Save to Pinterest My daughter came home from a friends house begging for donuts, but I had zero energy for yeast dough or deep frying. We found a can of biscuits in the fridge and decided to experiment with the air fryer. The first batch disappeared in under a minute, with warm cinnamon sugar everywhere and two very happy kids.
Last summer, my neighbor smelled these cooking through our open kitchen window and showed up with coffee. Now every time I make them, I text her first. Theres something about the cinnamon sugar filling the house that pulls people into the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The flaky layers puff up beautifully in the air fryer, creating that light and airy texture
- Ground cinnamon and granulated sugar: This classic combo is absolute perfection, but make sure to mix them thoroughly before coating
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushing the warm donuts with butter first helps the cinnamon sugar cling to every surface
Instructions
- Preheat and prep the air fryer:
- Getting the air fryer hot before the donuts go in ensures they puff up quickly and cook evenly
- Shape your donuts:
- I use the cap from a vanilla bottle to cut the center holes, and those little donut holes cook up in just 2 minutes
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Cooking at 350°F creates that beautiful golden brown color while keeping the inside incredibly soft
- Coat while warm:
- The butter needs to go on immediately after cooking so the cinnamon sugar sticks to every inch
Save to Pinterest These became our emergency dessert when surprise guests show up. I always keep a can of biscuit dough in the fridge now because the payoff is so huge for such little effort.
Perfecting The Coating
I pour the cinnamon sugar into a paper bag and shake the buttered donuts inside. The mess stays contained and every spot gets covered. Plus my daughter thinks the shaking part is the best job.
Timing Your Batches
The first batch teaches you exactly how your air fryer handles these donuts. Some models run hot and need only 3 minutes, while others take the full 4. Keep an eye on that first batch and adjust accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
We love dipping the warm donut holes in the leftover butter and cinnamon sugar. They are bite sized and impossible to stop eating.
- Set up a coating station with bowls of cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder for variety
- Mix a little nutmeg into the cinnamon sugar for that bakery style warmth
- Try a vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a completely different vibe
Save to Pinterest These are best eaten standing up in the kitchen while they are still warm enough to burn your tongue just a little.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough is best for making these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough works well, providing a flaky and tender texture ideal for air frying.
- → How do I achieve the golden color in air fryer donuts?
Air frying at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, ensures even browning and puffiness.
- → Can I make donut holes with this method?
Yes, using the dough scraps to cut small rounds can be air fried similarly and coated in cinnamon sugar.
- → What alternatives can I use for the cinnamon sugar coating?
Try glazing with powdered sugar and vanilla milk mixture, or rolling in powdered sugar or cocoa powder for variety.
- → How should these donuts be stored for freshness?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to preserve softness.