Easy Air Fryer Donuts are a delightful treat that you can whip up in just minutes. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts are made from refrigerated biscuits, making them incredibly easy to prepare. With only four ingredients and five minutes of cooking time, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can enjoy these delicious bites. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a fun gathering with friends, these donuts will surely impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of cooking time, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only 4 simple ingredients make it easy to whip up a batch whenever cravings strike.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert; you can enjoy these donuts any time of day.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the kitchen! They’ll love cutting out the donut shapes and coating them in sugar.
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means less oil than traditional frying methods, making these donuts a lighter choice.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Easy Air Fryer Donuts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- 1-inch round cookie cutter
- Silicone pastry brush
- Coconut oil spray (or olive oil spray)
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: The star of this recipe! It cooks the donuts evenly while keeping them light and fluffy.
- Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your cinnamon sugar mix without creating a mess.
- Silicone pastry brush: Perfect for applying melted butter evenly on your donuts without tearing them.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 can Jumbo Biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 5 Tablespoons butter (melted)
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees. To do this, simply turn your air fryer on at 360 degrees and let it run for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Step 3: Cut Out Donuts
Open the can of flaky biscuits and cut the center out of each one using a 1-inch round cookie cutter. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray (you can also use olive oil spray). Avoid using non-stick sprays like Pam as they may damage your air fryer.
Step 4: Cook the Donuts
Place the donuts (not holes) in your air fryer. Bake for 5 minutes at 360 degrees. While the donuts are cooking, melt the butter.
Step 5: Coat with Butter and Sugar
Using a silicone pastry brush, coat the baked donuts with your melted butter. Then cover them with the cinnamon sugar mixture by dipping and rolling around. Use a spoon to coat the top as well. Gently shake off excess cinnamon sugar. Serve donuts hot.
This easy recipe yields 8 delicious donuts plus their holes—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Donuts
These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your breakfast or snack experience.
With Coffee
- Pairing these donuts with a hot cup of coffee creates the perfect morning treat. The rich flavors of coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the donuts.
Dipped in Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and dip half of each donut for an indulgent twist. This adds a rich flavor and a delightful texture to your treats.
Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar
- For a lighter option, dust your donuts with powdered sugar. This classic presentation adds elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve your donuts alongside fresh fruit such as strawberries or bananas. The fruity freshness balances the sweetness and makes for a colorful plate.
As a Dessert
- Transform these donuts into a dessert by serving them warm with ice cream. The combination of warm donuts and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.

How to Perfect Easy Air Fryer Donuts
To get the best results from your Easy Air Fryer Donuts, keep these tips in mind.
- Preheat properly: Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 360 degrees before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden color.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook the donuts in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less than ideal texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh biscuits will result in better flavor and fluffiness. Always check expiration dates before starting.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to try different toppings like sprinkles or glazes. Customizing can make each batch unique.
- Keep an eye on cooking time: Since air fryers can vary, check your donuts a minute early to prevent overcooking.
- Cool briefly before serving: Allow the donuts to cool for a minute after baking but serve them warm for the best taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Air Fryer Donuts
While these Easy Air Fryer Donuts are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can round out your meal perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the airy texture of the donuts.
- Scrambled Eggs: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast option that balances sweetness with protein.
- Bacon Strips: The saltiness of crispy bacon pairs well with sweet treats, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl provides nutrients while being light enough not to overpower the pastries.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits offers wholesome nutrition alongside your sweet treat.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This adds health benefits and textures that contrast nicely with soft, warm donuts.
- Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast spread with nut butter provides healthy fats and pairs excellently with sweet flavors.
These suggestions will elevate your donut experience whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or snack time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Air Fryer Donuts can be a breeze, but some common mistakes can ruin the fun. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using the wrong oil spray: Some non-stick sprays can damage your air fryer. Always use coconut or olive oil sprays instead.
- Overcrowding the basket: Placing too many donuts at once can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for the best results.
- Not preheating the air fryer: Skipping this step can affect the texture of your donuts. Always preheat for better cooking outcomes.
- Ignoring donut holes: Don’t waste those delicious centers! Fry them too for a complete treat.
- Skipping the butter coating: The melted butter is key for sticking the cinnamon sugar. Don’t skip this step if you want that delightful crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Air Fryer Donuts
- Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Air Fryer Donuts
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place donuts in a skillet on low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Easy Air Fryer Donuts, here are some common questions and their answers.
How can I customize Easy Air Fryer Donuts?
You can add various toppings like sprinkles, chocolate glaze, or powdered sugar to make them your own!
What type of biscuits should I use for Easy Air Fryer Donuts?
Refrigerated jumbo biscuits work great, especially those like Pillsbury Grands. They provide a fluffy texture.
Can I use gluten-free biscuits for Easy Air Fryer Donuts?
Yes! Gluten-free refrigerated biscuits can be substituted, making this recipe accessible for everyone.
How do I store Easy Air Fryer Donuts?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Are Easy Air Fryer Donuts healthy?
While they are a tasty treat, moderation is key. They have less fat than traditional fried donuts but still contain sugar.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are quick to make and incredibly satisfying. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delightful breakfast or snack. Plus, feel free to customize with different toppings or flavors. Enjoy these treats hot or experiment with different dips!
Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Indulge in the delightful taste of Easy Air Fryer Donuts, a quick and simple treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. With just four basic ingredients and a cooking time of only five minutes, you can create these fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-coated donuts in no time. Made from refrigerated biscuits, they offer an effortless way to satisfy your cravings without the mess of traditional frying. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend morning or hosting a fun gathering, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, the air fryer method means you’ll enjoy a lighter version of this classic treat—perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can Jumbo Biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 Tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside.
- Open the can of biscuits and use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the centers.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray.
- Place the donuts (not holes) in the basket and cook for 5 minutes at 360°F.
- While cooking, melt your butter.
- Once cooked, brush each donut with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg






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