Save to Pinterest My daughter wandered into the kitchen on a Saturday morning asking if we could make donuts, and I nearly laughed because I had no yeast, no patience, and definitely no donut pan. Then I spotted the tube of biscuit dough shoved in the back of the fridge and thought, why not? Twenty minutes later, we were biting into warm, cinnamon-coated rings that tasted like a county fair. It felt like cheating in the best way possible.
The first batch disappeared before I could even plate them. My daughter stood by the air fryer with her fingers dusted in cinnamon sugar, asking if we could make these every weekend. I realized then that some of the best recipes aren't the ones that take all day, they are the ones that make someone ask you to do it again.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is your shortcut to fluffy, tender donuts without mixing or rising, just pop the can and you are halfway there.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a rich, bakery-style finish.
- Granulated sugar: The base of your coating, it gives that classic sweetness and slight crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, this is what makes the whole kitchen smell like a donut shop.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for about three minutes. This ensures even cooking and that perfect golden color.
- Shape the donuts:
- Pop open the biscuit dough and use a small round cutter or even a bottle cap to punch out the centers. Save those little circles, they make the best donut holes.
- Prep the basket:
- Give the air fryer basket a light spray of nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks. Arrange your donuts in a single layer with a bit of space between them.
- Air fry the donuts:
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides puff up and turn golden. They should look pillowy and smell incredible.
- Make the cinnamon sugar:
- While the donuts cook, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Have your melted butter ready in another bowl.
- Coat while warm:
- As soon as the donuts come out, brush them with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar. Do this while they are still hot so the coating sticks beautifully.
- Fry the donut holes:
- Toss the centers into the air fryer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. They cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Save to Pinterest I brought a batch to a friend who had just had a rough week, and she texted me later saying her kids devoured them in minutes and asked if I owned a bakery. I laughed, but it reminded me that food does not have to be fancy to feel like a gift.
Best Time to Make These
These donuts are perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want something special but do not want to commit to a full baking project. They are also great for unexpected guests or when you need to bribe your kids into helping with chores. I have made them on rainy afternoons just because the smell alone lifts the mood in the house.
What to Serve Alongside
Pour yourself a strong cup of coffee or make hot chocolate for the kids. Fresh fruit on the side helps balance all that cinnamon sweetness, and honestly, a glass of cold milk never hurt anyone. If you are feeling fancy, whip up some vanilla glaze and let people dip their donuts.
Making Them Your Own
Once you have nailed the basic version, it is easy to play around. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warmer, spiced flavor. You can also drizzle them with chocolate or toss them in powdered sugar instead.
- Swap the butter for a plant-based version if you want to keep it dairy-free.
- Use a flavored sugar like vanilla sugar for a subtle twist.
- Add a tiny bit of orange zest to the cinnamon mix for brightness.
Save to Pinterest These donuts remind me that joy does not always require effort, sometimes it just takes eighteen minutes and a willingness to say yes. Keep a can of biscuit dough in your fridge, you never know when you will need a little magic.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use other types of dough instead of biscuits?
Yes, you can experiment with crescent roll dough, pizza dough, or puff pastry for different textures. Adjust cooking time as needed—crescent rolls may cook faster, while thicker doughs may require additional time. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- → What's the best way to keep donuts fresh?
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore warmth and texture.
- → How do I make donut holes?
Use a small round cutter or bottle cap to cut out the center of each biscuit before air frying. Cook the holes separately at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, checking frequently since they cook faster than full donuts. Coat them in cinnamon sugar the same way.
- → Can I make these without butter for a dairy-free version?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based butter or coconut oil for the melted butter coating. Both work equally well for adhering the cinnamon sugar and add their own subtle flavors. The texture remains fluffy and delicious.
- → What other coatings can I try?
Beyond cinnamon sugar, try powdered sugar dusting, maple glaze, chocolate coating, or a honey-vanilla combination. You can also experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice in fall or cardamom for a more exotic flavor.
- → Why aren't my donuts cooking evenly?
Ensure donuts aren't touching in the air fryer basket, as this blocks heat circulation. Cook in batches if necessary. Remember to turn them halfway through cooking and preheat the air fryer to the full 350°F before starting.