Pin It My kitchen smelled like a carnival before I even tasted one. The air fryer hummed, the butter pooled in a small dish, and I stood there with a bottle cap in one hand and a can of biscuit dough in the other, wondering if this would actually work. It did—better than I imagined. These donuts puff up golden and tender, and the cinnamon sugar clings to every warm curve like it was meant to be there all along.
I made these on a rainy Saturday morning when my neighbor knocked on the door asking if I had any sugar. I handed her the bowl and she looked down at the donuts cooling on the rack. Twenty minutes later she was back with her kids, asking for the recipe. We ended up eating them on my porch with mugs of coffee while the rain drummed on the roof, and I realized some of the best moments happen without planning them.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): This is your shortcut to fluffy, tender donuts without mixing or kneading, and it bakes up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): Brushing warm donuts with butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a rich, bakery-style finish.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): The base of your coating, it gives that classic sweetness and slight crunch when it meets the butter.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): This is what makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort, warming every bite with just the right spice.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and that perfect golden puff.
- Shape your donuts:
- Pop open the biscuit can, separate the rounds, and use a small cutter or bottle cap to punch out the centers. Save those little circles for donut holes.
- Prep the basket:
- Give the air fryer basket a light spray of nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks. Arrange the donuts in a single layer with space between them.
- Air fry the donuts:
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides turn golden and puffy. Watch them rise, it happens fast.
- Make the cinnamon sugar:
- While the donuts cook, stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Have your melted butter ready nearby.
- Coat while warm:
- As soon as the donuts come out, brush them all over with melted butter, then toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar until every inch is covered. Serve them warm.
- Fry the donut holes:
- Repeat the process with the little center cutouts, reducing the cook time to about 3 to 4 minutes. They cook faster and make perfect little bites.
Pin It The first time I served these, someone asked if I had gotten up early to go to the bakery. I just smiled and said nothing, letting them believe it took more effort than it did. There is something deeply satisfying about pulling off something this good with so little fuss, and watching people reach for seconds before they have even finished the first.
What to Serve With Them
These donuts are perfect with a strong cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate on a cold morning. I have also set them out with fresh fruit and yogurt for brunch, and they disappear faster than anything else on the table. They are sweet enough to stand alone but casual enough to share without ceremony.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they taste best the day you make them. To bring back that just-made warmth, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes. The sugar will crisp up again and they will taste almost freshly made.
Ways to Make Them Your Own
Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, it is easy to play around. I have added a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warmer, more complex flavor. You can also drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or dust them with cocoa powder and sugar for a chocolate twist.
- Try using plant-based butter and check your biscuit dough label to make these dairy-free.
- For a festive touch, add a drop of vanilla extract to the melted butter before brushing.
- Make a dipping sauce with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla for something extra indulgent.
Pin It There is something about handing someone a warm donut that makes the whole day feel a little softer. I hope these become your go-to when you need something sweet, fast, and worth every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why should I cut out the donut centers?
Cutting out centers creates the classic donut shape and ensures even cooking throughout. The centers can be cooked separately as donut holes, which require slightly less time—about 3-4 minutes in the air fryer.
- → Can I use fresh dough instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade or bakery-fresh dough. Ensure it's properly chilled before cutting and follow the same air-frying instructions. Fresh dough may require slight timing adjustments.
- → How do I prevent donuts from touching in the air fryer?
Arrange donuts in a single layer with space between each one to allow hot air circulation. If your air fryer is small, cooking in batches ensures optimal browning and even texture.
- → What's the best way to coat them in cinnamon sugar?
Brush each donut with melted butter immediately after air frying while they're still warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere better. Toss gently in the bowl to coat all sides evenly.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based butter for the coating. However, check your biscuit dough label to ensure it doesn't contain dairy, as many refrigerated varieties do contain milk products.
- → How should I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore warmth and texture before serving.