Pin it The smell hit me before I even opened the air fryer—warm cinnamon and butter swirling through the kitchen like a Saturday morning should always smell. I'd bought the biscuit dough on a whim, thinking I'd make something savory, but then my daughter asked if we could make donuts. I laughed and said sure, not really believing it would work. Ten minutes later, we were pulling golden, puffy rings out of the basket, and I realized I'd never go back to the drive-thru donut shop again.
I made these for my neighbors once when they helped us move furniture, and they kept asking for the recipe like I'd done something complicated. The truth is, I just popped open a can of biscuits and let the air fryer do the work. Watching their kids fight over the donut holes made me realize this recipe isn't just easy—it's the kind of thing that makes people feel cared for without you spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The hero of this whole operation, turning into fluffy, airy donuts with barely any effort—just make sure it's the kind that comes in a tube, not the flaky layers type.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on while the donuts are still hot, this is what makes the cinnamon sugar actually stick and adds that rich, bakery-level flavor.
- Granulated sugar: The base of your coating, simple and sweet, clinging to every curve of the donut.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy note that makes these taste like a hug—I always use a little extra because I like mine bold.
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This ensures the donuts puff up evenly and don't stick to the basket.
- Shape the donuts:
- Pop open the biscuit can and use a small round cutter or even a clean bottle cap to punch out the centers. Save those little circles—they'll become the best donut holes you've ever had.
- Spray the basket:
- Give the air fryer basket a light coat of nonstick spray so the dough releases easily. Don't skip this or you'll be scraping bits off later.
- Arrange and cook:
- Lay the donut shapes in a single layer, leaving space between them so air can circulate. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they're golden and puffy.
- Make the cinnamon sugar:
- While the donuts cook, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. The smell alone will make everyone wander into the kitchen.
- Coat while hot:
- As soon as the donuts come out, brush them generously with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps the coating stick like magic.
- Cook the holes:
- Repeat the process with the donut holes, but cut the time down to 3 to 4 minutes. They cook faster and are dangerously easy to sneak before anyone notices.
Pin it The first time I made these, my son ate three before I even finished coating the rest. He stood by the counter with cinnamon sugar on his cheek, grinning, and said they tasted better than the ones we used to wait in line for. That's when I knew this wasn't just a shortcut—it was a new family tradition.
What Makes Them So Fluffy
The biscuit dough is already engineered to rise and puff, and the air fryer's circulation mimics the effect of hot oil without the grease. The result is a light, airy texture that feels indulgent but doesn't sit heavy. I've tried making these in the oven, and they just don't have the same golden crispness on the outside.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These are best eaten warm, straight from the cinnamon sugar bowl, but they're also perfect alongside a mug of coffee or hot chocolate. I've served them at brunch with fresh fruit, and they disappear faster than anything else on the table. For a fun twist, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but possible), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They lose a little of their crispness, but a quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer at 300°F brings them back to life.
- Don't refrigerate them or they'll turn dense and dry.
- Freeze uncoated donuts and toss them in cinnamon sugar after reheating for a fresher taste.
- Donut holes reheat faster, so check them after just one minute.
Pin it These donuts prove that something simple can still feel special. Make them once, and you'll find yourself reaching for that can of biscuits every weekend.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, crescent dough works well, though it will have a different texture—flakier and less fluffy. Reduce cooking time slightly as crescent dough cooks faster than biscuit dough.
- → Why did my donuts come out dense instead of fluffy?
Ensure your air fryer is properly preheated to 350°F. Dense results often occur from insufficient preheating. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this traps steam and prevents proper rising.
- → How do I prevent the coating from sliding off?
Brush the donuts immediately after air frying while they're still warm. The heat helps the butter adhere to the surface, allowing the cinnamon sugar to stick effectively.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
- → Can I make the donut holes from the centers?
Absolutely. Air fry the reserved centers at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through. They'll be perfectly cooked bite-sized treats with the same coating.
- → Is there a dairy-free version possible?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter for melted butter to coat the donuts. Check your biscuit dough label to ensure it's dairy-free, as some brands contain milk products.