Easy Air Fryer Donuts: Quick Homemade Treats in Minutes
Imagine warm, fluffy donuts, perfectly golden, and coated in your favorite sweet toppings, ready in a flash. Sounds like a dream, right? With this incredibly fast, easy, and delicious air fryer donut recipe, that dream becomes a reality! Forget the hassle of deep-frying and the long proofing times of traditional donut recipes. In just 4 minutes in your air fryer, you’ll be devouring these delightful donuts and donut holes, transforming ordinary canned biscuits into an extraordinary treat.
Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, a fun afternoon snack, or a quick dessert, these air fryer donuts are an absolute game-changer. They’re so simple to make that anyone, from novice cooks to seasoned bakers, can whip up a batch with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these guilt-free, homemade delights!
Why This Air Fryer Donut Recipe is a Game-Changer
Everyone loves donuts. They’re one of those delightful indulgences that bring a smile to anyone’s face. However, traditional donuts often come with a side of guilt due to deep-frying and excessive oil. This is where air fryer donuts truly shine! By using your air fryer, you achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior with significantly less oil, making them a much lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. You don’t need to be a baking expert or spend hours in the kitchen. With just a can of pre-made biscuits and your trusty air fryer, you can have warm, fresh donuts and donut holes ready to enjoy in mere minutes. This recipe is perfect for last-minute cravings, spontaneous brunch gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a sweet delight any time you wish!
RELATED: If you’re a fan of homemade donuts, you might also like these other delicious recipes: Lemon Baked Donuts for a zesty twist or our decadent Peanut Butter & Jelly Donuts for a nostalgic flavor combination.
Simple Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients you need. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or can be easily found at any grocery store. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitute Suggestions
- DONUT BASE: The star of this quick recipe is a can of pre-made biscuits. We’ve experimented with both flaky homestyle and standard buttermilk biscuits. For the best “donut-like” texture that holds its shape beautifully and doesn’t fall apart, we highly recommend using standard buttermilk biscuits. They provide a dense yet tender crumb that closely mimics a traditional donut, rather than just tasting like a dressed-up biscuit. Look for the “Jumbo” size for larger donuts.
- TOPPINGS: This is where you can truly customize your air fryer donuts! In the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this post, we provide recipes for three fantastic options: a rich chocolate glaze, a creamy peanut butter frosting, and a classic cinnamon sugar topping. But don’t stop there!
- Lemon Glaze: For a bright, tangy option, check out the lemon glaze recipe on our Lemon Baked Donuts post.
- Vanilla Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract makes a classic glaze.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar is elegant and simple.
- Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and fun with various sprinkles – perfect for kids or parties!
- Store-Bought Frosting: If time is of the essence, a store-bought frosting or glaze can be a convenient shortcut. Just melt it slightly in the microwave for easier dipping.
- Melted Butter: A quick brush of melted butter before rolling in sugar helps the topping stick and adds richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through making this incredible recipe. For a quick reference or to print the full recipe with all measurements and topping instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Toppings First: This is a crucial first step! Air fryer donuts cook incredibly quickly and are best topped while still warm. Before you even touch the biscuit can, make sure your chosen toppings are fully prepared and ready to go. Whether it’s melting butter for cinnamon sugar, whisking a glaze, or preparing frosting, having your toppings at hand ensures a smooth and delicious finishing process. (Detailed topping instructions are in the printable recipe card below, or feel free to use your own favorite glazes and frostings!)
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. Avoid aerosol sprays that can damage non-stick coatings; opt for pump sprays or brush on a thin layer of oil.
- Transform Biscuits into Donuts: Carefully open the can of biscuits and separate them into individual pieces. Most cans contain 8 biscuits, which will yield 8 full-sized donuts and 8 donut holes. Using a small cookie cutter (a 1.5-inch diameter is ideal) or a dough punch, cut out the center of each biscuit. Don’t discard these centers – they make delicious donut holes!
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Place the biscuit donuts and donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow for even cooking. You’ll likely need to work in batches. Bake them 4 at a time (or as many as comfortably fit without crowding) for 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. They should turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Top Immediately: As soon as the donuts are done, *immediately* and carefully remove them from the air fryer basket (they will be very hot!). This is where your pre-prepared toppings come in handy.
- For Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts: Roll them directly in melted butter (if using) and then generously coat them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- For Glazed Donuts: Dip them into your chocolate glaze or other liquid glaze, letting any excess drip off.
- For Frosted Donuts: Spread your peanut butter frosting or other favorite frosting evenly over the warm donuts.
If adding sprinkles, do so while the frosting or glaze is still wet and warm so they adhere properly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Donuts
While you technically can, we’ve tested both flaky homestyle and standard buttermilk biscuits, and we highly recommend the standard buttermilk biscuits. Flaky biscuits tend to separate and can become crumbly, tasting more like a dressed-up biscuit than a true donut. Buttermilk biscuits hold their shape better, have a chewier, more authentic donut-like texture, and absorb toppings beautifully.
