Quick & Easy Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts: Your Perfect Fall Breakfast Treat
Say goodbye to long queues at your favorite donut shop and hello to a fresh batch of these incredible Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts this autumn! Imagine warm, fluffy donuts, generously coated in a sweet pumpkin spice sugar blend, made right in your air fryer with canned biscuits. These delightful treats are guaranteed to be the star of any morning gathering or a cozy solo breakfast. There truly isn’t a better way to infuse your day with comforting fall flavors, is there?
Do you want to effortlessly become the morning hero? These easy pumpkin spice air fryer biscuit donuts are precisely what you need! In mere minutes, you and your loved ones can be savoring warm, pillowy donuts, each bite bursting with aromatic pumpkin spice and a delicate sugary crunch. They literally melt in your mouth, offering a heavenly experience with every taste. But don’t just take my word for it; whip up a batch yourself and discover the magic!
Discover the Magic of Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Did you know that your versatile air fryer can make incredible donuts? This clever kitchen appliance continues to impress with its ability to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes. For a delightful fall twist, I’ve created a fantastic recipe for Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Donuts using convenient pre-made biscuit dough, generously coated with my special homemade pumpkin spice seasoning. The best part? You can skip the messy, hot oil of traditional deep frying, making these air fryer donuts a lighter and easier option for your family. Enjoy all the flavor of your favorite donuts with a fraction of the guilt!
Making air fryer biscuit donuts is astonishingly simple and incredibly quick. They’re ideal for a weekday breakfast, a leisurely weekend brunch, or even an unexpected treat for guests. Serve them warm alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, and watch how quickly they vanish!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Donut Recipe
These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a revelation! Here’s why these easy air fryer donuts will become a new fall favorite:
- Effortlessly Delicious: Utilizing ready-made biscuit dough means a significant reduction in prep time. Simply cut, air fry for a few minutes, brush with melted butter, and coat with our sensational pumpkin spice seasoning. It’s homemade goodness without the fuss!
- Healthier Indulgence: By cooking in an air fryer, you avoid the large amounts of oil used in deep frying. This results in a lighter donut that still boasts a wonderful crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior.
- Seasonal Sensation: The warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice are synonymous with autumn. These donuts capture that cozy essence perfectly, making them an ideal treat for the cooler months.
- Versatile & Customizable: While pumpkin spice is amazing, the base recipe allows for endless flavor possibilities, making these air fryer biscuit donuts a year-round delight.
If you’re already a fan of homemade donuts, you’ll adore this recipe. If you’re looking for more delicious donut inspiration, be sure to check out these Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts, Baked King Cake Donuts, or these unique Chocolate Kraut Donuts.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Spice Donuts
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can enjoy these delectable donuts with just four simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer!
Biscuits: The foundation of these incredible “cheater” donuts! I highly recommend using a can of jumbo refrigerated biscuits. These pre-made doughs are typically found in the dairy section of your local grocery store. Brands like Pillsbury Grands Biscuits work exceptionally well, providing a consistent, flaky texture that’s perfect for air frying. Opting for jumbo biscuits ensures a substantial donut size.
Sugar: Plain white granulated sugar is your best friend for the flavorful coating. Its fine texture allows it to adhere beautifully to the warm, buttery donuts, creating that irresistible sweet crunch.
Pumpkin Spice Mix: This is where the magic happens and the fall spirit truly comes alive! While store-bought pumpkin pie spice is convenient, I strongly encourage you to try my homemade pumpkin spice mix recipe. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match, elevating your donuts from good to absolutely phenomenal. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a wonderfully aromatic experience.
Butter: Melted butter is crucial for both flavor and function. It adds a rich, comforting taste to the donuts, and more importantly, it acts as the perfect adhesive for the pumpkin spice sugar. Without it, the sugar won’t stick, leaving you with less flavorful, un-coated donuts. Unsalted butter is usually preferred for baking, but salted works fine here too.
