Doughnut Recipe For Air Fryer

So you’re scrolling through TikTok at 2 AM, suddenly hit with an undeniable urge for something sweet, warm, and utterly delicious, but the thought of deep-frying makes you want to crawl back into bed? Been there, done that, got the grease stains. But what if I told you that your trusty air fryer, the unsung hero of your kitchen counter, is about to become your new doughnut dealer? Yeah, you heard right. We’re making air fryer doughnuts, and they’re ridiculously good.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. Who wants to deal with a vat of hot oil, smelling like a diner for three days, just for a doughnut fix? Not me, and probably not you either. This recipe is awesome because:

• **It’s practically idiot-proof.** Seriously, if I can do it without setting off the smoke detector, you can too.
• **Less mess, more cheer!** No oil splatters, no greasy cleanup. Just sweet, sweet doughnut goodness.
• **Speedy Gonzales approved.** From zero to hero (aka doughnut maker) in no time. Perfect for those ‘I need it NOW’ moments.
• **Healthier-ish.** Look, it’s still a doughnut, but at least it’s not swimming in oil. We’re calling it a win for our arteries, okay?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your troops, folks! Most of these are probably chilling in your pantry already. If not, a quick trip to the store won’t break the bank – unlike your resolve once you taste these.

• **1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough:** The secret weapon! We’re not making dough from scratch today, because, remember, we’re friends, not martyrs.
• **1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted:** Because everything is better with butter. Don’t even try to argue.
• **1/2 cup granulated sugar:** For that classic sweet coating.
• **1 tsp ground cinnamon:** The warm hug your doughnuts deserve.
• **Optional toppings (because you’re an adult and can do what you want):** Sprinkles, chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, crushed Oreos… go wild!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, I don’t judge). Let’s turn those humble biscuits into glorious doughnuts!

1. **Pop those biscuits!** Open that can of biscuit dough. Gently separate each biscuit.
2. **Hole-y Moley!** Use a small round cutter (or the cap of a water bottle, because #resourceful) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Don’t toss those little ‘doughnut holes’! Air fry them too for mini treats.
3. **Butter Up.** In a small bowl, melt your butter. In another shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This is where the magic happens!
4. **Prep the Air Fryer.** Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Don’t skip this, unless you enjoy scraping.
5. **Fry Time!** Place 2-3 doughnuts (or doughnut holes!) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. You don’t want them to get clingy.
6. **Cook ’em up.** Air fry at **350°F (175°C)** for **5-7 minutes**, flipping halfway through. Look for that beautiful golden brown color. **Pro Tip: Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them!**
7. **Coat ’em good.** Immediately after they come out of the air fryer, dip each warm doughnut into the melted butter, then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Get every nook and cranny!
8. **Repeat & Devour.** Continue with the remaining biscuits until all your doughnuts are gloriously coated. Try not to eat them all before they cool… actually, who am I kidding? Dig in!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can avoid some classic pitfalls that might ruin your doughnut dreams. Learn from my (many) mistakes!

• **Overcrowding the basket:** Resist the urge to cram too many doughnuts in at once. They need space to get crispy and cook evenly. Otherwise, you’ll end up with sad, pale, undercooked lumps.
• **Skipping the spray:** Think you can get away without non-stick spray? Think again, buttercup. Your doughnuts will stick, and peeling them off is a sticky, frustrating mess.
• **Forgetting to flip:** A one-sided doughnut is a lonely doughnut. Flipping ensures even browning and that perfect texture all around.
• **Overcooking (or undercooking!):** Keep an eye on the clock and your doughnuts. They can go from perfect to hockey puck in a hot minute. Conversely, pale and doughy isn’t a good look either.
• **Not coating them warm:** That melted butter and sugar combo sticks best when the doughnuts are fresh out of the air fryer. Wait too long, and you’ll have dry, naked doughnuts. Sad.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you just ran out of something? No worries, we’ve got options!

• **Biscuit Dough:** While canned biscuits are MVP here, you can totally use **canned crescent roll dough** for a slightly different texture (more croissant-y!). Just separate into triangles and roll them up, or simply cut out circles.
• **Butter:** If you absolutely, positively *have* to, you could use a neutral oil like melted coconut oil, but **IMO**, butter just tastes better. Don’t compromise on flavor if you don’t have to!
• **Cinnamon Sugar:** This is classic, but why stop there? Try **powdered sugar** for a simpler glaze, or whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a dash of vanilla for a quick **vanilla glaze**. A little **cocoa powder** in your powdered sugar makes for a chocolatey dusting!
• **Sprinkles!** Because sprinkles make everything a party. Add them to your glaze or directly to the warm doughnuts after coating.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (mostly) answers. Let’s tackle some common thoughts floating around your brain right now.

• **”Can I use store-bought glaze instead of making my own?”** Oh, absolutely! Don’t feel guilty. If you’re short on time or just feeling lazy (which, let’s be honest, is half the point of this recipe), grab that tub of glaze. No judgment here.
• **”How do I store these magical creations?”** If there are any left (a big *if*), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. They’re best fresh, though, just like my wit.
• **”My air fryer cooks differently; what should I do?”** Ah, the joys of air fryer variability! Start with the lower end of the cooking time (5 minutes) and check them. If they need more, give them another minute or two. **Keep a close eye on them, especially on the first batch!**
• **”Can I make these savory instead?”** Whoa, slow down there, tiger! While technically possible (think garlic butter and herbs), that’s a whole different vibe. Stick to the sweet for now, your tastebuds will thank you. But hey, experiment if you dare!
• **”What if I don’t have a round cutter for the holes?”** Remember that water bottle cap? Or even a clean, sharp knife to just slice a small “X” or square in the middle. Imperfectly perfect is still perfect, my friend.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Your new favorite way to whip up some seriously delicious doughnuts without the deep-fryer drama. Go on, pat yourself on the back, you culinary genius! These air fryer doughnuts are proof that you *can* have nice things without spending hours in the kitchen or feeling guilty about the grease. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!