Air Fryer Recipes Doughnuts

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. High five, friend. We’ve all been there, staring into the abyss of our fridge, wishing for a magic wand to whip up something warm, sweet, and utterly delightful without, you know, *effort*. Well, guess what? I found the wand, and it’s called an air fryer. And today, we’re making doughnuts. Yes, you heard that right. Doughnuts. In an air fryer. Prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) blown.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, deep-frying is a commitment. It involves a vat of hot oil, a lingering smell, and a cleanup operation that makes me want to just buy a dozen instead. This air fryer doughnut recipe? It’s the exact opposite. It’s **idiot-proof**, even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something. We’re talking minimal mess, maximum deliciousness, and a fraction of the time. Plus, you get that warm, fresh-baked goodness without feeling like you’ve just wrestled a grease monster. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did. Perfection, IMO.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my sweet-toothed companions. Here’s what you’ll need for your culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s nothing fancy.

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (the grand kind, preferably): This is our secret weapon! Don’t tell anyone you didn’t make it from scratch. Shhh.
• 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Because everything’s better with butter, duh. This gives them that golden glow and helps the sugar stick.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For that classic doughnut sparkle.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended): Spice things up, or don’t. You’re the boss of your doughnut.
• For the Glaze (because why not?):
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For a sweet cloud of deliciousness.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy): Just a splash to make magic happen. Start with two, add more if needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little hug for your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Dough: Pop open that can of biscuit dough. On a lightly floured surface, separate the biscuits. Grab a small round cookie cutter (about 1 inch) or even a shot glass to cut out the centers of each biscuit, creating that classic doughnut hole. If you don’t have one, no biggie, just make them into little disks and call them “doughnut disks.” Save those little centers for tiny doughnut holes—they’re adorable!
2. Get Buttery: Melt your butter. Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon if you’re feeling rustic), lightly brush both sides of each doughnut and doughnut hole with the melted butter. This helps them get golden and delicious in the air fryer.
3. Sugar & Spice (or Just Sugar): In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using). Gently dredge both sides of your buttered doughnuts and holes in the sugar mixture. Make sure they’re nicely coated!
4. Air Fry Time! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is important, don’t skip it! Arrange the doughnuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them! Give them some space to breathe and crisp up.
5. Cook ’em Up: Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and puffy. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryer times can vary. The doughnut holes will cook even faster, usually in 2-3 minutes.
6. Whip Up the Glaze: While your doughnuts are doing their thing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. You want a thick but pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; too thin, add more powdered sugar.
7. Dip & Devour: Once your doughnuts are cooked, let them cool for just a minute or two (so the glaze doesn’t melt completely). Then, dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack so the glaze can set.
8. Enjoy! Seriously, eat them while they’re warm. You’ve earned this.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can avoid some common pitfalls, right?

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: I get it, you’re hungry. But stuffing too many doughnuts in means they won’t cook evenly or get that lovely golden crisp. Work in batches, trust me. Patience, young padawan.
• Forgetting to Preheat: Rookie move! Preheating ensures an even cook from the get-go. Otherwise, your doughnuts might be doughy in the middle and crisp on the outside.
• Skipping the Butter (or not enough): That melted butter isn’t just for flavor; it helps the sugar stick and gives them a beautiful texture. Don’t skimp!
• Not Watching Them: Air fryers are powerful. What’s perfectly golden at 5 minutes can be burnt at 7. Keep an eye on your precious cargo, especially the first batch.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Here are some ways to switch things up:

• Glaze Game Strong: Instead of vanilla glaze, try mixing in cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze, or maple syrup for a maple glaze. A sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles or chopped nuts on top of the wet glaze? Chef’s kiss!
• Biscuit Dough Swap: While the Grands biscuits are amazing, you can use other refrigerated doughs. Just adjust cooking time accordingly. FYI, bigger biscuits might need a minute or two extra.
• Butter Substitute: If you’re out of butter, a light spray of cooking oil before dredging in sugar can work in a pinch. However, for flavor and browning, butter really is king.
• Dairy-Free: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk for the glaze.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (mostly).

• Can I use pre-made cookie dough instead? No, no, no. This recipe relies on the fluffy, yeasty nature of biscuit dough. Cookie dough would just give you… cookies. Delicious, but not doughnuts.
• How long do these air fryer doughnuts stay fresh? Fresh? My friend, they usually don’t last long enough to even *think* about going stale. But if you have superhuman willpower, they’re best eaten the same day.
• My air fryer is smoking, what’s wrong? Probably just some butter or sugar dripping and burning off. It’s usually fine, but **always clean your air fryer after use** to prevent buildup and smoke.
• What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter? No problem! A small, clean shot glass or even a bottle cap works perfectly for the center. If you want full “doughnut shape,” just use a knife to cut a hole. Easy peasy.
• Can I skip the glaze and just have plain sugar doughnuts? You absolutely can! If you’re into that classic cinnamon-sugar vibe, just make sure they’re well coated in the butter and sugar mixture. But why deny yourself the joy of glaze? Just sayin’.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Delicious, warm, fluffy doughnuts, made in your air fryer with minimal fuss. Who knew achieving dessert nirvana could be this simple? This recipe is your new best friend for when that sweet tooth strikes, but you’re not in the mood for an epic kitchen adventure. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!