Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts – Quick and Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

There’s a certain kind of magic in the smell of fresh donuts wafting through the kitchen. It’s comforting, familiar, and just a little indulgent—the kind of smell that wraps you up in warmth before you’ve even taken a bite. But if you’ve ever tried making traditional donuts from scratch, you know it’s not always quick or easy. Between mixing dough, letting it rise, and dealing with hot oil, it can quickly turn into a weekend-long project. That’s where this Air fryer biscuit donuts recipe comes in like a breakfast hero.

These air fryer biscuit donuts are made with one of the best shortcut ingredients out there: refrigerated biscuit dough. If you’ve ever used Pillsbury’s Grand Flaky Layers biscuits before, you know they’re buttery, soft, and beautifully layered—everything you want in a good donut. With just a little shaping and a short trip in the air fryer, they puff up into golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside donuts that taste like you spent hours making them.

The best part? There’s no need for deep frying. Air frying gives you that perfect texture—light and golden without the mess or the oil splatter. Once they’re warm and ready, a quick dip in melted butter followed by a roll in cinnamon sugar takes them completely over the top. The flavor is nostalgic and sweet, with a satisfying crunch from the sugar coating and a soft, flaky center that pulls apart just like your favorite bakery treat.

I started making these on lazy weekend mornings when I didn’t want to leave the house but still wanted something special. Now, they’ve become a go-to whenever guests are over, or we’re craving dessert after dinner. They’re ridiculously easy, always a hit, and honestly, they might just be one of the best-kept secrets for a quick homemade treat that feels a lot more impressive than it is.

Why You’ll Love This Air fryer biscuit donuts Recipe

If you’ve ever craved warm, fresh donuts but didn’t want to deal with the mess of deep frying or the patience needed for yeast dough, this recipe is going to feel like a dream. Here’s why you’re going to love these air fryer biscuit donuts and why you’ll probably end up making them again and again.

First, they’re incredibly easy. There are no complicated steps or fancy tools involved. If you can open a can of biscuits and turn on an air fryer, you’ve already got everything you need. The dough is already perfectly prepped and portioned, which cuts down your time and effort significantly. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of warm donuts ready to serve.

Second, they’re fast. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes, and that includes air frying and coating the donuts in cinnamon sugar. That’s faster than running to your local bakery and waiting in line. Whether you’re craving something sweet with your morning coffee or need a last-minute dessert, this recipe delivers big results in very little time.

Third, the flavor is fantastic. The flaky layers in the biscuit dough mimic the soft, pillowy texture of classic donuts, while the golden exterior gives you that satisfying crunch. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a warm, cozy sweetness that makes each bite irresistible.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s family-friendly. Kids love helping cut out the donut shapes, dipping them in butter, and tossing them in cinnamon sugar. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that’s perfect for getting everyone involved in the kitchen.

Lastly, they’re endlessly customizable. Want to glaze them instead of rolling them in sugar? Go for it. Want to stuff them with a bit of jam or Nutella? Absolutely. Prefer them plain with just a dusting of powdered sugar? That works, too. This recipe is more than just delicious—it’s flexible, forgiving, and the kind of treat you can make your own.

Health Benefits of these Air fryer biscuit donuts

While donuts aren’t typically known as health food, this air fryer version does have a few benefits that make it a smarter choice compared to traditional deep-fried options. When you make donuts in the air fryer, you’re using significantly less oil. That means fewer calories and less saturated fat in each bite, without sacrificing the crispy outside or soft, fluffy inside we all love in a good donut.

Cutting back on deep-frying also helps reduce trans fats and eliminates the need for cooking oils that can add unnecessary grease. Air frying uses hot air to cook the dough evenly, giving you a golden finish without soaking the donut in oil. It’s a much cleaner, lighter way to enjoy an indulgent treat.

Because this recipe is made with simple, minimal ingredients, you also avoid the long list of additives and preservatives often found in store-bought donuts. Using Pillsbury biscuit dough keeps things simple and lets you control exactly what goes into your food. For example, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the cinnamon sugar coating or substitute it with a blend of cinnamon and a low-calorie sweetener.

Additionally, the portion size is easy to manage. These donuts are smaller and lighter than typical bakery donuts, so you get to enjoy the same flavor and satisfaction without going overboard. And because they’re so filling thanks to the rich layers of biscuit dough, just one or two is usually enough to satisfy a sweet craving.

