Donuts In The Air Fryer Recipe

So you’re craving something warm, sweet, and ridiculously easy to make, but the idea of deep-frying sounds like a full-blown kitchen disaster waiting to happen? Girl, same. My smoke detector and I have a long-standing feud when it comes to hot oil, so we’re taking a scenic detour to the land of minimal mess: the air fryer! Get ready to make donuts that’ll have everyone thinking you’re a culinary genius, when really, you just have a killer air fryer and a secret weapon (spoiler: it’s canned biscuit dough).

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because who wants to deal with vats of hot oil, potential grease fires, and the lingering smell of a chip shop in their living room? Not me, buddy. This recipe lets you have fresh, warm, *almost* guilt-free donuts with about 1/10th of the drama. Plus, it’s basically glorified toast, so if you can operate a toaster, you can nail this. **Seriously, it’s that easy.** Your kitchen stays (mostly) clean, your sweat glands remain dormant, and your taste buds do a happy dance. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my lazy-gourmet friend. Here’s your simple shopping list:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (the flaky kind, not the hockey puck kind): This is your magic shortcut. Don’t even think about making dough from scratch, unless you enjoy making life harder for yourself.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Because butter makes everything better, including your soul.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: The sweet stuff.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Your donut’s best friend.
• A little non-stick cooking spray: Crucial for avoiding sticky situations.
• Optional Glaze/Toppings:
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (any kind works!)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles, chocolate chips, bacon bits (if you’re feeling wild!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Biscuits: Pop open that can of biscuit dough like you’re opening a treasure chest. Lay out each biscuit on a lightly floured surface. Using a small round cutter (or a shot glass, no judgment here!), cut out a hole in the center of each biscuit. Don’t toss those donut holes! They’re tiny, delicious bonuses.
2. Get Them Ready for the Fryer: Lightly spray both sides of your donuts and donut holes with non-stick cooking spray. This helps them get that gorgeous golden-brown color and prevents sticking.
3. Air Fry Time!: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, arrange your donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. **Do not overcrowd the basket!** They need their space to breathe and cook evenly. Work in batches, trust me.
4. Cook ‘Em Up: Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown on both sides. Donut holes usually take a little less time, about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
5. Sweet Finish (Cinnamon Sugar): While your donuts are still warm from the air fryer, dunk them into the melted butter (if using cinnamon sugar). Then, toss them in a bowl with the granulated sugar and cinnamon mixture until fully coated.
6. Sweet Finish (Glaze Option): If you’re going for a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip your warm (but not piping hot) donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Add sprinkles or other toppings immediately!
7. Devour!: These are best served warm, straight out of the “fryer.” Try not to eat them all in one sitting… unless you want to. I’m not judging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: This isn’t a clown car, folks. Don’t cram too many donuts in there. They won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with sad, pale, doughy bits instead of fluffy donuts. **Batch cooking is your friend.**
• Forgetting the Spray: Thinking you can skip the non-stick spray? Rookie mistake. Your donuts will stick, potentially tear, and generally just not look as pretty. Plus, it helps them crisp up nicely.
• Not Preheating: Just like an oven, an air fryer needs a moment to get to temp. Skipping this step can lead to inconsistent cooking and less-than-perfect results. Give it 3-5 minutes.
• Overcooking: Keep an eye on the clock and their color! Air fryers can be powerful. Overcooked donuts become dry and tough, which is a major bummer.

Alternatives & Substitutions

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

• Dough Swap: Can’t find flaky biscuits? Any canned biscuit dough will work, but the flaky ones tend to puff up better. You could even use store-bought pizza dough or puff pastry in a pinch, just be aware the texture will be different (but still tasty!).
• Glaze Galore: Instead of a simple vanilla glaze, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty glaze, or some cocoa powder for a chocolatey kick. A maple glaze (maple syrup + powdered sugar) is also heavenly.
• Topping It Off: Beyond sprinkles, think mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Get creative! Your donut, your rules.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mix for an extra layer of cozy flavor. Yum!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual, possibly sarcastic) answers!

• Can I make these from scratch instead of using canned biscuits? Well, technically yes, but why would you want to? The whole point here is speed and minimal effort, IMO. If you’re feeling Martha Stewart-y, go for it, but this recipe is for the rest of us.
• How long do these air fryer donuts last? LOL. You think they’ll last past the first 10 minutes? Optimistic, aren’t we? Realistically, they’re best eaten fresh. They get a bit tougher as they cool.
• My donuts aren’t browning evenly. What gives? Did you remember to spray them? And are you overcrowding the basket? **Also, make sure you flip them halfway through!** Your air fryer isn’t magic; it needs a little help from you.
• Can I freeze these? You *could*, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Fresh is truly best here. They’d likely thaw into a somewhat sad, chewy version of their former glory.
• What if I don’t have a donut cutter? A shot glass, a small cookie cutter, or even the cap of a water bottle will do the trick for the center hole. For the outer shape, you can just leave the biscuits whole for a “fritter” style, or carefully cut circles with a knife.
• Can I use an oil spray other than non-stick? Sure, any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil in a spray bottle works great. Just avoid olive oil if you don’t want a savory donut.

Final Thoughts

See? I told you it was easy! Now you’ve got a secret weapon for those sudden donut cravings or when you need a quick, impressive dessert without breaking a sweat (or the bank). Go ahead, pat yourself on the back. You just made delicious donuts in an air fryer, practically with one hand tied behind your back. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!