Save Last Tuesday morning I woke up craving something sweet but refused to heat up the whole apartment with deep frying. The air fryer sat on the counter collecting dust, and I wondered if it could actually deliver that classic donut shop experience. These cinnamon sugar treats came out so incredibly fluffy that my roommate thought I had secretly ordered delivery. Now they are my go-to weekend breakfast without the guilt or grease.
My sister visited last month and confessed she had never made homemade donuts because yeast dough intimidated her. We opened a can of biscuits together and laughed at how ridiculously simple the whole process actually was. She texted me two days later saying she made them for her kids and now they beg for donut Saturdays every weekend.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This shortcut dough puffs up beautifully in the air fryer creating that light tender texture we all love in classic donuts
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps that cinnamon sugar coating stick perfectly while adding just the right amount of richness
- Granulated sugar: The foundation of our coating providing sweetness and that satisfying crunch on every bite
- Ground cinnamon: Warm aromatic spice that transforms simple sugar into something absolutely irresistible and nostalgic
Instructions
- Prep your air fryer:
- Get that air fryer heating at 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready to go the moment your dough is shaped
- Shape the donuts:
- Press a small round cutter or bottle cap through the center of each biscuit creating that classic donut shape and save those centers for extra donut holes
- Arrange for success:
- Give your air fryer basket a quick spray with nonstick spray then place donuts in a single layer without touching for even cooking
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Cook for about six minutes flipping halfway through until they are beautifully browned and puffed up like little clouds
- Mix the coating:
- While those beauties cook stir together your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl until well combined
- Coat immediately:
- Brush each hot donut with melted butter then toss in the cinnamon sugar until completely covered
Save These became a Christmas morning tradition when my family realized we could have fresh warm donuts without waking up at dawn to make dough. The smell of cinnamon fills the whole house and everyone wanders into the kitchen asking if they are ready yet. There is something magical about pulling out that basket of golden coated treats and watching faces light up.
Make Ahead And Storage
I learned the hard way that these really need to be eaten right away for that perfect fluffy texture. They do reheat decently in a warm oven for about five minutes but nothing compares to that fresh batch moment. If you must store them keep them in a paper bag to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
A hot cup of coffee or glass of cold milk alongside these creates that ultimate diner experience at home. My niece loves dipping hers in hot chocolate until the donut soaks up all that chocolatey goodness. They also make an incredible base for ice cream sandwiches if you let them cool completely first.
Easy Variations
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar mixture for that cozy spice shop flavor. A vanilla bean glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating turns these into completely different treats. For chocolate lovers skip the coating entirely and dip the cooled donuts in melted chocolate chips.
- Use colored sugar for festive holiday versions that look impressive
- Sprinkle some sea salt over the cinnamon sugar for a sweet salty combo
- Add a drop of vanilla extract to your melted butter for extra depth
Save There is something deeply satisfying about turning a simple can of biscuits into something that feels so special and homemade. These little treats have brought so much joy to my kitchen with minimal effort and maximum happiness.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Yes, you can use any yeast donut dough recipe. Keep in mind that homemade dough typically requires proofing time, which will extend the overall preparation time beyond the 18 minutes stated for this version.
- → How do I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, warm briefly in the air fryer or microwave before serving to restore the fresh texture. The coating may become slightly soft overnight.
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
Baking at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or traditional deep frying at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side are both viable alternatives. The air fryer method offers the quickest cleanup and requires less oil while still achieving a pleasing texture.
- → What's the best way to cut the donut holes?
A small round cutter, piping tip, or clean bottle cap works perfectly. The removed centers can be air-fried alongside the donuts for 3-4 minutes to create bite-sized donut holes that cook even faster than the full-sized versions.
- → Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, though you'll need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Keep cooked donuts warm in a low oven while finishing the remaining batches. The cinnamon sugar mixture can be doubled proportionally.