Biscuit Donut Recipe In Air Fryer

So you’re craving something warm, sweet, and totally decadent but the thought of deep-frying makes your kitchen shriek in terror? And, like, you just want it NOW? Same, friend, same. Welcome to the club of “I want delicious things but also my PJs and zero fuss.” Good news: your air fryer is about to become your new best friend, and these Biscuit Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Get ready for a ridiculously easy, surprisingly quick, and utterly delightful treat!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a life hack. First off, it’s idiot-proof. I mean, truly. If I didn’t mess it up, you won’t. It uses canned biscuits, which are basically cheating, but in the best possible way. No yeast, no rising, no proofing – just pop, cut, air fry, and devour. Secondly, because it’s in the air fryer, you get that lovely crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior without all the oil, mess, and lingering fried smell that usually turns your kitchen into a grease trap. Plus, it’s super fast, meaning you can satisfy that spontaneous donut craving in about 15 minutes. FYI, that’s faster than driving to the nearest donut shop. You’re basically a time-traveling dessert wizard.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, fellow lazy gourmands! Here’s your super short shopping list:

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky biscuits: The real MVP here. Grab a can of the big, flaky kind, or grand, whatever floats your boat. We’re not discriminating.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, glorious butter. Don’t skimp; your soul deserves it.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For that classic sugary coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but seriously, just do it): Because cinnamon makes everything better. Fight me.
• For the optional but highly recommended glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar: For when you’re feeling fancy, or just want more sugar.
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (any kind): To get that perfect drizzly consistency.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A tiny splash of magic.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Crucial for preventing sticky situations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get these bad boys cooked up! Pop on some tunes, maybe a silly apron, and let’s roll.

1. Prep Your Biscuit Blanks: Gently open that can of biscuits. Separate them. Now, using a small round cutter (or the cap of a water bottle, a shot glass, get creative!), cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Don’t throw away those little “donut holes!” They’re mini delights in their own right.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This is important for even cooking, trust me. While it’s preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Air Fry Time! Carefully place the biscuit donuts (and those adorable donut holes!) in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do NOT overcrowd them! They need their personal space to puff up and get golden. You’ll likely need to do this in batches.
4. Cook ’em Up: Cook for 4-6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them! Air fryers can be little monsters sometimes, and cooking times vary. The donut holes will cook faster, usually in 3-5 minutes total.
5. Butter & Sugar Dip: While your donuts are still warm (but not scalding!), melt your butter in a small bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, letting any excess drip off, then toss it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture until coated.
6. Glaze if You Dare (and you should!): If you’re going for the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk a tiny bit at a time if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. Drizzle this glorious concoction over your warm (or slightly cooled) donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there, staring sadly at a culinary mishap. Learn from my potential failures!

• Not Preheating: Rookie mistake! Your donuts will cook unevenly and might be gummy in the middle if the air fryer isn’t hot enough from the start. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcrowding the Basket: I know, you want all the donuts NOW. But if you pack them in, they won’t get crispy all around. They’ll steam instead of fry. Give them room to breathe!
• Forgetting the Donut Holes: Why would you waste perfectly good mini-donuts?! Treat them as test subjects for cooking time, or just pop ’em in your mouth immediately.
• Overcooking: Air fryers are powerful. What’s golden one second can be burnt the next. Set a timer for the lower end of the range and check frequently.
• Coating Cold Donuts: The butter and sugar/glaze won’t stick nearly as well if the donuts are cold. Do it while they’re still warm for maximum stickiness and deliciousness.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to jazz up your donut game:

• Biscuit Type: Any kind of canned biscuit will work here – buttermilk, butter-flavored, even gluten-free options if that’s your jam. Flaky just gives it a nice texture, IMO.
• Toppings Galore: Instead of cinnamon sugar or glaze, try melted chocolate drizzled on top, sprinkles (because sprinkles make everything a party), crushed nuts, or even a simple lemon glaze (lemon juice + powdered sugar). Get wild with it!
• Butter Alternative: If you’re dairy-free, melted coconut oil can be a decent substitute for dipping. It’ll add a subtle tropical vibe.
• Maple Glaze: Swap out some of the milk in the glaze for a touch of maple syrup for a delicious maple donut vibe.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and probably more donuts).

• “Can I use a different kind of canned biscuit?” Absolutely! Flaky, jumbo, regular… they all work. The texture might vary slightly, but the donut magic will still happen.
• “How do I know when they’re truly done?” They should be puffed up, golden brown on both sides, and feel light when you pick them up. If they seem dense or pale, give them another minute or two.
• “Can I make these ahead of time?” While they’re best served fresh and warm, you can store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Reheat them briefly in the air fryer (1-2 minutes at 300°F/150°C) to bring them back to life.
• “What if I don’t have an air fryer?” You can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 8-12 minutes or until golden. Or, if you’re truly brave, deep-fry them (but that’s a whole other recipe article!).
• “My donuts are sticking to the basket, what gives?” Did you use enough cooking spray? A little non-stick spray goes a long way! Also, make sure your basket is clean between batches.
• “Can I add fillings?” With biscuit donuts, it’s a bit tricky to add actual fillings *inside* them. However, you could definitely top them with a dollop of cream cheese frosting, fruit compote, or whipped cream for an ‘on top’ filling experience!

Final Thoughts

Boom! You just made donuts. In an air fryer. From a can of biscuits. You’re basically a kitchen genius, a culinary wizard, and a total legend. Go on, pat yourself on the back, grab a cup of coffee (or milk, or another donut), and enjoy the fruits of your effortless labor. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!