Save to Pinterest Last Tuesday my sister sent a frantic text at 8 PM saying she needed something sweet for a meeting the next morning but had zero energy to bake. I raided the fridge, found a can of biscuit dough that had been sitting there for weeks, and threw these in the air fryer. She texted me at 10 AM the next day asking what magic I worked because her coworkers kept begging for the recipe.
My kids stood around the air fryer watching these puff up like little golden clouds, hypnotized by the transformation. The smell of warm cinnamon filled the whole kitchen and had the neighbor knocking on my door within five minutes asking what I was making.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut that makes this possible, any brand works but Ive found the flaky layers give the best texture
- Granulated sugar: Creates that perfect crunch on the outside, you can use organic cane sugar for a deeper flavor
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly opened jars give way more aroma than ones sitting in your pantry for months
- Unsalted butter: Melting it helps the cinnamon sugar stick like magic, salted butter works fine if thats what you have
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking without adding extra oil, olive oil spray works great too
Instructions
- Fire up the air fryer:
- Preheat to 350°F so the donuts start cooking the second they hit the basket
- Shape the donuts:
- Cut holes in the center of each biscuit, those little dough pieces make incredible bite sized donut holes
- Get ready to cook:
- Give the basket a quick spray and arrange the donuts in one layer, crowding them makes steam and ruins the crunch
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway when the bottom turns golden brown
- Mix the coating:
- While they cook stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl
- Coat them warm:
- Brush the hot donuts with melted butter then roll them in the cinnamon sugar immediately
- Repeat and enjoy:
- Work in batches until all the donuts and holes are coated and ready to eat
Save to Pinterest These became my go to for unexpected guests because nobody believes they started as a tube of biscuit dough. Last month my nephew asked if I could make them for his birthday instead of a cake, and I realized this silly little recipe had somehow become a family tradition.
Mixing Up the Coatings
Sometimes I skip the cinnamon sugar and make a quick vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Cocoa powder mixed into the sugar makes them taste like chocolate donuts from a bakery.
Making Them Ahead
These really are best eaten warm but you can reheat leftover ones for 30 seconds in the air fryer. They come back to life surprisingly well though the coating wont be quite as crunchy as fresh ones.
Serving Ideas
I like setting up a coating station with different options and letting everyone customize their own. Its the easiest way to feed a crowd for breakfast or dessert with zero stress.
- Set out powdered sugar for a classic simple option
- Crushed nuts or sprinkles make these feel festive
- Have a vanilla glaze ready for anyone who wants that instead
Save to Pinterest Nine minutes to something this good feels like breaking all the rules. Thats the beauty of finding tricks that work.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dough works best for these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough delivers a soft, fluffy texture and cooks evenly in an air fryer, making it ideal for quick preparation.
- → How do I achieve a crispy exterior?
Air frying at 350°F while flipping midway ensures even browning and a crispy outside while keeping the inside light.
- → Can I make donut holes with this method?
Yes, the centers cut from each biscuit can be air fried alongside the donuts to create bite-sized treats.
- → What alternatives are there to cinnamon sugar coating?
Try rolling in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container and consume within one day for best freshness and texture.
- → Are there common allergens to note?
These donuts contain wheat gluten and milk. Verify biscuit dough ingredients for possible egg content.