Save to Pinterest Last winter when the temperatures dipped below freezing, I found myself craving something warm and sweet without the hassle of bundling up for a donut shop run. Rummaging through my refrigerator, I discovered a forgotten can of biscuit dough and had a lightbulb moment—air fryer donuts! The kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon as those first golden rings emerged from my air fryer. My impromptu creation quickly became a Saturday morning tradition.
My nephew visited during school break and I was at a loss for activities on a rainy afternoon. We decided to make these donuts together, and his face lit up watching the dough puff into perfect circles. He appointed himself official cinnamon sugar coater, his small fingers working meticulously to ensure each donut was thoroughly covered. Now he requests FaceTime cooking sessions to make them together even when he's back home.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret shortcut that makes these donuts possible in minutes, and the preservatives actually help create that perfect donut texture when air fried.
- Unsalted butter: Acts as the glue for our cinnamon sugar coating, and using unsalted lets you control the sweetness balance.
- Cinnamon: I recommend using Ceylon cinnamon if you can find it for a more complex, less harsh flavor than the common Cassia variety.
Instructions
- Prep your dough:
- Pop open that biscuit can—I still jump every time despite knowing it's coming—and use a small round cutter to create that classic donut shape. I save the centers for making adorable donut holes that cook even faster.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Arrange your donuts in a single layer, giving them space to expand as they cook. The transformation from pale dough to golden-brown treats is almost magical to watch through the air fryer window.
- Create that irresistible coating:
- Work quickly while the donuts are still hot, brushing each with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar. The heat helps the coating stick better, creating that signature sweet crust.
- Handle those donut holes:
- Remember those little centers you cut out? They make perfect two-bite treats but cook faster than the full donuts. Keep a close eye on them after about 3 minutes.
Save to Pinterest During the holidays last year, I woke earlier than everyone else and quietly made a batch of these cinnamon sugar donuts. My mother-in-law, normally critical of shortcuts, wandered into the kitchen drawn by the smell. She took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, declaring them better than the donuts from the fancy bakery downtown. That moment of culinary validation over something so simple still makes me smile.
Flavor Variations
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is hard to beat, I've experimented with different flavor profiles that have been surprisingly delightful. A cardamom and brown sugar mix creates a Swedish-inspired treat, while a maple sugar coating with a touch of bacon bits makes for an indulgent breakfast mashup. During fall, I replace some of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that pairs perfectly with apple cider.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts reach their peak of deliciousness when served warm, ideally within fifteen minutes of making them. I've found they make an unexpected but welcome addition to a brunch spread alongside savory options like egg bites and fresh fruit. For a dessert approach, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while they're still slightly warm—the contrast of temperatures creates a restaurant-worthy dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Though best enjoyed fresh, these donuts can survive overnight if stored properly. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When reheating, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave followed by a minute in the air fryer at 300°F revives much of their original texture.
- Never refrigerate these donuts as the cold air will accelerate staleness and make the texture gummy.
- If you must make ahead, prepare the dough shapes and store them covered in the refrigerator, then air fry just before serving.
- The cinnamon sugar mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month, making impromptu donut sessions even easier.
Save to Pinterest These humble air fryer donuts have become more than just a recipe in my household—they're now our signal for slowing down and enjoying the moment. Whether celebrating good news or comforting after disappointments, there's something about a warm, cinnamon-scented donut that brings people together.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until golden, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar as directed.
- → What can I use if I don't have a round cutter?
A bottle cap, small cookie cutter, or even an apple corer works perfectly to cut out the donut centers and create the classic ring shape.
- → How do I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes to restore warmth and texture.
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully. Roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting into donut shapes for best results.
- → What other coatings work well besides cinnamon sugar?
Try powdered sugar, maple glaze, chocolate ganache, or a vanilla glaze. Brush with butter first to help any coating adhere properly to the warm donuts.
- → Why do my donuts come out dense instead of fluffy?
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and don't overcook. Ensure proper preheating and flip halfway through for even cooking and maximum fluffiness.