The Ultimate Guide to Easy Air Fryer Donuts: Fluffy Homemade Treats in Just 5 Minutes!

Craving a warm, delicious donut but don’t want the hassle of deep-frying or a trip to the bakery? This incredible Air Fryer Donuts recipe is your answer! In only 5 minutes of active cooking time, you can whip up light, fluffy, and perfectly golden donuts that taste just like your favorite bakery treats. Get ready to enjoy these decadent delights anytime you desire, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

There’s something universally appealing about a fresh donut, especially on a leisurely Saturday morning. My family, particularly the kids, goes absolutely wild for easy donut recipes, and these homemade air fryer versions are always a huge hit. They’re not just for breakfast; these versatile treats are fantastic for brunch, a quick dessert, or even a satisfying afternoon snack. If you don’t own an air fryer yet, don’t worry! You can still enjoy delicious Canned Biscuit Donuts made the traditional way on your stovetop.

But do you know what truly takes the cake? Having hot, fresh donuts ready in mere minutes, right at home, with minimal effort and cleanup. This super-fast and easy recipe makes homemade donuts a breeze, turning a once-daunting task into a simple, enjoyable kitchen adventure. We’ve tried this method countless times, and the results are consistently fantastic. Say goodbye to the mess and fuss of deep-fried donuts made from scratch, and hello to the convenience and deliciousness of making them in your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts

There are countless reasons why this air fryer donut recipe has become a staple in our home. Firstly, you only need a handful of incredibly simple ingredients to bring these treats to life. We’re talking about ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at any grocery store.

Using the air fryer has truly been a game-changer for my family when it comes to quick desserts and snacks. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, reducing the amount of oil needed without sacrificing that wonderful fried texture. Plus, the cleanup is significantly easier, making spontaneous donut-making a joy rather than a chore.

This air-fryer doughnut recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet. The combination of a warm, cinnamon-sugar coated donut with its perfect amount of sweetness is utterly irresistible. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make, with absolutely no yeast required, which means no waiting for dough to rise. It’s instant gratification in donut form!

For more innovative and simple ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, be sure to find even more air fryer dessert recipes to try.

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Donuts

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create impressive and delicious donuts that will fool anyone into thinking they came from a professional bakery. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo Flakey Biscuits: The secret to light and airy air fryer donuts is starting with the right biscuit dough. You’ll want to grab the 8-count jumbo flaky variety. These biscuits naturally separate into layers when cooked, giving your donuts that desirable light and fluffy texture reminiscent of a classic fried donut. Any brand will work, as long as they are the flaky kind.
• Granulated Sugar and Cinnamon: This classic combination creates the quintessential sweet and aromatic coating that everyone loves. The warm notes of cinnamon perfectly complement the sweet sugar, making each bite an absolute delight. We’ll be generous with this mixture to ensure every crevice is covered!
• Butter: For the best flavor and a rich, golden coating that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere, I always recommend using real butter. Melted butter acts as the perfect adhesive for the sugar mixture and adds an extra layer of richness to your donuts.

You’ll find the complete ingredient list with precise measurements in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Creative Variations for Your Homemade Donuts

While the classic cinnamon-sugar coating is undoubtedly delicious, this air fryer donut recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to get creative with flavors and forms. Here are a few popular variations to try:

• Baked Donuts: If you prefer to use your oven, or simply don’t have an air fryer, you can easily bake these biscuits instead. Simply place your prepared biscuit donuts on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through, typically about 8-12 minutes. Once baked, you can add your favorite toppings or glazes just like with the air-fried versions.
• Donut Holes: Don’t let those cut-out centers go to waste! Making donut holes is a fantastic way to utilize every bit of dough, and they make for adorable, bite-sized treats. They are particularly popular with kids and perfect for snacking. You can drizzle them with glaze, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or add sprinkles for extra fun. We’ll cover specific instructions for air frying donut holes further down.
• Homemade Donuts (from scratch dough): While this recipe focuses on the convenience of canned biscuit dough, if you’re an avid baker and prefer to make your own dough from scratch, feel free to do so! Just ensure your homemade biscuit or yeast dough is rolled out to a similar thickness as canned biscuits. You will need a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter (around 3 inches) to create the classic donut shape, and a smaller cutter (1 inch) for the center holes. The cooking times might need slight adjustments based on your dough’s specific characteristics, but the air frying method remains the same.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

