Easy Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts: Quick, Fluffy Homemade Treats from Canned Biscuits
Prepare to revolutionize your breakfast or dessert routine with this incredibly simple and quick air fryer recipe! Transforming ordinary canned biscuits into warm, delightful donuts has never been easier. Say goodbye to the mess and fuss of hot oil and deep frying; these homemade air fryer biscuit donuts boast a beautiful light golden brown exterior and a tender, fluffy interior, all achieved with minimal effort. Ready in mere minutes, they offer the perfect way to indulge in a comforting, warm pastry right in the comfort of your home, completely bypassing the need for a trip to the local donut shop.
Imagine a chilly morning, perhaps a lazy weekend or a busy weekday, made instantly better with a hot cup of coffee and one (or maybe even two!) of these irresistible cinnamon sugar air fryer donuts. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a sweet, spiced warmth that’s simply divine. Once you experience the sheer convenience and deliciousness of these quick homemade treats, we bet they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your regular rotation of go-to recipes. They are an absolute game-changer for anyone craving that classic donut taste without the traditional complexities.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
These fluffy air fryer donuts aren’t just quick and incredibly easy to prepare; they also offer a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. Unlike traditional donuts that can feel heavy and greasy, these air-fried versions are light, airy, and wonderfully satisfying without any excess oil. This makes them perfect for a lazy Saturday morning treat, a quick after-school snack, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Their simplicity and delicious flavor profile make them a guaranteed new favorite air fryer recipe for your whole family. They are budget-friendly, highly customizable, and a fantastic way to introduce baking to younger family members in a fun, low-stress environment.
If you’re already a fan of simple and delicious air fryer biscuit doughnuts, you’re sure to enjoy exploring these other delightful pastries: for a burst of citrusy sweetness, try our Lemon Sweet Rolls. If you love a fruity twist, our Baked Banana Fritters are a must-try. And for a seasonal treat, don’t miss our Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Doughnuts, which bring a warm autumn flavor to your air fryer.
Making Delicious Donuts from Canned Refrigerated Biscuits
Utilizing pre-made canned biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands, to craft donuts in an air fryer is an absolute game-changer, especially for busy families or anyone seeking that fresh-from-the-bakery taste without the extensive time commitment and greasy mess. This method streamlines the entire donut-making process, bringing these delectable treats to your table in mere minutes. The beauty of these air fryer biscuit donuts lies not just in their speed but also in their versatility; the whole family will delight in customizing their toppings, making each batch a unique and personalized experience. Perhaps the best part is the efficiency: a single can of refrigerated biscuits allows you to create both full-sized, classic donuts and adorable, bite-sized donut holes, ensuring nothing goes to waste and every craving is satisfied.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Crafting these delectable air fryer biscuit donuts requires just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. You’ll likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, making this recipe incredibly accessible for a spontaneous sweet treat. For a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card.
- Refrigerated jumbo biscuits: The star of our show! For the best results and a perfectly fluffy texture, we highly recommend using a high-quality brand like Pillsbury Grands Biscuits. Their size and dough consistency are ideal for achieving that classic donut shape and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: This forms the base of our classic cinnamon sugar coating, providing a delightful sweetness and texture. For a different finish, you can easily substitute this with powdered sugar to create a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth coating or a simple glaze.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, aromatic spice that gives these donuts their irresistible, comforting flavor. A generous amount ensures that classic cinnamon roll-like taste that pairs so beautifully with sugar. Mmm!
- Butter: Melted butter is crucial for adhering the cinnamon sugar mixture to the donuts and adding a rich, decadent flavor. It creates that perfect slightly crispy, sugary crust.
As you continue reading, you’ll discover a wealth of valuable tips and tricks, creative substitutions, and helpful answers to common questions you might have about mastering these fantastic air fryer donuts. Get ready to bake like a pro!