You can also tweak the recipe to be more health-conscious. Try using a lighter butter substitute or brushing the donuts with butter instead of dipping them. You can even skip the sugar coating and top them with a light glaze made from Greek yogurt and honey for a slightly more nutritious twist.

While this isn’t a “health food” recipe, it’s a better alternative to deep-fried donuts, both in terms of nutrition and how it makes you feel after enjoying one.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

This recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but want something that looks and tastes like you spent all morning in the kitchen. Let’s break down the timing and nutritional details so you know exactly what to expect.

Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Air frying time: 6 minutes per batch
  • Coating time: 3–5 minutes
  • Total time: Approximately 15–20 minutes

If you’re working with one air fryer basket, you may need to cook the donuts in batches, depending on its size. Even so, you can get the whole batch done in under 20 minutes, making this a great option for quick breakfasts, brunches, or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Servings

  • This recipe uses 1 can of Pillsbury Grand Flaky Layers Biscuits (16.3 oz), which typically yields:
    • 8 donuts
    • 8 donut holes
  • Serves 4–6 people, depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving: Approximate for 2 donuts + holes)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 4g

Please note, these are estimates based on the ingredients used and can vary depending on the brand of biscuits, the amount of butter, and how much cinnamon sugar you use for coating. For a lighter option, you can use less butter or a reduced-fat version, and you can cut back on the sugar by lightly dusting instead of rolling.

This recipe strikes a nice balance between indulgence and convenience, offering a sweet treat without requiring you to dive headfirst into a fryer or a mountain of ingredients.

Ingredients List

One of the most wonderful things about this recipe is its short and sweet ingredient list. With only a handful of pantry staples, you can create something that tastes like it came from a donut shop. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each item plays an important role in making these donuts the absolute best they can be.

1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grand Flaky Layers Biscuits
This is the star of the show. The layered biscuit dough gives you that light, airy texture inside and a crisp, golden finish outside. Make sure to get the flaky layers version, as it creates that perfect pull-apart softness that mimics yeast donuts.

1/4 cup granulated sugar
Sugar is part of what gives these donuts their iconic taste. It adds sweetness, of course, but also gives a beautiful crunch when combined with cinnamon and used to coat the warm donuts. If you like, you can use a coarser sugar for a more textured coating.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon brings warmth and spice, balancing the sweetness and adding depth. You can adjust this amount to taste—some people prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, while others might want a more subtle dusting.

2 tablespoons melted butter
This helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts and adds rich, buttery flavor to every bite. It also softens the sugar just slightly when it clings to the donut, making each bite feel melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can use unsalted or salted butter depending on your flavor preference.

Optional Variations and Add-Ins

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix for a classic bakery flavor.
  • Use flavored sugar, like vanilla sugar, for a fun twist.
  • Want to glaze instead of sugar-coating? Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice for a quick glaze.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gone over what you need and why this recipe is a total game-changer, let’s walk through the steps to make these cinnamon sugar air fryer biscuit donuts. Even if you’ve never made donuts before, you’ll find this process easy, fun, and totally doable. Each step includes tips to help you get the best results every single time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Before you even open the biscuit can, it’s a good idea to get everything set up. Having your ingredients ready to go will make the whole process smoother.

Gather your tools:

  • A clean surface for shaping the dough
  • A small round cutter (like the lid of a spice jar or a shot glass)
  • A small bowl for the melted butter
  • A shallow dish or plate for the cinnamon sugar
  • A cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels
  • Your air fryer basket or tray

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating. Some air fryers automatically preheat during the cooking cycle, but it helps to start with a hot basket for even cooking.

Step 2: Open and Shape the Dough

Carefully open the can of Pillsbury Grand Flaky Layers Biscuits. Separate the biscuits and lay them flat on your clean work surface. You should have 8 biscuits in total.

Use a small round cutter or knife to cut a hole out of the center of each biscuit. This creates the classic donut shape and gives you adorable little donut holes to cook alongside the main donuts. If you don’t have a round cutter, you can improvise with the cap from a bottle or a clean, round cookie cutter.

Tip: Don’t discard the centers—these donut holes cook up just as tasty and are perfect bite-sized treats!

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with a bit of cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Place up to four donuts and four donut holes in the basket at a time, making sure to leave space between each one so the hot air can circulate properly. Avoid overcrowding the basket; it’s better to cook in batches.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 6 minutes. Check them at the 5-minute mark—donuts should be puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through. The donut holes may cook slightly faster, so feel free to remove them a minute earlier if needed.

