Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts turn a can of refrigerated dough into warm, cinnamon-sugar donuts in just 10 minutes. There’s no hot oil and barely any cleanup involved. If you’re looking for more ways to use biscuit dough, try my Air Fried Oreos or Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread.
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Why this Recipe is a Keeper
These donuts taste like a bakery treat without any deep frying. Here’s why they’re worth making on a lazy weekend morning.
- 10-Minute Treat: From can to plate in just 10 minutes, donut holes included.
- Easy Ingredients: A can of biscuit dough and a few pantry staples are all you need.
- No Hot Oil: The air fryer gets that golden brown crust without any frying mess.
- Family Friendly: Kids love helping cut out the centers and dip the donuts in cinnamon sugar.
How Do I Keep the Biscuit Dough from Sticking in the Air Fryer?
A light spray of oil on the basket is usually enough to keep the dough from sticking. Avocado or canola oil work well since they have a high smoke point.
Parchment liners made for air fryers are another good option. Avoid overcrowding the basket too, since the dough needs room to puff up as it cooks.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“I just had the Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts and they were amazing! They were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the cinnamon sugar coating was the perfect touch.” — Ana
Ingredient Notes
One ingredient choice makes a real difference in how these donuts turn out.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Use the regular or flaky biscuit variety, not the “flaky layers” type, which doesn’t hold together well once cut.
- Ground Cinnamon: A fresh jar gives the coating a stronger, more fragrant flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is easy to switch up depending on what you’re craving.
➡️ Try Flavored Dough: Use blueberry or chocolate chip biscuit dough for a different base flavor.
➡️ Make a Glaze: Swap the cinnamon sugar for a simple vanilla or chocolate glaze.
➡️ Add Sprinkles: Roll the warm donuts in sprinkles right after dipping them in butter.
➡️ Go Lighter: Use a reduced-fat biscuit dough to lighten up this treat.
Special Equipment Needed To Make It Easier
An air fryer is what makes this recipe work.
- Air Fryer: The air fryer circulates hot air around the dough for a golden, crispy exterior without any oil.
How to Make the Recipe
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cut centers out of the biscuits to make donut and hole shapes.
- Air Fry the donuts until golden brown.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
- Dip each warm donut in butter, then in the cinnamon sugar.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips
A little prep ahead makes weekend mornings even easier.
➡️ Cut the Donuts the Night Before: Cut the centers out and keep the dough chilled until you’re ready to air fry.
➡️ Mix the Coating Ahead: Combine the cinnamon and sugar a day ahead and keep it in a sealed container.
➡️ Cook in Small Batches: Air fry a few at a time so every donut gets evenly crispy.
How Do I Make the Donuts Without a Cutter?
A bottle cap with a little oil spray works well to cut the center hole. A shot glass also makes a clean circle if you don’t have a biscuit cutter.
Either option gets the job done just as well as a dedicated cutter. Use whatever small round object you have on hand.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
- Reheating: Warm them in the air fryer for a minute or two to bring back some of the crispiness.
- Using Leftovers: Crumble extra donut holes over yogurt for a fun topping. Or try Chocolate Glazed Biscuit Donuts for a different flavor next time.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
➡️ Don’t Skip the Donut Holes: Air fry the cut-out centers too. They cook just as well as the donuts.
➡️ Cook in Small Batches: Crowding the basket leads to uneven cooking and sticking.
➡️ Dip While Warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks best to donuts that are still warm from the air fryer.
➡️ Try Other Toppings: Powdered sugar or a quick glaze both work well in place of cinnamon sugar.
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Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Small biscuit cutter or sharp knife
- Two small bowls
- Tongs (optional)
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Ingredients
- 1 16.3-ounce can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count), such as Pillsbury Grands
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350℉.
- Remove the biscuits from the can and cut a hole from the center of each biscuit using a small biscuit cutter or sharp knife. Reserve the centers to make donut holes.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the biscuit donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook in batches as needed.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the donuts are puffed and golden brown.
- Transfer the donuts to a wire rack and let cool slightly.
- Place the melted butter in one small bowl. In another bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Dip each warm donut in the melted butter, then coat both sides in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining donuts and donut holes, air frying in batches until all are cooked and coated.
- Serve warm.
Christina’s Notes
- Avoid flaky-layer biscuits, as they don’t hold their shape well after cutting.
- Preheating the air fryer helps the donuts puff and brown evenly.
- These donuts are best enjoyed warm on the day they’re made.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 325 F air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
I just had the Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts and they were amazing! They were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the cinnamon sugar coating was the perfect touch.
This is really flavorful and easy to make! Will surely have this amazing cinnamon donuts recipe again! Highly recommended!
Who knew it could be so easy to make doughnuts at home! So fun to make and delicious!