How to Effortlessly Make Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how incredibly fast it comes together, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm donuts with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful experience:
First, begin by preheating your air fryer to 360 degrees F (approximately 180 degrees C). While it preheats, prepare your delightful cinnamon sugar mixture. In a small, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, ensuring they are well mixed. This bowl will be used for coating your warm donuts, so make sure it’s wide enough for easy rolling.
Next, carefully open your can of refrigerated jumbo biscuits. Place each biscuit on a clean cutting board. Using a small biscuit cutter (or even a shot glass or a small round cookie cutter around 1 inch in diameter), gently cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Don’t discard these centers – they make perfect little donut holes! Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray or coconut oil spray. It’s important to avoid traditional non-stick cooking sprays like Pam, as their ingredients can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time.
Carefully arrange the biscuit donuts in a single layer within your preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. This allows for even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry them for approximately 5 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the first batch, as air fryer models can vary in cooking times and intensity.
Once the donuts are golden brown and perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Immediately brush each hot donut generously with melted butter using a pastry brush. The warmth of the donut will help the butter spread evenly. Then, while still warm and buttery, roll each donut in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. For the donut holes, follow the same process, air frying them for about 3 minutes until golden. They’re best served warm, so enjoy them straight away for the ultimate fresh donut experience!
Should you find yourself with any delightful leftovers (a rare occurrence with these delicious treats!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness. While these homemade air fryer donuts are undeniably best enjoyed warm right after preparation, you can easily restore their fresh-made texture and warmth by reheating them in the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes. This quick reheat method brings back that soft, fluffy interior and slightly crisp exterior, making them almost as good as new.
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If you adore this incredibly easy and delicious air fryer biscuit donut recipe, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now before you leave. This way, you’ll always have this fantastic quick donut recipe at your fingertips for those sudden sweet cravings!
Creative Substitutions for Your Air Fryer Donuts
The beauty of cooking and baking lies in experimentation and personalizing recipes to suit your unique tastes and dietary needs. Remember that when it comes to making substitutions in recipes, especially for toppings and glazes, you don’t need to be afraid to get creative and use ingredients that perfectly suit your personal preferences. Don’t be limited by the original; make it truly your own!
- Instead of the classic cinnamon sugar coating, elevate your donuts with a rich chocolate glaze or a delicate vanilla glaze. A simple chocolate glaze can be made with melted chocolate chips and a touch of milk, while a vanilla glaze typically combines powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk or water.
- For a truly classic glazed donut experience, whip up a simple yet elegant glaze using powdered sugar and a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, gradually adding milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. This creates a beautifully shiny and sweet coating for your biscuit donuts.
- Unleash your inner baker and experiment with various types of sugar coatings. Consider cocoa powder mixed with a little powdered sugar for a richer, chocolatey flavor, or simply use plain powdered sugar for a timeless, elegant finish. You could also try a maple glaze by adding a touch of maple syrup to your powdered sugar and milk mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air Fryer Donuts
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your air fryer donut-making experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
- Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time? Absolutely! While the absolute best time to enjoy these donuts is when they’re warm and fresh from the air fryer, you can certainly prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to eat, a quick reheat in the air fryer will bring them back to life.
- What if I don’t have a donut cutter? No problem at all! You don’t need a specialized donut cutter to make these. A small round cookie cutter works perfectly for creating the center holes. Alternatively, for a truly resourceful approach, a clean shot glass or even the wide end of a piping tip can serve as an excellent substitute for cutting the centers.
- Can I use the air fryer tray instead of the basket? Yes, if your air fryer model features trays instead of a traditional basket, you can absolutely use them. The key is to arrange the donuts in a single layer to ensure even cooking and optimal air circulation. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep a close eye on the first batch to determine the perfect duration for your specific appliance.
- Can I make these donuts savory? While this recipe focuses on sweet variations, you could experiment! Try brushing with garlic butter and topping with herbs for a savory biscuit bite.
- Why are my donuts not browning evenly? This usually happens if the air fryer basket is overcrowded, preventing proper air circulation. Always cook in a single layer, in batches if necessary. Also, ensure your air fryer is fully preheated.
