Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Quick and Delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts

If you’ve been craving a warm, sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then air fryer cinnamon-sugar donuts are your perfect solution. These donuts are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, with the perfect balance of crispy edges and a fluffy, soft interior. Best of all, you can make them in less than 15 minutes, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option for busy mornings or lazy afternoons.

Made using flaky biscuits as the base, these air fryer donuts come together effortlessly, without the need for any complicated dough-making processes. The real magic happens when the donuts are coated in a rich, cinnamon-sugar mixture and brushed with melted butter, giving them that mouthwatering sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Air frying these cinnamon-sugar donuts takes them to the next level, creating that deep-fried texture without the mess or excess oil. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures that the donuts cook evenly and quickly, achieving that perfect golden-brown color. Whether you’re making a batch for your family or impressing guests at a party, these donuts will be a hit every time.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Game-Changer

Air fryers have completely revolutionized how we cook, making it easier to prepare healthier versions of our favorite fried foods. The cinnamon-sugar donut is no exception. Traditionally, donuts are deep-fried, which can result in excess oil and a heavy, greasy texture. However, the air fryer uses hot air to cook the donuts, significantly reducing the amount of oil used while still achieving that crispy exterior and fluffy interior we all love.

Not only are these air fryer donuts lighter and healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, but they’re also far quicker to make. Traditional donut recipes often require time-consuming steps like proofing dough and frying in batches. With the air fryer method, you can prepare cinnamon-sugar donuts in less than 15 minutes, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts

To make these air fryer cinnamon-sugar donuts, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one to understand why they’re essential to creating the perfect donut:

1. Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): This is the sweet base of the cinnamon-sugar coating. You can also use alternatives like coconut sugar or stevia if you prefer a healthier option. The sugar helps create a sweet, crispy outer layer when the donuts are brushed with melted butter and dipped into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
2. Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The iconic spice that makes cinnamon-sugar donuts so irresistible. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the sugar and the buttery donut.
3. Flaky Biscuits (1 can, 16.3 ounces): The key shortcut ingredient in this recipe. Flaky biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands!, form the base of these donuts. Their light, flaky texture mimics the dough of a traditional donut without requiring any yeast or long resting times. Just open the can, and you’re ready to go!
4. Olive Oil Spray or Coconut Oil Spray: To ensure the donuts cook evenly in the air fryer, a light coat of oil spray is necessary. It helps the donuts crisp up without sticking to the basket. Coconut oil spray is a great choice for an added hint of coconut flavor, while olive oil spray works well for a neutral taste.
5. Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): The melted butter is brushed onto the warm donuts to create that golden, rich flavor. The butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the donuts, creating a sweet and irresistible coating.

Why These Donuts Are So Easy to Make

What makes these air fryer donuts truly special is how simple they are to prepare. There’s no need for any complicated yeast dough, rising time, or deep frying. The flaky biscuits provide an excellent shortcut to getting a delicious donut in just 15 minutes.

The air fryer simplifies the cooking process even further, allowing you to cook multiple batches of donuts quickly without worrying about overheating oil or overcrowding the pan. Plus, the result is a perfectly golden and crisp donut every time, without the mess of frying in oil.

The Step-by-Step Process to Make Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts

1. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Start by combining the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be the coating for the donuts after they’re cooked, so make sure it’s well mixed and ready to go. Set this aside for later.
2. Cut the Biscuits: Open the can of flaky biscuits and separate them. You should have 8 individual biscuits. Use a 1-inch round biscuit cutter or the top of a bottle cap to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit, turning them into donut shapes. These donut holes are great for snacking too, so don’t throw them away!
3. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with either olive oil spray or coconut oil spray. This will help the donuts cook evenly and prevent them from sticking. Make sure not to use nonstick sprays like Pam, as they can damage the air fryer basket.
4. Cook the Donuts: Arrange 3 to 4 donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the donuts for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip the donuts halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.

   After the initial cooking time, check for doneness. If you want them crispier, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as air fryers can vary in temperature.

5. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Once the donuts are cooked and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each donut with melted butter on both sides. Then, immediately dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, flipping to coat both sides evenly. The warm butter helps the cinnamon-sugar stick, creating a deliciously sweet outer layer.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm for the best experience. These air fryer cinnamon-sugar donuts are best enjoyed right away, with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a quiet snack, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Quick Recipe for Air Fryer Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts

Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 8 donuts
Calories: Approximately 150 per donut

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (16.3-ounce) can flaky biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Biscuits)
• Olive oil spray or coconut oil spray
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
2. Cut Biscuits: Separate the biscuits, cut out holes with a round cutter, and set the donut shapes aside.
3. Coat Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or coconut oil spray.
4. Cook Donuts: Place 3-4 donuts in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes for crispier donuts.
5. Coat with Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar: Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm and freshly coated with cinnamon-sugar.

These air fryer cinnamon-sugar donuts are a quick and tasty treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in just 15 minutes. Enjoy the crispy, golden-brown exterior with a light, fluffy center, and indulge in a delightful snack that’s both simple and satisfying.