Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
If you’ve ever craved a donut but didn’t want to go through the hassle of making dough from scratch or frying in hot oil, then Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are the perfect solution. These donuts are incredibly simple to make, require just a few ingredients, and cook up in minutes using your air fryer, which gives them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
What’s even better is that these donuts come together so quickly, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. Using a pack of refrigerated Grands biscuits, you can create warm, cinnamon-sugary goodness in no time, with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients—biscuits, butter, and cinnamon sugar—you can enjoy the deliciousness of freshly made donuts without the mess of deep frying. These are great for when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
The air fryer method helps achieve that perfect crispness without the excess oil, and the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a warm, comforting touch to each bite. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to make these donuts. They’re perfect for anyone craving a quick treat or looking to introduce a fun, easy dessert into their baking routine.
What You’ll Need
Before you dive into making your Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts, gather these ingredients. With just a few basic items, you’ll have everything you need to whip up these delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Grands biscuits – These refrigerated biscuits are the foundation of your donut. You’ll want to use the regular-sized Grands biscuits (the ones that come in the pop-can packaging), as they hold their shape well and puff up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 4 tbsp melted butter – The melted butter will help the cinnamon sugar adhere to the biscuits, giving them that crispy, golden exterior. It also adds richness and flavor to the donuts.
- 1 cup cinnamon sugar – This is the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. To make cinnamon sugar, simply mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. You can adjust the ratio based on how much cinnamon flavor you prefer, but this combination works perfectly for that classic donut flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the process of making these Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts. The steps are quick and easy, and you’ll be enjoying fresh donuts in no time!
1. Preheat your air fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the basket is hot and ready for your donuts to cook evenly, giving them that perfect crispy texture.
2. Prepare the biscuits
Open the pack of Grands biscuits and separate them. For each biscuit, you’ll need to create a hole in the center to form the traditional donut shape. You can use a small round object (like the back of a piping tip, or even a bottle cap) to gently poke a hole through the center of each biscuit. Carefully remove the hole to create the donut shape. If you prefer donut holes, you can roll the leftover pieces into small balls and cook those as well.
3. Brush with melted butter
Once you have your donut shapes ready, brush both sides of each biscuit donut with the melted butter. Make sure they’re evenly coated to help the cinnamon sugar stick and give the donuts a golden finish once they’re cooked.
4. Air fry the donuts
Place the biscuit donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the donuts in batches. Air fry the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
5. Coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar
While the donuts are cooking, prepare the cinnamon sugar. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Once the donuts are done and still warm, remove them from the air fryer and immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Be sure to coat them on both sides, so each bite is covered in that sweet, spiced goodness.
6. Serve and enjoy
Once your donuts are coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re ready to serve! These Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the air fryer. You can serve them as-is or even with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure the donuts are arranged in a single layer with space between each one so they cook evenly and don’t stick together. You may need to cook the donuts in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Check for doneness: Air fryers can vary in how quickly they cook, so be sure to check the donuts towards the end of the cooking time. They should be golden brown and cooked through. If they’re not done yet, simply add another minute or two.
- Use a different coating: If you want to change things up, you can try other coatings for your donuts. Powdered sugar, honey glaze, or even maple syrup could be used instead of cinnamon sugar for a different twist.
- Make donut holes: If you want mini donuts, simply roll the leftover biscuit centers into balls and cook them in the air fryer as well. Coat these in the cinnamon sugar just like you would with the donuts.
- Flavor variations: Try adding a touch of vanilla extract to the melted butter for an added layer of flavor, or sprinkle some nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a cozy, spiced taste.
Variations to Try
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is always a winner, there are plenty of other fun ways to customize these Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts to suit your taste:
- Glazed Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon sugar, you can coat your donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Just mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk (or more if needed) to create a smooth, drizzleable glaze. Dip the warm donuts in the glaze and let it harden for a deliciously sweet coating.
- Chocolate-Covered Donuts: For a chocolatey twist, melt some chocolate chips (or use store-bought chocolate syrup) and dip your warm donuts into the chocolate. You can even sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles on top for added texture and fun.
- Maple Sugar: If you love the flavor of maple, try using maple sugar instead of regular cinnamon sugar. You can even drizzle a little maple syrup over the donuts for an authentic breakfast treat.
- Sprinkles: If you’re making these donuts for kids or just want to make them extra fun, top the cinnamon-sugared donuts with colorful sprinkles or even mini chocolate chips.
- Apple Cinnamon Donuts: Add some finely chopped apples to the melted butter before brushing it on the biscuits for a warm, fruity twist. The apples caramelize slightly while cooking, adding a subtle sweetness to each bite.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftover Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts, don’t worry—they store well and can easily be reheated for another round of enjoyment!
- Storing: Once the donuts have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container. They will keep for about 1-2 days on the counter. If you want them to stay fresh a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To bring the donuts back to life, simply reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F (175°C). They’ll crisp up again and taste almost as fresh as when they were first made. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any other type of biscuit for this recipe?
While Grands biscuits are the most popular choice because of their size and texture, you can experiment with other biscuit brands or types. Just keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the biscuits you use.
Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these donuts by baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the donuts on a baking sheet, and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can also fry them in a pan with oil, though the air fryer method is much healthier and less messy.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from clumping?
To prevent the cinnamon sugar from clumping, make sure the cinnamon and sugar are mixed together well before using. Additionally, it’s important to coat the donuts while they are still warm, so the sugar adheres properly.
Can I make donut holes with the leftover biscuit centers?
Absolutely! Roll the leftover dough from the centers of the biscuits into small balls and air fry them for about 3-4 minutes. Coat them in cinnamon sugar just like the donuts, and you’ll have a delicious mini treat to enjoy.
The Final Word
Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade donuts without the hassle of frying or complicated dough-making. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can make warm, fluffy donuts that are coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re treating yourself to a snack, preparing a fun breakfast, or looking for a simple dessert, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try them today and discover just how easy and delicious homemade donuts can be!