Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Printable)

Fluffy air-fried donuts coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Made from simple biscuit dough in just 18 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 can (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)

→ Coating

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
04 - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Remove the biscuits from the can. Using a small round cutter or bottle cap, cut out the center of each biscuit to form a donut shape; reserve the centers for donut holes if desired.
03 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
04 - Arrange the donut shapes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. (You may need to cook in batches.)
05 - Air fry for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
06 - While the donuts are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
07 - Immediately after air frying, brush each donut with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
08 - Repeat with remaining dough and centers for donut holes, reducing cook time for holes to about 3–4 minutes.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They taste like fair donuts but take less time than brewing a pot of coffee.
  • No deep fryer mess, no oil splatter on the stove, just a quick brush of butter and a roll in cinnamon sugar.
  • You can make them on a Tuesday morning and still get everyone out the door on time.
02 -
  • Brush the butter on immediately after air frying—if you wait even a minute, the coating won't stick as well and you'll lose that bakery glaze effect.
  • Don't overcrowd the basket or the donuts will steam instead of crisp, and you'll end up with doughy centers instead of fluffy rings.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warmer, more complex flavor that feels almost fancy.
  • Use a silicone pastry brush for the butter—it distributes more evenly and doesn't waste a drop.
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