Pin It My teenage son walked into the kitchen last Sunday demanding dessert, but I had zero energy for a complicated baking project. That afternoon experiment turned into our new favorite tradition. Now he asks for these air fryer donuts every weekend, and I actually say yes because they take literally minutes to make.
Last month I made these for my book club when everyone forgot we were supposed to bring treats. I had that can of biscuits in the fridge and threw these together in under ten minutes. They disappeared so fast my friend Sarah thought I spent hours making them from scratch.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This humble shortcut is the secret to incredibly fluffy donuts without any yeast or waiting time
- Cinnamon sugar mixture: The classic coating that transforms simple dough into something irresistible and nostalgic
- Melted butter: Helps that cinnamon sugar stick perfectly and adds that rich buttery flavor we all love
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Get it to 350°F so your donuts start cooking immediately and get that perfect rise
- Shape your donuts:
- Cut holes in the center of each biscuit and save those donut holes because they become the best bite sized snacks
- Arrange and cook:
- Place them in a single layer and air fry 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown and puffed up beautifully
- Coat immediately:
- Brush warm donuts with butter then toss them in cinnamon sugar while they are still hot for maximum coating power
Pin It 
My daughter started requesting these for her sleepovers, and now all her friends think I am some kind of donut wizard. They have no idea the whole process takes less time than it takes to watch a cartoon episode.
Making Them Your Own
Sometimes I skip the cinnamon sugar entirely and make a simple vanilla glaze instead. The kids actually argue about which version is better, which I consider a parenting win.
Getting Even Coating
I learned to use a shallow bowl for the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently drop each buttered donut in. Give it a quick toss and the coating sticks perfectly every single time.
Storage and Freshness
These really are best served warm right after making them, but life is not always that perfect. They will keep in an airtight container for one day, though they lose some of that magical crispiness.
- Reheat leftover donuts for 30 seconds in the air fryer to bring back that fresh made texture
- Double the cinnamon sugar mixture if you are coating a whole batch because it goes faster than you think
- The donut holes cook even faster so check them after 2 minutes to avoid overcooking
Pin It Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we make most often. These donuts have saved me more times than I can count.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best dough for these treats?
Refrigerated biscuit dough works well for quick preparation, providing a soft and fluffy texture after air frying.
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, baking in a conventional oven at 350°F until golden is an alternative, though air frying yields a crispier exterior.
- → How do I ensure the coating sticks well?
Brushing the warm treats with melted butter before tossing in the cinnamon sugar helps it adhere evenly and enhances flavor.
- → Can I use other coatings besides cinnamon sugar?
Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk are great variations.
- → Are there any allergens to be aware of?
The dough contains wheat (gluten) and milk; be sure to check ingredient labels for egg or other allergens.