Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts You’ll Crave Forever

I’ll never forget the first time I made air fryer biscuit donuts on a sleepy Sunday morning. My kids were begging for something sweet, and we were out of cereal. I spotted a can of biscuit dough in the fridge and had one of those “aha!” moments. Fifteen minutes later, we were all standing around the kitchen island, laughing and licking cinnamon sugar from our fingers as we devoured warm, golden donuts. That’s the magic of this recipe – it turns a basic pantry staple into something special with almost no effort. No deep fryer splatters, no waiting for dough to rise, just quick, delicious air fryer biscuit donuts that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe

These little beauties have become my go-to treat for so many reasons – let me count the ways:

• Unbelievably quick – From fridge to plate in under 15 minutes flat (perfect for those sudden sugar cravings!)
• Super simple – Just 4 basic ingredients you probably have right now
• No deep fryer mess – All that crispy goodness without the oil splatters or lingering smells
• Kid-approved magic – My little ones go wild for the “donut-making factory” in our kitchen
• Endless possibilities – Dress ’em up fancy or keep it classic with cinnamon sugar

Seriously, once you try these, that drive-thru donut shop will lose all its appeal!

If you love simple desserts with a twist, don’t miss our irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe — a no-bake snack mix that’s just as crave-worthy.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Here’s all you need to create these magical little treats – I bet you have most of this in your kitchen already!

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz) – I like the flaky or buttermilk style best
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for that perfect sweet coating
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – the secret spice that makes it smell like heaven
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – gives that irresistible golden finish

See? I told you it was simple! Now let’s turn these basics into something amazing.

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How to Make Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Now for the fun part – turning those simple ingredients into golden, sugary perfection! Don’t let the “donut” title fool you – this is seriously one of the easiest recipes in my arsenal. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be biting into warm, fluffy goodness before you know it.

Step 1: Prep the Dough

First, pop open that can of biscuits (that satisfying pop never gets old, does it?). Separate them gently – I like to use my fingers to pull them apart where they naturally want to separate. For the classic donut shape, use a small round cutter – I’ve found a 1-inch bottle cap works perfectly if you don’t have fancy cutters. Press firmly in the center of each biscuit and save those little middles! They make adorable donut holes (just cook them alongside the donuts for about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Air Fry the Donuts

Here’s where the magic happens! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F – this helps them cook evenly right from the start. Arrange the donuts in a single layer with some breathing room (I can usually fit 4 at a time in my basket). No overlapping! They’ll puff up beautifully as they cook. Set the timer for 5-6 minutes total, flipping them halfway through with tongs. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 3: Coat the Donuts

While they’re still warm (but cool enough to handle), brush both sides with melted butter using a pastry brush – or if you’re like me and can’t find yours half the time, just gently dip them! Then roll them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure to coat all the nooks and crannies. Pro tip: mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl wide enough to fit a whole donut – makes coating so much easier. That’s it! You’re now the proud creator of homemade donuts.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge!), I’ve learned all the tricks to biscuit donut perfection:

• Give them space! Overcrowding leads to sad, unevenly cooked donuts. Cook in batches if needed.
• Watch the thickness – Jumbo biscuits might need an extra minute, while thinner ones cook faster.
• Parchment paper is your friend – Cut a round to fit your basket for zero sticking and easy cleanup. You can find more baking tips here.
• Flip with confidence – Use tongs to gently turn them halfway for even golden color.
• Serve immediately – They’re at their absolute best when still warm from the air fryer!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be the air fryer donut hero of your household!

Variations for Your Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the classic cinnamon-sugar version, try these fun twists:

• Glaze it up: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla for a simple glaze, or melt chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil for a rich topping
• Get colorful: Add sprinkles while the glaze is still wet for birthday-worthy donuts
• Savory surprise: Skip the sugar and brush with garlic butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and parsley – perfect with soup!
• Fruity fun: Dip in lemon glaze and zest for a bright, tangy treat

My kids love experimenting with different toppings – it’s like having our own donut art studio!

Serving and Storing Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Oh honey, these donuts are absolute heaven when served warm right out of the air fryer – that’s when the cinnamon sugar melts just enough to create that magical crackly crust. If you must store them (though good luck having leftovers!), pop them in an airtight container for a day or two. When you’re ready for round two, just give them a quick 1-minute zap in the air fryer to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic. But between you and me? They rarely last past breakfast time in my house!

For even more sweet inspiration and creative ideas, check out Scones Recipe on Pinterest and save your favorites for later.

Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts FAQs

I get asked about these donuts all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?

Absolutely! My grandma’s buttermilk biscuit dough works beautifully – just roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting. The texture will be slightly more rustic, but just as delicious. Bonus: you can make the dough rounds slightly larger for big, bakery-style donuts!

Why do my donuts sometimes stick to the basket?

Been there! A quick spritz of cooking spray or a round of parchment paper solves this. The melted butter coating helps too – just wait until after cooking to apply it. If they do stick, a gentle nudge with a silicone spatula usually does the trick. For more tips on using your air fryer, check out this guide on how to use an air fryer.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

They’re best fresh, but here’s my trick: Prep the uncooked donuts up to 2 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Then air fry right before serving – the cinnamon sugar coating only takes a minute to apply!

What can I do with the leftover dough holes?

Oh, those little nuggets are the cook’s treat! Toss them in the air fryer for about 3 minutes, then coat them just like the donuts. My kids fight over who gets to eat the “donut babies” – they’re perfect for little hands!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note – these nutritional estimates can vary based on your specific biscuit brand and how much cinnamon sugar sticks (though let’s be honest, more is better!). As with any treat, enjoy in moderation… or don’t, I won’t tell!

Oh, I’d love to hear how your air fryer biscuit donuts turn out! Did you try any fun variations? Drop a comment below or snap a photo – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Now go enjoy those warm, sugary bites of heaven!