as fresh, but they will still make you smile.
Variations and Swaps
Once you master the basic version, the flavor possibilities open up wide. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced twist. For a chocolate lover, toss the hot donuts in cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon. You can also drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts. If you want a dairy-free version, swap the butter for melted coconut oil or vegan butter, it works beautifully.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon during the fall for a seasonal treat.
- Stuff the donut holes with a little jam or Nutella before air frying for a surprise center.
Pin It There is something deeply satisfying about making donuts that taste this good with so little fuss. Keep a can of biscuit dough in your fridge and you will always be ready for a spontaneous treat.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use fresh dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Yes, you can make or use homemade biscuit dough. Adjust cooking time as needed since fresh dough may cook differently. Test one donut first to ensure proper browning.
- → What temperature should I set the air fryer to?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes before cooking. This temperature ensures even browning and proper puffing without burning the donuts.
- → How do I prevent the donuts from sticking together?
Arrange donuts in a single layer without touching. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Cook in batches if needed for optimal air circulation.
- → Can I make donut holes with the centers?
Absolutely. Reserve the centers you cut out and air fry them separately for 3-4 minutes. Coat them in cinnamon sugar the same way as the full-sized donuts.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore warmth and texture.
- → Can I add other coatings instead of cinnamon sugar?
Yes, try powdered sugar, glaze, chocolate coating, or maple cinnamon. Brush with butter first, then coat with your preferred topping while the donuts are still warm.