Tip: Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on the first batch and adjust the time slightly for your model.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl or plate. Stir well so the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

In a separate bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave using short 10-15 second bursts, or on the stove in a small saucepan. Just make sure it’s warm and fully melted.

Tip: If you want a more buttery flavor, you can increase the butter to 3 tablespoons. Or, for a lighter version, brush the donuts instead of dipping.

Step 5: Coat the Warm Donuts

Once the donuts are done cooking, transfer them to a wire cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels. Let them cool for about 1 minute—just enough so they’re still warm but not too hot to handle.

Working one at a time, dip each donut lightly into the melted butter, coating both sides. Immediately roll the donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks. Place the coated donut back on the cooling rack.

Repeat with the remaining donuts and donut holes.

Tip: The coating sticks best while the donuts are warm, so don’t wait too long before dipping and rolling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once coated, the donuts are ready to serve! They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa on the side. The flaky layers are soft and pillowy, while the sugary coating offers a delicate crunch and cinnamon warmth.

Tip: If you’re making a large batch for a crowd, keep finished donuts warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking and coating the rest.

Optional Step: Glaze Instead of Sugar

Not a fan of cinnamon sugar? Try a classic glaze instead! While the donuts are cooling, mix up a simple glaze using:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Stir until smooth and drizzle or dip the donuts once slightly cooled. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tip: Add food coloring or sprinkles to make it fun for kids or festive for holidays.

Air fryer biscuit donuts

How to Serve these Air fryer biscuit donuts

These donuts are the kind of treat that fits beautifully into almost any part of the day, whether you’re enjoying a slow morning or looking for a quick snack to impress unexpected guests. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve them.

For Breakfast or Brunch

  • Serve warm donuts with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a fun twist on a traditional breakfast spread.
  • Pair with chai tea or coffee for a cozy morning treat.
  • Make a brunch board featuring mini muffins, fruit, these donuts, and small bowls of honey and jam.

As a Dessert

  • Stack them on a cake stand and drizzle with a chocolate or caramel sauce for a donut tower at parties.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a donut sundae.
  • Add them to a dessert board with strawberries, dark chocolate, and whipped cream.

Kid-Friendly Snack Time

  • Let the kids help dip the donuts and roll them in sprinkles or powdered sugar.
  • Serve with warm apple cider or chocolate milk for an after-school treat.
  • Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes from the dough before air frying.

For Entertaining or Potlucks

  • Arrange the donuts on a pretty platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
  • Serve alongside other baked goods like brownies or cupcakes for variety.
  • Wrap individually in parchment paper and tie with string for cute party favors or brunch gifts.

No matter how you serve them, these donuts are always a hit. They’re quick enough for a weekday and special enough for celebrations, making them one of those rare recipes that feels both casual and fancy at the same time.

Pairing Suggestions for these Air fryer biscuit donuts

These donuts are versatile enough to go with almost anything, but if you’re planning to serve them with a full meal or as part of a larger spread, here are some thoughtful pairing ideas to make the most of your experience.

Beverage Pairings

  • Hot Beverages: Serve with spiced chai, cinnamon tea, or a café latte. The warm spices and creamy textures pair beautifully with the sugar and butter in the donuts.
  • Cold Beverages: Iced coffee, milkshakes, or chilled almond milk balance the warmth of the donuts and are perfect for warm-weather snacking.
  • Fruit Juices: Try pairing with orange juice, apple cider, or a fresh fruit smoothie for a bright and refreshing contrast.

Savory Pairings for Breakfast or Brunch

  • Eggs and Turkey Bacon: Create a hearty breakfast by pairing these donuts with savory sides like scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or chicken sausage. The salty-savory notes balance the sweet flavors nicely.
  • Avocado Toast: Surprisingly, the richness of avocado on toast can pair well with the sweet, flaky texture of the donuts for a satisfying sweet-and-savory combination.
  • Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a lighter side dish that adds contrast and a dose of nutrition.

Fruit-Based Pairings

  • Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a bowl of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and juicy counterpoint.
  • Caramelized Bananas: Lightly sauté sliced bananas in butter and a little brown sugar for a luxurious side to serve with the donuts.
  • Fruit Compote: A warm compote made from apples, pears, or peaches adds a jammy texture that complements the crispy exterior of the donuts.

