You know those lazy Sunday mornings when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to deal with yeast or rolling pins? That’s exactly when I discovered the magic of Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts. My kids were begging for doughnuts one rainy afternoon, and with just a can of biscuit dough and my trusty air fryer, we had warm, cinnamon-sugar coated treats in under 15 minutes. The best part? No messy oil splatters or complicated ingredients – just crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-the-inside doughnuts that taste like they came from a bakery. Now it’s our go-to quick dessert whenever those sugar cravings hit.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts
Let me tell you, these doughnuts are a game-changer. I make them at least once a week because they’re just that good—and easy! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed too:
- Lightning fast: From can to cinnamon sugar in under 15 minutes—no waiting for dough to rise or oil to heat.
- Pantry magic: Only 4 simple ingredients, and chances are you already have them in your kitchen right now.
- Perfect crunch: The air fryer gives that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy—like a mini bakery in your kitchen.
- Endless options: Swap the cinnamon sugar for glaze, powdered sugar, or even a chocolate drizzle. (My kids love rainbow sprinkles!)
- No mess: Forget greasy stovetops—just pop them in the air fryer and enjoy without the cleanup hassle.
Trust me, once you try these, that biscuit can in your fridge will never be just “emergency dinner rolls” again. If you love quick air fryer sweets, you might also enjoy these air fryer apple crumble cups.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need four simple ingredients to make magic happen. I always keep these staples on hand for last-minute cravings:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough – The flaky kind works best, but any variety will do in a pinch
- 2 tbsp melted butter – Real butter makes all the difference for that rich, bakery-style flavor
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Plain white sugar creates that perfect crispy coating
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The secret weapon that makes these taste like childhood
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no special trips to the store – just pantry basics transformed into something extraordinary. For more ideas using simple pantry items, check out this guide on easy air fryer cinnamon rolls.
How to Make Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts
Alright, let me walk you through how I make these little circles of joy – it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with deep frying. Just follow these steps and you’ll be biting into warm, sugary goodness before you know it!
Step 1: Prep the Dough
First things first – pop open that biscuit can (the best sound ever, right?). Separate the dough rounds and lay them out on a clean surface. Now grab a small bottle cap or shot glass – anything about 1-inch wide – and press right through the center of each biscuit to make perfect little doughnut holes. Don’t toss those centers! They make adorable “doughnut holes” that cook up just as deliciously.
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes – this helps get that perfect golden crust. Working in batches (don’t crowd them!), arrange the doughnuts in a single layer with some breathing room. Set the timer for 3 minutes, then flip them over using tongs for even browning. Cook another 2-3 minutes until they’re puffed up and that beautiful golden color we all love. Watch closely toward the end – air fryers can vary! The general principles of convection cooking used in an air fryer roast chicken apply here for even heat distribution.
Step 3: Coat and Serve
The moment they come out piping hot, brush each doughnut with melted butter using a pastry brush (or just dunk them if you’re feeling wild). Immediately toss them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture – the warmth helps the coating stick perfectly. Transfer to a wire rack for just a minute to set… but let’s be honest, I usually burn my fingers eating the first one straight away!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts
After making these doughnuts more times than I can count (my family’s obsessed!), I’ve picked up some tricks that make them foolproof. First, always adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model – start checking at 4 minutes just to be safe. Those little doughnut holes? Air fry them too – they’re perfect for tasting tests while you wait. Want to get fancy? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar mix – it gives that “what IS that amazing flavor?” effect. And here’s my secret – let the butter cool just slightly before brushing so it doesn’t melt the sugar coating right off. Trust me, these small touches make all the difference!
Variations for Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic cinnamon-sugar version, it’s time to play. My kids love when we do “doughnut decorating night” – we set out little bowls of different toppings and go wild. A simple powdered sugar dusting makes them feel fancy, while a chocolate glaze (just melt some chips with a splash of milk) turns them into dessert-worthy treats. Feeling adventurous? Try a maple glaze with crumbled bacon on top – sweet and salty perfection. The biscuit dough is like a blank canvas for your sweetest dreams!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer biscuit doughnuts are perfect with your morning coffee – that sweet cinnamon crunch against bitter coffee is magic. For kids (or kid-like adults), dunk them in ice-cold milk like old-fashioned diner style. Want to pretend it’s balanced? Serve with fresh berries – the tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Sunday brunch calls for stacking them high on a pretty plate with mimosas – instant party vibes!
Storage & Reheating
Okay, let’s be real – these doughnuts rarely last long enough to store in my house! But if you’ve somehow got leftovers (superhuman willpower?), pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer magic, reheat at 300°F for just 1-2 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up. Pro tip: Store the cinnamon-sugar ones separately from glazed versions to keep textures perfect. Honestly though? They’re best devoured warm, so I say make ’em and eat ’em while they’re at their peak!
Nutritional Information
Now let’s be honest – we’re not eating doughnuts for their health benefits! But since you asked, these treats will vary based on your specific biscuit brand and how heavy-handed you get with the cinnamon sugar. As a general idea, each doughnut comes in lighter than traditional fried versions thanks to the air fryer magic. For precise numbers, always check the labels on your particular ingredients – my philosophy? Just enjoy every delicious bite! Understanding the general impact of air frying versus deep frying can be helpful; research often shows significant fat reduction when using this appliance when compared to deep frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! I’ve done both, and while the canned dough is crazy convenient (no judgment here!), homemade gives you more control over thickness. Just roll your dough to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting – you want them sturdy enough to hold their shape but not too dense. If you are interested in making your own dough, you might look into a recipe for easy air fryer biscuits.
Q2. Why do we need to flip the doughnuts halfway?
This is my air fryer golden rule – flipping ensures even browning on both sides. Without flipping, you might get one beautifully crisp side while the other stays pale. I set a timer religiously at 3 minutes so I don’t forget – that perfect golden crust is worth the extra step!
Q3. How do I prevent the sugar coating from melting off?
Here’s my trick: let the doughnuts cool for just 60 seconds after brushing with butter – still warm enough for the coating to stick, but not so hot that it dissolves the sugar. And don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar mixture – a generous coating means maximum flavor in every bite! For another sweet treat variation, check out these air fryer churro bites.
5-Minute Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts: Irresistibly Easy Bliss
- Total Time: 11 mins
- Yield: 8 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for making delicious doughnuts using biscuit dough in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces.
- Use a small round cutter to make a hole in the center of each biscuit.
- Air fry the doughnuts for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Brush the warm doughnuts with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then coat the doughnuts in the mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any leftover doughnut holes to air fry as well.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Biscuit Doughnuts, Easy Doughnuts, Quick Dessert