If you’re craving a fun, quick, and oh-so-delicious treat, these Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine fluffy, golden donuts with a cinnamon-sugar crust that’s perfectly crisp on the outside yet tender and pillowy inside, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a show-stopping sweet snack that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but pack a punch, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts. From the flaky texture of the biscuits to the warm sweetness of cinnamon sugar, every element is essential to achieving that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.

1 can Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (Southern Style or Flaky): The base of your donuts, providing a soft, buttery texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and combines with cinnamon to create a classic coating.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature warm spice that pairs flawlessly with sugar.
4 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the donuts and adds rich flavor.
Coconut oil spray (for air fryer basket): Ensures your donuts come out perfectly crisp without sticking.
Optional Chocolate Glaze: For those days when you want to slather on extra decadence.
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melts smoothly for a luscious topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Gives the glaze a silky finish.
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon light corn syrup: Adds shine and helps the glaze set beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of your chocolate glaze with a sweet aroma.

How to Make Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 360°F and letting it warm up for 3–5 minutes. This step ensures an even cooking temperature so your donuts will fry up golden and perfect every time.

Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your air fryer is heating, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This simple blend will coat your donuts in a sweet and spicy crunch.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Open the can of biscuits and separate them gently. Using a round cookie cutter, remove the centers from each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. Don’t toss the holes — they’re delicious too!

Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil to prevent sticking. This little touch helps your donuts release easily and develop a delightful crispy exterior.

Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts

Place your biscuit donuts in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Air fry at 360°F for 5 minutes until the donuts turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts cook, melt your butter. Once the donuts are out of the air fryer, brush each generously with melted butter. Immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating sticks perfectly, giving you that iconic donut finish.

Step 7: Cook and Coat the Donut Holes

Don’t forget the donut holes! Treat them the same way by air frying for 3 minutes, then dipping in butter and coating with cinnamon sugar. These bite-sized delights are the perfect little snacks.

How to Serve Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Garnishes

For a fun twist, sprinkle powdered sugar over your Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Adding chopped nuts or colored sprinkles keeps things lively and festive, especially if serving kids or guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or your favorite fruity tea. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a fresh contrast that balances the sugary warmth beautifully, making your snack into a complete treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking several donuts on a decorative plate with a bowl of chocolate glaze for dipping, turning your Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts into a playful sharing platter. Alternatively, fill a mason jar with layers of crushed donuts and fruit for a whimsical parfait-style dessert that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered prevents the donuts from drying out, preserving their softness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to one month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for a quick treat anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat your donuts in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked crispness. You can also warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but the air fryer keeps the outside perfectly crisp while warming the inside.

FAQs

Can I use other types of biscuits for these donuts?

Absolutely! While Pillsbury Grands (Southern Style or Flaky) give the best texture, feel free to experiment with your favorite biscuit brand. Just note that thickness and fluffiness may vary the final result slightly.

Is it necessary to use coconut oil spray in the air fryer?

Using coconut oil spray or another cooking spray helps prevent sticking and ensures the donuts come out with a crispy crust. If you prefer, you can lightly brush the basket with melted butter instead.

Can I make the chocolate glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the chocolate glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before drizzling over the donuts to restore its smooth consistency.

Are these donuts safe for kids to eat?

Definitely! These Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are family-friendly and use pantry staples, making them a perfect homemade snack for kids and adults alike. Just watch the cinnamon sugar if your little ones are sensitive to spice.

Can I bake these donuts in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden. However, the air fryer does a fantastic job crisping the exterior quickly while keeping the inside tender, so it’s worth trying if you have one.

Final Thoughts

If you love treats that come together quickly but taste like you spent all morning baking, these Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are your dream come true. Light, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness, they’re perfect for any time you want a little something sweet without the fuss. Go ahead, give it a try and watch how fast they disappear — you’ll be making them again and again!

Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 8 donuts plus donut holes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts offer a quick twist on classic donuts by using store-bought biscuit dough. Lightly air-fried until golden and crispy, these donuts are then coated with cinnamon sugar or optionally glazed with a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or snack, these donuts combine convenience with irresistible flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Donuts

1 can Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (Southern Style or Flaky)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons melted butter
Coconut oil spray (for air fryer basket)

Optional Chocolate Glaze

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking of the donuts.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside for coating the donuts later.
Shape Donuts: Open the biscuit can and separate each biscuit. Use a round cookie cutter or a small open bottle to cut out the centers from each biscuit, creating donut shapes and extra donut holes.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy texture.
Air Fry Donuts: Place the shaped donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry at 360°F for 5 minutes until the donuts are puffed and golden brown.
Coat Donuts: While the donuts air fry, melt the butter in a small bowl. Once the donuts are cooked, brush each one generously with melted butter, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Cook and Coat Donut Holes: Place the reserved biscuit centers (donut holes) in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes at 360°F. Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar as with the donuts.
Optional Chocolate Glaze: To make the glaze, melt chocolate chips and butter together either in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir in the light corn syrup and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip or drizzle donuts with the glaze after coating with cinnamon sugar.
Serve: Serve your air fryer biscuit donuts warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy immediately with your favorite beverage.

Notes

If you prefer a crispier texture, you can air fry donuts for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Use a non-stick or well-greased air fryer basket to avoid sticking and breaking the donuts while removing.
The chocolate glaze is optional but adds a delicious richness; you can customize the glaze by adding a pinch of sea salt or swapping to white chocolate.
These donuts are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day and reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings like powdered sugar, maple glaze, or sprinkles for a fun variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American