If you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, air fryer donuts are the perfect solution. This easy recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough to create warm, fluffy donuts with a crispy outer layer. The best part? You can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even a late-night treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
When it comes to making these donuts, the first step is to gather your ingredients and prepare your workstation. Start by opening the tube of refrigerated biscuit dough. If you’ve never used this type of dough before, you’re in for a treat. The dough is pre-portioned, which means all you have to do is separate each individual biscuit. This usually results in about eight donuts, but that number can vary slightly depending on the brand.
Next, you’ll want to create the classic donut shape. To do this, use a small round cutter—if you don’t have one on hand, the cap from a bottle works just as well. Press it into the center of each biscuit to remove a small circle of dough. Don’t throw away these centers! They make perfect little donut holes that cook up quickly and are just as delicious as the donuts themselves.
Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that ensures even cooking. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This brief preheating time is one of the many reasons air fryers are so convenient—they heat up much faster than traditional ovens.
Step 3: Cooking the Donuts
Once the air fryer is ready, it’s time to cook the donuts. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil. This step helps prevent the donuts from sticking to the basket, making cleanup much easier.
Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so you may need to work in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
Air fry the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the donuts to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. You’re looking for a golden brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
The donut holes will cook faster, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness after about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Preparing the Coating
While the donuts are cooking, it’s time to prepare the coating. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until well mixed.
This cinnamon-sugar mixture is what gives the donuts their classic flavor. The combination of sweet sugar and warm cinnamon is the perfect complement to the buttery, flaky dough.
Step 5: Coating the Donuts
As soon as the donuts are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and dip them immediately into the melted butter. Make sure each donut is fully coated—this not only adds flavor but also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere better.
After coating in butter, roll the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are fully covered. The warm butter helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the donuts, creating a deliciously sweet and crunchy exterior.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Your donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Place them on a serving plate and dig in while they’re still warm. The contrast between the crispy outer layer and the soft, fluffy interior is absolutely irresistible.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
- Customize Your Donuts:
- While the classic cinnamon-sugar coating is a favorite, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Drizzle the donuts with melted chocolate, caramel, or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle on some chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles.
- Try Different Fillings:
- If you want to take your donuts to the next level, try filling them with your favorite jam, cream, or custard. After cooking, use a piping bag to inject the filling into the center of each donut. The result is a delicious surprise with every bite.
- Experiment with Dough Flavors:
- The recipe calls for plain biscuit dough, but you can experiment with flavored doughs for a fun twist. Try using cinnamon roll dough for an extra sweet treat, or opt for a savory version by using crescent roll dough and adding a sprinkle of cheese and herbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:
- It’s tempting to cook as many donuts as possible at once, but overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Give your donuts some space, and work in batches if necessary.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Times:
- Air fryers can vary in power, so keep an eye on your donuts as they cook. They can go from perfectly golden to overcooked in just a minute or two. Aim for a golden brown color on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior.
- Serve with a Dipping Sauce:
- For an extra special treat, serve your donuts with a dipping sauce on the side. Chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or a simple vanilla glaze are all great options.
Air fryer donuts are a simple yet satisfying treat that can be made in just a few minutes. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. With a few basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can customize these donuts to suit any occasion or flavor preference. Give them a try, and you’ll see why air fryer donuts have become a go-to recipe for quick and delicious homemade treats.