Top Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Achieving perfectly cooked and deliciously coated air fryer biscuit donuts is simple with these expert tips:
- Spray your air fryer basket wisely: Always use olive oil spray or coconut oil spray to lightly coat your air fryer basket. It’s crucial to avoid traditional non-stick sprays, such as Pam, as they contain ingredients that can build up and become sticky over time, potentially damaging the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
- Avoid overcrowding: For optimal air circulation and even cooking, it’s essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, work in batches to ensure each donut has enough space to cook to a beautiful golden brown.
- Monitor cooking times: Air fryers can vary significantly in their power and cooking efficiency. Always watch your first batch carefully. This will help you determine the precise and perfect cooking time for your specific air fryer model, ensuring consistently delicious results.
- Use a cooling rack: Once your donuts are air-fried and coated, transfer them to a wire cooling rack. This simple step prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom as they cool, maintaining that desirable light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t discard the centers: The small circles you cut out from the center of each biscuit are precious! These are perfect for making adorable, bite-sized donut holes. Simply air fry them for about 3 minutes, following the same butter and cinnamon sugar coating process, for an extra treat.
- Serve immediately: These donuts are truly at their peak when served warm. The melted butter and cinnamon sugar coating adhere best to hot donuts, and the interior is at its fluffiest.
More Delicious Donut Recipes to Love
If you’re a true donut lover like me, you absolutely won’t want to miss exploring some of my other fantastic donut recipes! With Mardi Gras just around the corner, my festive King Cake Donuts and traditional Pączki (Polish Donuts) are the perfect, indulgent additions to your Fat Tuesday festivities! Beyond special occasions, some reader favorites include my delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts, the zesty Lemon Glazed Donuts, and the surprisingly delicious Baked Banana Donuts. And for those seeking unique flavor combinations, you won’t be able to resist my tangy Cherry Limeade Donuts, the comforting Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, or the classic charm of my Powdered Sugar Doughnuts! There’s a donut for every mood and season!
Looking for more air fryer inspiration? Find all of my Air Fryer Recipes Here.
In conclusion, these easy air fryer biscuit donuts represent the ultimate hack for enjoying warm, homemade donuts without any of the traditional fuss associated with deep frying. Their quick preparation, minimal cleanup, and irresistibly fluffy texture make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Serve them warm with your morning coffee for a delightful start to your day, or offer them as a special after-school treat that the kids will adore – they’re undeniably destined to become a cherished family favorite! Enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh, delicious donuts made right at home.
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Print Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Equipment
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Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
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COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT
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Biscuit Cutters Set, Stainless Steel Circle, 5 Pieces
Ingredients
- 1 (16.3 ounce) can of Refrigerated Canned Biscuits
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 Tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180°C). This ensures your donuts cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
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In a small, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, then set this aromatic mixture aside.
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Carefully place each refrigerated biscuit on a clean cutting board. Using a small cookie cutter or a biscuit cutter (approximately 1 inch in diameter), gently cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to create the donut shape. Keep the cutout centers for delicious donut holes!
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Lightly coat the inside of your air fryer basket or tray with either olive oil spray or coconut oil spray. It’s important to refrain from using traditional non-stick sprays like Pam in your air fryer, as their propellants and ingredients can damage the appliance’s non-stick coating over time.
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Carefully place the prepared biscuit donuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. This is crucial for even cooking and browning. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
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Air fry the donuts for approximately 5 minutes. Keep a close watch, especially on the first batch, as cooking times can vary between different air fryer models. They should be golden brown and puffed up.
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Once cooked, immediately remove the hot donuts from the air fryer. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the outside of each hot donut with the melted butter, ensuring full coverage.
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Immediately after brushing with butter, roll each donut in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture until it is completely coated. For the donut holes, use the same air frying process, but cook them for a shorter duration of about 3 minutes, then coat.
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Serve these delectable homemade air fryer biscuit donuts immediately. They are undeniably best when enjoyed warm, offering the perfect combination of fluffy texture and sweet, spiced coating.