Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipes

So, you’ve woken up with that sudden, undeniable, “I need a donut RIGHT NOW” craving, but the thought of pulling out a deep fryer, dealing with gallons of oil, and then the inevitable clean-up just makes you want to crawl back into bed? Yep, been there, done that, bought the oversized t-shirt. But what if I told you there’s a way to get those warm, glorious, fluffy circles of joy into your face with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness? Enter: the humble, magnificent air fryer. Your new best friend, destroyer of cravings, and maker of dreams. Let’s make some easy air fryer donuts, shall we?

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it’s practically magic, that’s why! Seriously, this isn’t just “easy”—it’s “I-could-do-this-at-3-AM-after-a-movie-marathon” easy. We’re talking no yeast, no proofing, no deep-frying disasters. Plus, the air fryer gives them that perfect slightly crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior without all the greasy guilt. It’s also super quick, meaning your donut craving can be satisfied in about 15 minutes from start to finish. And let’s be real, less time cooking means more time eating. It’s idiot-proof, honestly, even I didn’t mess it up, and my kitchen has seen some things.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a shocker: you probably have most of this already. We’re keeping it ridiculously simple, because who needs complexity when donuts are involved?

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret weapon! Grab the flaky layered kind for extra fluffy goodness, but any regular biscuit dough works wonders.
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter: Or salted, if you like a little rebel streak.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For that classic sugary coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Because cinnamon + sugar = BFFs.
• Cooking spray (oil-based): Essential for preventing sticking and getting that perfect golden hue.

For the Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended, come on!)

• 1 cup powdered sugar: The finer, the better. No lumps allowed.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (any kind): Start with less, add more if needed. We’re aiming for drizzly, not watery.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hug for your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Don’t skip this; a hot start makes for happy donuts!
2. Prep the Dough: Pop open that can of biscuit dough. Separate the biscuits. Now, here’s where you get creative: use a small round cookie cutter (or even a shot glass!) to cut out the centers of each biscuit, creating donut shapes. Don’t throw away those holes—they make adorable donut “holes”!
3. Spray ‘Em Up: Lightly spray both sides of your donuts and donut holes with cooking spray. This is crucial for that golden, non-stick magic.
4. Air Fry in Batches: Place a few donuts in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer and not touching. Do not overcrowd the basket, or they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining donuts and holes.
5. Butter Dip: While your donuts are still warm, dunk each one (or brush them) in the melted butter. Let the excess drip off.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Roll: In a shallow bowl, mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll the buttered donuts liberally in this mixture until fully coated. For the glazed version, skip this step.
7. Glaze ‘Em (If You’re Feeling Fancy): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off, then place on a wire rack to set.
8. Devour Immediately: These are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Trust me on this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to Preheat: Rookie mistake! A cold air fryer won’t cook your donuts evenly or give them that nice texture. Think of it like baking; you wouldn’t put cookies in a cold oven, would you?
• Overcrowding the Basket: I know, I know, you want all the donuts, all at once. But cramming them in just leads to sad, soggy, unevenly cooked pastries. Give them space to breathe and crisp up. Patience, grasshopper!
• Skipping the Cooking Spray: You might think, “Oh, my air fryer is non-stick!” And it probably is, but that little spritz of oil does wonders for browning and preventing sticking to the basket’s perforations.
• Not Checking Doneness: Air fryers vary. Start with the lower end of the cooking time and add more if needed. You’re looking for golden brown and firm to the touch.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Get creative, my friend! This recipe is a canvas for your donut dreams:

• Dough Swap: Don’t have biscuit dough? You can totally use puff pastry cut into rounds, or even store-bought pizza dough if you’re feeling adventurous (though biscuits give the best classic donut texture, IMO).
• Topping Variations:
  • Chocolate Glaze: Melt some chocolate chips with a tiny bit of milk or cream. Drizzle over!
  • Powdered Sugar: Just a simple dusting of powdered sugar (after buttering) is heavenly.
  • Maple Glaze: Swap some of the milk in the glaze for maple syrup for a cozy fall vibe.
  • Sprinkles: If you’re glazing, add sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Because everything is better with sprinkles.
  • Nutella: Warm up some Nutella and drizzle it over. OMG.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mix for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and probably a donut crumb on my chin).

• “Can I use store-bought donut holes instead of cutting them out?” Well, technically yes, but why miss out on the fun of making your own? Plus, the biscuit dough ones are just so fluffy! Just adjust cooking time; they’ll cook faster.
• “Do I *really* need to preheat my air fryer?” Look, you can skip it, but your donuts might take longer to cook and won’t be as consistently golden. Think of preheating as giving them a warm welcome to their crispy destiny. It’s like pre-gaming for perfection.
• “How do I store these magical creations?” In an airtight container at room temperature for a day, maybe two. But honestly, they’re best devoured within hours. Any longer, and they start losing their fresh charm.
• “Can I make these savory?” Ooh, bold! You could, but you’d need to skip the sugar and add savory seasonings. Think garlic powder, herbs, and maybe a cheese dip. It wouldn’t be a donut then, it would be… a savory biscuit bite. Still sounds good, though!
• “What if I don’t have a cookie cutter for the holes?” No problem! A small bottle cap, a thimble, or even just rolling the dough into a ball and poking a hole with your finger works. Get resourceful!
• “My donuts came out a little dry, what happened?” You might have overcooked them, or used a dough type that naturally dries out faster. Keep an eye on them, and remember air fryer models can vary in power!
• “Can I use margarine instead of butter?” Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter just tastes better and gives a richer flavor. It’s a donut, live a little!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! No more lamenting that elusive donut craving or settling for stale store-bought versions. You are now officially a DIY donut wizard, thanks to your trusty air fryer and a little bit of biscuit dough magic. Go forth and conquer those cravings, share with friends (or don’t, I won’t tell), and enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of success. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!