Making these air fryer donuts is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, delicious results every time:

• Step 1 – Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preparing your air fryer for cooking. Set your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180°C). If your specific air fryer model doesn’t have a dedicated preheat option, simply turn it on to 360°F and let it run for approximately 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the donuts cook evenly and develop that desirable crisp exterior quickly.

Step 2 – Prepare the Biscuits: Carefully remove the biscuits from their can. On a clean cutting board or work surface, use a small 1-inch cookie cutter or an apple corer to cut out the center of each biscuit. This creates the classic donut shape. Don’t discard the small biscuit centers; they’re perfect for making mini donut holes!

Step 3 – Coat the Air Fryer Basket: It’s crucial to coat the air fryer basket before adding the donuts to prevent sticking. Use a light spray or brush of olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. It’s important to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays (like Pam) directly in your air fryer basket, as the propellants can damage the non-stick coating over time and cause peeling.

Step 4 – Cook the Donuts: Carefully place the prepared donut rings into the preheated air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Cook for a quick 4 minutes. Keep in mind that cook times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so you might need to adjust by a minute or so.

Step 5 – Prepare Topping: While your donuts are cooking away in the air fryer, it’s the perfect time to get your cinnamon-sugar coating ready. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid. Having these ready ensures you can coat the donuts while they are still hot.

Step 6 – Butter the Donuts: Once the donuts have finished cooking and are beautifully golden brown, carefully remove them from the air fryer. While they are still hot, use a basting brush or pastry brush to generously coat each donut with the melted butter. The heat of the donut will help the butter soak in, creating a perfect base for the sugar.

Step 7 – Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after buttering, roll each hot donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Be generous and ensure you get the bottoms and sides of the donuts fully coated. You want that sweet, spiced goodness in every single crevice! Serve them warm and enjoy your incredibly delicious, homemade air fryer donuts.

How To Make Air Fryer Donut Holes

Those little biscuit centers you cut out from your donuts are far too precious to waste! They make for perfect, pop-in-your-mouth donut holes. They’re just as quick and easy to make as the full-sized donuts.

Simply place the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180°C) for just 2 minutes. Once they’re finished cooking and are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in melted butter, followed by a generous coating of the cinnamon sugar mixture. They’re a fantastic, quick treat on their own or a delightful accompaniment to your main donuts!

Irresistible Topping Ideas

While the classic cinnamon sugar is a timeless favorite, don’t be afraid to experiment with other delicious toppings to customize your air fryer donuts. The possibilities are truly endless!

• Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant finish, use a fine-mesh sifter to sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) all over your hot donuts. It creates a beautiful, snow-like effect and a delicate sweetness.
• Classic Glaze: A sweet glaze is incredibly easy to make. Combine 2 cups of powdered sugar with ¼ cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy works). Whisk until smooth. You can either dip the entire donut into this glaze for full coverage or drizzle it artfully over the top for a more decorative look. A touch of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor.
• Chocolate Glaze: For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate glaze is a must. You can easily make your own by combining powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and a tiny bit of vanilla extract. Alternatively, for a quick solution, melt some chocolate sauce or store-bought chocolate icing in the microwave and drizzle or dip your donuts.
• Cream Cheese Icing: If you’re a fan of a richer, tangier topping, this Cream Cheese Icing is absolutely divine. You can generously spread it over your donuts or serve it on the side for a delightful dipping experience.
• Sprinkles: Add a festive touch by adding your favorite sprinkles! This is especially fun if you’re making donuts for a birthday party, holiday, or any special occasion. Be sure to add sprinkles while any glaze or icing is still wet so they adhere properly.
• Other Creative Toppings: Consider chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), shredded coconut, a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate sauce, citrus zest (lemon, orange), or even a dash of pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

Get creative with your flavor combinations and let us know what toppings you come up with. These air fryer donuts are so delicious on their own, but these ideas can truly elevate them!