Absolutely! Air fryer donuts are fantastic for interactive serving. Set up a fun “donut bar” where kids and friends can customize their own treats. Have multiple topping options ready, as shown in our recipe (cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, peanut butter frosting), along with extra sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even fruit slices. Arrange everything over a large plate or a sheet pan to easily catch any crumbs or drippings, making cleanup a breeze. This is a brilliant way to keep everyone engaged and ensures they get exactly the donut they crave!
For best results, air fryer donuts are truly at their peak when served fresh and warm. However, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. If they are glazed or frosted, the topping might soften slightly over time. For optimal freshness, consider storing the plain donuts and preparing the toppings just before serving.
Yes, you can! To reheat, place them back in your air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as they can dry out quickly. This method helps restore some of their fresh-baked crispiness.
While this recipe focuses on the convenience of canned biscuits, you can certainly use your favorite homemade biscuit dough! Just ensure the dough is rolled out to about ½-inch thickness before cutting out your donut shapes. Cooking times might vary slightly, so keep a close eye on them during the 4-minute cooking process.
Making air fryer donuts is a super fun and rewarding activity, perfect for a cozy weekend morning or an impromptu weeknight treat. You don’t even need kids around to justify whipping up a batch for yourself! The speed and ease mean you can satisfy your donut craving whenever it strikes, with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try
The air fryer is an incredibly versatile appliance, perfect for whipping up everything from breakfast bites to savory meals. If you love the simplicity and speed of these air fryer donuts, you’ll definitely want to explore more air fryer creations. Here are some of our other favorite recipes that make the most of this amazing kitchen tool:
- Air Fryer French Toast Bites: A delightful twist on a breakfast classic.
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Crispy, juicy, and much healthier than fast-food options.
- Air Fryer Pretzel Bites: Perfect for snacking or entertaining.
- Air Fryer Apple Fries: A sweet and unexpected treat.
- Air Fryer Bagels: Yes, you can even make homemade bagels in your air fryer!
- Air Fryer Boiled Eggs: A surprisingly simple way to get perfectly cooked eggs.
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts: Tender and flavorful chicken for any meal.
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Air Fryer Donuts
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save It
Saved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Course:
Breakfast
Cuisine:
American
8
donuts & donut holes
10 minutes
207
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
16
ounce
can Jumbo buttermilk biscuits
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
-
3
tablespoons
butter -
1
tablespoon
cinnamon -
2
tablespoons
sugar
Chocolate Glaze
-
2 ½
tablespoons
butter -
⅓
cup
chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Frosting
-
2 ½
tablespoons
butter -
1
tablespoon
creamy peanut butter -
⅔
cup
powdered sugar
Other topping ideas
-
Powdered Sugar -
Sprinkles
Things You’ll Need
-
Air fryer -
1.5-inch biscuit cutter
Before You Begin
- We tried both flaky homestyle and buttermilk biscuits. The standard buttermilk biscuits are recommended here as they do not fall apart and taste much more like a donut vs a dressed up biscuit.
- Set up a donut bar for kids and friends to make their own. Have multiple topping options as shown and let them go to town. Have kids do this over a plate or over a sheet pan to catch all the crumbs and/or drippings.
- Please note, the nutrition calculation does NOT include any of the toppings since we don’t know what you will choose.
Instructions
Prepare Toppings First
-
Before baking the donuts, prepare your toppings as you will need them ready as soon as the donuts are done. This ensures you can top them while they’re perfectly warm for the best adhesion and flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping Instructions
-
In a wide, shallow bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until fully liquid. In a separate wide bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir well to ensure the sugar and cinnamon are evenly mixed.
Chocolate Glaze Instructions
-
Melt 2 ½ tablespoons of butter in a wide, microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Add ⅓ cup of chocolate chips to the melted butter. Microwave for another 30 seconds, then immediately whisk the mixture until all lumps are gone and the glaze is smooth, shiny, and fully combined. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream.
Peanut Butter Frosting Instructions
-
In a wide bowl, melt 2 ½ tablespoons of butter in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds. Stir 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the melted butter until well combined. Gradually add ⅔ cup of powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the frosting is smooth and lump-free. If it’s too thick, add a tiny amount of milk until desired consistency is reached.
Bake the Donuts in the Air Fryer
-
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the donuts from sticking. Ensure a thin, even coat.
-
Open the can of Jumbo buttermilk biscuits and carefully separate each biscuit into 8 individual pieces. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
-
Using a small cookie cutter or dough punch, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, cut out the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Make sure to keep these biscuit centers, as they will become your delicious donut holes!
-
Place the biscuit donuts and donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You’ll typically bake 4 donuts/holes at a time. Cook them for 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). They should turn golden brown and expand slightly.
-
Immediately remove the hot donuts and donut holes from the air fryer (use tongs to be careful, as they will be very hot!). Without delay, roll them in your prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, dip them generously in the chocolate glaze, or spread them with your favorite peanut butter frosting. If adding sprinkles, do so right away before the frosting or glaze has a chance to set and harden. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade, air-fried treats!
Nutrition
Serving:
1
donut AND 1 donut hole
|
Calories:
207
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
27
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
9
g
|
Saturated Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
1
mg
|
Sodium:
534
mg
|
Potassium:
127
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
|
Vitamin A:
1
IU
|
Calcium:
28
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!
Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Feb 4, 2021.