How to Make Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the very bottom of this post.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer. Start by setting your air fryer to preheat to a consistent 360 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 180 degrees Celsius). Preheating is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior and ensuring your donuts cook evenly from the moment they enter the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Sugar. In a small, shallow bowl, combine your granulated sugar and pumpkin spice mix thoroughly. Stir well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this aromatic mixture aside; it will be used for coating your warm donuts.
Step 3: Cut Your Biscuit Donuts. Gently remove each biscuit from the can and place it on a clean cutting board. Using a small cookie cutter or a biscuit cutter (ideally around 1 inch in diameter), carefully cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Don’t discard these precious donut holes – they can be air-fried and coated for a bonus treat! Alternatively, a small shot glass or even a clean bottle cap can work wonders for cutting the centers.
Step 4: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket. Lightly coat the inside of your air fryer basket with a non-aerosol olive oil spray or coconut oil spray. It’s crucial to refrain from using aerosol non-stick sprays like Pam, as the propellants can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time.
Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts in Batches. Carefully place the cut donut rings into your prepped air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important that they do not touch each other to ensure even airflow and cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook these in two or more batches. Overcrowding the basket will result in unevenly cooked and less crispy donuts.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden. Air fry the donuts for approximately 5 minutes. Halfway through, you might want to gently flip them to encourage even browning on both sides. They should emerge beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Coat with Pumpkin Spice Sugar. As soon as the donuts are done and still hot, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Using a pastry brush, liberally brush the outside of each warm donut with melted butter. Immediately, while the butter is still wet, roll the entire donut in your prepared pumpkin spice sugar mixture. The warmth of the donut and the melted butter will help the sugar adhere perfectly. Place the coated donuts on a cooling rack to set slightly, though they are best enjoyed warm.
Step 8: Don’t Forget the Donut Holes! For the donut holes you saved, use the exact same process. Air fry them for about 3 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Brush with butter and roll in the pumpkin spice sugar mixture.
Step 9: Serve Immediately. These homemade air fryer donuts are truly at their peak when served warm, straight out of the air fryer. The soft interior, crispy exterior, and aromatic sugar coating are simply divine when fresh.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts with Biscuits
If you’re making this recipe for pumpkin spiced air fryer biscuit donuts, you’ll want to ensure you get the best results every time. Here are some invaluable tips to guarantee donut perfection:
- Storage & Reheating: While these donuts are undeniably best consumed immediately, any cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for about a day. To enjoy them again, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy. Avoid the microwave, which can make them rubbery.
- Don’t Waste the Holes: Seriously, those little donut holes are delicious! Air fry them using the same method as the main donuts (they’ll cook faster, usually about 3 minutes), then brush with butter and roll in the pumpkin spice sugar. They make for delightful bite-sized treats.
- Creative Cutter Alternatives: No small donut cutter? No problem! A small cookie cutter (get creative with shapes like a heart or star!), a clean shot glass, or even a thoroughly cleaned bottle cap can be used to punch out the center holes. The goal is a clean, round cut.
- Avoid Overcrowding: This cannot be stressed enough. Placing too many donuts in the air fryer basket at once will prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture. Cook in batches, allowing space between each donut.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so the suggested cooking time is a guide. Keep an eye on your donuts, especially during the first batch. They should be golden brown and puffed. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed for subsequent batches.
- Coat While Hot: The success of the sugar coating depends on coating the donuts immediately after removing them from the air fryer. The residual heat and melted butter create the perfect sticky surface for the sugar to cling to.
Customization & Flavor Variations
While the pumpkin spice sugar is a fall favorite, these air fryer biscuit donuts are incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them to your heart’s content, making them a treat for any season:
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: For a year-round delight, simply swap out the pumpkin spice mix for a good quality ground cinnamon in your sugar coating. This makes fantastic cinnamon sugar donuts anytime!