Pro Tips for Air Frying Success

To ensure your air fryer donuts turn out perfectly every single time, keep these professional tips in mind:

• Always Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and achieving that ideal texture. If your air fryer lacks a specific preheat function, simply set it to 360°F (180°C) and let it run for about 5 minutes before adding the biscuits. This quick preheat helps the donuts cook quickly and evenly.
• Choose Flaky Biscuits: The type of biscuit dough truly makes a difference in this recipe. We strongly recommend using jumbo flaky biscuits. These biscuits naturally separate into layers, which contributes to the light, airy, and fluffy texture of the finished donuts. While any brand will work, prioritize the “flaky” variety for the best results.
• Properly Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket: To prevent your donuts from sticking, lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil, coconut oil spray, or vegetable oil. It’s crucial to avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays like Pam. The propellants in these sprays can contain harsh chemicals that, over time, can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, leading to peeling and reduced effectiveness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For optimal air circulation and even cooking, always place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy donuts.
• Use a Cooling Rack for Decorating: Once your biscuits are cooked and removed from the air fryer, it’s a good idea to place them on a paper towel-lined cooling rack. This allows any excess butter to drip off and ensures even cooling while you prepare and apply your chosen toppings. It also prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
• Consider Deep Frying (If Preferred): While we absolutely love the convenience and reduced mess of using an air fryer, you can certainly deep fry the biscuits if that’s your preference. Simply heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Just be prepared for more cleanup!
• Baste with a Pastry Brush for Even Coating: To ensure the melted butter is evenly distributed over your hot donuts, a pastry brush (also known as a basting brush) is your best tool. It allows you to meticulously cover the entire surface of each biscuit, creating the perfect sticky base for the cinnamon sugar mixture to adhere to.
• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: These donuts are truly at their best when served warm, straight out of the air fryer and freshly coated. The warm, soft interior and lightly crisp exterior are simply irresistible.

Storage and Reheating Suggestions

These homemade air fryer donuts are undeniably best enjoyed warm and fresh. However, if you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in our house!), here are some tips for storage and reheating:

• Short-Term Storage: For a snack later in the day, you can simply leave the donuts covered on the counter at room temperature. They will retain a good texture for a few hours.
• Longer-Term Storage: If you need to store them for a longer period, allow the donuts to come to complete room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To bring them back to their warm, delicious glory, reheat refrigerated donuts in your air fryer for just 1 minute at 350°F (180°C). This will crisp them up slightly and warm them through without drying them out. You can also briefly microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but the air fryer method is superior for texture.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare a larger batch, you can freeze cooled, uncoated donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar.

Explore More Easy Donut Recipes

If you loved making these air fryer donuts, you might be interested in trying out some of our other fantastic and easy donut recipes:

• Halloween Donut Recipe
• Monster Donut Recipe
• Air Fryer Donut Holes Recipe
• Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Discover More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes

The air fryer isn’t just for savory dishes; it’s a dessert powerhouse! Unlock its potential with more delicious air fryer dessert ideas:

• Air Fryer Banana Bread Recipe
• Air Fryer Twinkie Recipe
• Air Fryer Banana Recipe

We hope you thoroughly enjoy making these incredibly quick and delicious air fryer donuts. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, last-minute cravings, or simply impressing guests with a fresh, homemade treat. Give this recipe a try today and be sure to leave a comment with your feedback. We always love hearing about your kitchen successes!