FAST and Delicious Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

These FAST and Delicious Air Fryer Donuts are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to deal with deep frying. Made with store-bought biscuit dough or a simple homemade version, these donuts are light, golden, and fluffy—ready in minutes and finished with your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar or glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super quick and easy to make
• No deep frying or messy oil
• Golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
• Kid-friendly and fun to make together
• Uses pantry staples or biscuit dough
• Lower in fat than traditional fried donuts
• Ready in under 15 minutes
• Endless topping options: glaze, cinnamon sugar, chocolate
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack
• Great for satisfying cravings on the fly

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated biscuit dough (such as flaky layers) or homemade dough
• Melted butter (for brushing)
• Cinnamon
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
• Milk or cream (for glaze)
• Vanilla extract (for glaze)
• Cooking spray or oil (for the air fryer basket)

directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
3. If using biscuit dough, separate the biscuits and use a small cutter or bottle cap to cut out the centers (save them for donut holes).
4. Arrange the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
5. Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
6. While warm, brush with melted butter.
7. Toss in a cinnamon-sugar mixture or dip in glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 donuts (depending on dough)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 10–13 minutes

Variations

• Use chocolate glaze and sprinkles for a bakery-style touch
• Fill with jam or Nutella after cooking for a surprise inside
• Add a maple glaze for a classic flavor
• Make mini donut holes with the dough centers
• Try pumpkin spice or cocoa powder mixed with sugar for coating
• Top with crushed nuts or shredded coconut

storage/reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them dense.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, homemade yeast dough or a quick baking powder dough works well too.

What type of biscuit dough is best?

Flaky layers biscuit dough gives the best texture and puff.

Can I make these ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can prep the dough and toppings ahead and cook just before serving.

Can I make a glaze without powdered sugar?

You can try honey or maple syrup as a glaze alternative.

How do I make donut holes in the air fryer?

Use the dough centers, cook for 3–4 minutes, and toss in cinnamon sugar or glaze.

Can I use puff pastry instead?

Yes, but expect a flakier, more croissant-like texture.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

Can I freeze air fryer donuts?

They’re best fresh, but you can freeze the cooked donuts and reheat in the air fryer.

How can I make them healthier?

Use whole wheat dough, reduce the sugar coating, or skip the glaze.

What if I don’t have cooking spray?

Use a brush to apply a thin layer of oil to the basket and dough instead.

Conclusion

These FAST and Delicious Air Fryer Donuts are the ultimate easy treat—golden, fluffy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re whipping them up for a lazy weekend breakfast or a last-minute dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. With just a few ingredients and no frying fuss, you’ll be enjoying fresh, warm donuts in no time.

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