Pin This One snowy Sunday morning, as the kids were getting restless indoors, I stumbled upon a can of biscuit dough forgotten in the back of my refrigerator. The memory of carnival donuts from my childhood sparked an idea. With the air fryer already on the counter from last night's dinner, I thought, "Why not try making donuts?" What began as an impromptu experiment has since become our family's favorite weekend breakfast tradition.
Last winter when my sister visited with her kids, I pulled these donuts together while the cousins were still in pajamas playing board games. The house filled with that unmistakable cinnamon aroma, and one by one, curious faces appeared in the kitchen doorway. By the time the last batch came out of the air fryer, there was a line of small sugary fingerprints across the counter and sticky smiles all around.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret weapon here, giving you a shortcut to fluffy, perfectly textured donuts without making dough from scratch.
- Unsalted butter: Acts as the glue for our cinnamon sugar coating, creating that classic donut shop exterior that melts in your mouth.
- Cinnamon: I prefer Ceylon cinnamon for its sweeter, more complex flavor, but any ground cinnamon works wonderfully here.
- Granulated sugar: Creates that signature sparkly coating, though I sometimes use raw sugar for added crunch and depth.
Instructions
- Prep your canvas:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3 minutes, just enough time to pop open that biscuit can and create your donut shapes. The centers make adorable donut holes, perfect for little fingers or taste-testing privileges.
- Create the shapes:
- Using a small bottle cap or round cutter, press firmly through the center of each biscuit. I find a shot glass works perfectly if you dont have a proper cutter.
- First batch magic:
- After a light spritz of cooking spray in your basket, arrange the donuts so they have room to expand. They puff up significantly, so avoid the temptation to crowd them.
- Golden transformation:
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through when they start to turn golden. Your kitchen will begin filling with that irresistible fresh bakery scent.
- The finishing touch:
- While still warm, quickly brush each donut with melted butter, then toss in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The heat helps the coating stick beautifully to every nook and cranny.
- Dont forget the holes:
- Those little centers deserve the same treatment but need just 3-4 minutes of cooking time. They make perfect popping treats while everyone waits for the full-sized donuts.
Pin This Last Christmas morning, instead of our traditional cinnamon rolls, I surprised everyone with a tower of these warm, sugar-dusted donuts. My father-in-law, who rarely comments on food, took his first bite and closed his eyes in appreciation. Later, he quietly asked me for the recipe so he could make them for my mother-in-law on their anniversary. Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most meaningful connections.
Making Ahead and Storage
While these donuts are definitely best enjoyed warm from the air fryer, I discovered you can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container. For unexpected guests, I keep a can of biscuit dough in the refrigerator as my secret weapon for instant hospitality. Any leftover donuts can be briefly reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes the next day, though they never taste quite as magical as when freshly made.
Creative Variations
One rainy afternoon when the cinnamon supply ran dangerously low, I experimented with alternatives that have since become family favorites. Pumpkin pie spice creates a fall-inspired version that pairs beautifully with apple cider. For adult gatherings, I sometimes add a tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the sugar mixture and serve with a chocolate dipping sauce spiked with Grand Marnier. During the holidays, replacing some of the cinnamon with ground cardamom and nutmeg transforms these simple treats into something that feels much more sophisticated.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts create an instant celebration, especially when served as part of a casual brunch spread. I like to arrange them on a cake stand alongside fresh fruit and a pot of strong coffee for weekend guests. They make perfect after-school treats that feel special without too much effort on busy weekdays.
- For summer gatherings, serve with homemade vanilla ice cream for an elevated donut sundae experience.
- Pack still-warm donuts in parchment paper for sports mornings or trips to the park, where they never fail to brighten spirits.
- Keep the air fryer out on the counter during sleepovers, letting kids customize their own coatings with colored sugars or sprinkles.
Pin This These humble air fryer donuts have taught me that sometimes the best kitchen memories come from spontaneous creations rather than elaborate plans. Whenever that distinctive cinnamon aroma fills our home, I know smiles are just moments away.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. For storage, keep cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- → What size cutter should I use to cut the donut holes?
Use a small round cutter approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, or a standard bottle cap works perfectly. The key is cutting a consistent size so holes cook evenly in 3–4 minutes.
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works well. Follow your favorite biscuit recipe and ensure dough is chilled before cutting. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on dough thickness and moisture content.
- → How do I prevent the donuts from sticking together?
Space donuts evenly in a single layer without touching. If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches. Lightly spraying the basket with nonstick cooking spray also helps prevent sticking.
- → What's the best way to coat the donuts evenly?
Brush each warm donut generously with melted butter immediately after air frying while they're still hot. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere. Toss gently in a shallow bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- → Can I add glazing instead of cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely. Prepare a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Dip warm donuts into the glaze, then add sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.