- Simple Glaze: Instead of rolling in sugar, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water (and a tiny bit of vanilla extract) to create a simple, sweet glaze. Dip the warm donuts for a smooth, shiny finish.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled or glazed donuts for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Sprinkle Fun: Perfect for birthdays or celebrations! After brushing with butter, roll the donuts in colorful sprinkles before the butter sets.
- Maple Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, a touch of maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a delicious maple-flavored glaze, especially good during fall.
- Chopped Nuts: For added texture, press finely chopped pecans or walnuts onto the buttered donuts before or after rolling in sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making donuts in your air fryer:
Does an air fryer actually work for donuts? Absolutely, yes! Air fryers are remarkably effective for making donuts, particularly when you want to avoid the mess and added oil of deep frying. These air fryer biscuit donuts achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that tastes just as good, if not better, than their oil-fried counterparts. Plus, the ease of preparation is unmatched!
How do you reheat sugar donuts in an air fryer? Reheating sugar-coated donuts in an air fryer is simple and helps restore their fresh-baked quality. Place the donuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes. This quick reheat will warm them through and give them back a pleasing crispiness without drying them out.
How do you make donuts in the air fryer from scratch or with biscuits? To make easy air fryer donuts, this recipe is a fantastic starting point. It leverages pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough, cutting down on preparation time significantly. However, you can adapt many traditional baked or fried donut recipes to the air fryer by simply preparing your chosen dough and then air frying it instead of baking or deep frying. The key is to ensure proper temperature and cooking times, which are generally shorter in an air fryer.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for air fryer donuts? Yes, you certainly can! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit dough recipe, you can use it just as you would the canned variety. Simply prepare the dough, cut out your donut shapes, and follow the same air frying and coating instructions. The texture might vary slightly depending on your dough, but the results will still be delicious.
More Donut Recipes to FALL in Love with
If you’re endlessly fascinated by the world of donuts, here are some more fantastic recipes to inspire your baking adventures:
- Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts (pictured above)
- Powdered Sugar Donuts
- Double Chocolate Baked Donuts
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts
- Pączki (Polish Donuts)
- Baked Banana Donuts
- Maple Bacon Baked Donuts
- Cranberry Vanilla Donuts
Find All of my Air Fryer Recipes Here
These air fryer biscuit donuts are truly a game-changer for quick, delicious, and easy fall breakfasts. They offer a delightful combination of soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of fragrant pumpkin cinnamon sugar. Best of all, they cook up in mere minutes, allowing you to relax with a warm cup of coffee and a perfectly golden-brown, fresh donut without any stress or fuss. Give them a try and brighten your mornings this season!
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Print Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Equipment
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Biscuit Cutters Set, Stainless Steel Circle, 5 Pieces
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COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT
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Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
Ingredients
- 1 can of biscuits the refrigerated jumbo sized ones
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ Tablespoon pumpkin spice mix
- 5 Tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180°C). This ensures even cooking from the start.
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In a small, shallow bowl, thoroughly mix the granulated sugar and pumpkin spice mix together. Set this aside.
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Place each biscuit on a cutting board. Using a small cookie cutter or biscuit cutter (approximately 1” in diameter), cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to form a donut shape. Set the donut holes aside to cook later.
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Lightly coat the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray or coconut oil spray (ensure it’s a non-aerosol spray, as regular non-stick sprays can damage your air fryer’s coating).
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Place the donut rings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. You will likely need to cook these in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
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Air fry for 5 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. You may gently flip them halfway through for even browning.
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Immediately after removing from the air fryer, brush the outside of each hot donut with melted butter using a pastry brush. Then, roll it immediately in the pumpkin spice sugar mixture until fully coated. Place on a cooling rack.
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To air fry the donut holes, use the same process as the donuts, but air fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden. Coat them with butter and sugar as well.
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Serve your delicious pumpkin spice air fryer biscuit donuts immediately. They are truly best when enjoyed warm!