Dips and Toppings

  • Chocolate Ganache: Offer a small bowl of ganache for dipping the donuts.
  • Maple Butter: Mix softened butter with a bit of maple syrup for a rich, spreadable topping.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds elegance and indulgence, especially when served as dessert.

Whether you’re keeping it simple or dressing things up, these pairing ideas turn a quick air fryer treat into a full culinary experience.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

These Air fryer biscuit donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after they’ve been cooked and coated. However, life gets busy, and sometimes you want to prep ahead or enjoy leftovers later. Luckily, these air fryer biscuit donuts store well, reheat beautifully, and can even be frozen for future cravings. Here’s how to do it all while keeping them as close to freshly made as possible.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover donuts, let them cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy donuts.

  • Storage Method: Place the cooled donuts in an airtight container. To avoid sticking, layer them with parchment paper or wax paper.
  • Room Temperature: They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain texture.
  • Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, though they may start to lose their soft texture after day 2.

Tip: If you know you won’t eat them all right away, hold off on the butter and cinnamon sugar coating for the extras. You can coat them after reheating for a fresher taste.

Freezing the Air fryer biscuit donuts

Yes, you can freeze these donuts! Freezing them after cooking (but before coating) is the best way to preserve texture and flavor.

  • To Freeze: Place cooled, uncoated donuts and donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1–2 hours until solid.
  • After Freezing: Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date.
  • Shelf Life: Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tip: You can also freeze the raw biscuit shapes (with the holes cut out) before cooking. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before air frying.

Reheating Instructions

To bring leftover donuts back to life, reheating properly is key.

  • Air Fryer: The best method. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F and warm donuts for 2–3 minutes. This helps restore the crisp outside without over-drying the inside.
  • Oven or Toaster Oven: Bake at 325°F for 5–6 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Microwave: This method is fast but can make them a bit soft. Heat for 10–15 seconds, and be careful not to overdo it.

Once reheated, if they haven’t been coated yet, go ahead and dip them in fresh melted butter and cinnamon sugar to refresh the flavor and crunch.

With proper storage and reheating, these donuts can brighten up your breakfast or snack time even days after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is super easy, a few common pitfalls can make the difference between “good” and “absolutely amazing” donuts. Let’s go over the mistakes people sometimes make—and how you can steer clear of them to get perfect results every time.

1. Skipping the Preheat

If your air fryer requires preheating and you skip it, your donuts might cook unevenly or end up undercooked inside. A hot basket ensures that the biscuit dough puffs up quickly and evenly, giving that signature flaky, golden finish.

2. Overcrowding the Air Fryer

Tempting as it may be to cook all the donuts at once, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. They need space for the hot air to circulate. If you cram them in, they’ll steam rather than crisp, and you’ll miss out on that lovely golden crust.

Tip: Cook in batches—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.

3. Under- or Overcooking

It’s important to watch your timing. Every air fryer is slightly different. Underbaked donuts may look golden but still be doughy in the middle. Overbaked ones can turn dry and hard.

Solution: Start with 5 minutes, then check. Add time in 1-minute increments if needed. Donut holes usually take a little less time than full-size donuts.

4. Dipping When Too Hot or Too Cold

Timing is everything when it comes to coating. If you dip the donuts in butter and sugar right after they come out, they might be too hot and the coating can slide off. Wait too long, and the butter won’t melt in, and the sugar won’t stick well.

Sweet spot: Let them cool just 1 minute before coating.

5. Using the Wrong Biscuit Dough

Not all canned biscuit doughs are created equal. You want the flaky layers kind for the best donut texture. Other types can be too dense or lack that buttery softness.

Always check the label for “flaky layers” to ensure the best result.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be setting yourself up for donut success every time.

Pro Tips  of these Air fryer biscuit donuts

If you’re ready to take your air fryer biscuit donuts to the next level, these tried-and-true pro tips will help you elevate the flavor, texture, and presentation of this already amazing recipe. They’re simple tricks that make a big difference.

1. Use a Cooking Spray with Neutral Oil

Lightly spritzing your air fryer basket with a neutral cooking oil (like avocado or canola) prevents sticking without interfering with flavor. Avoid sprays with flour or butter flavoring—they can burn and leave residue.

2. Toast the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

For a deeper flavor, lightly toast your cinnamon sugar mix in a dry pan before using it. Just a few minutes on low heat will bring out the warm, spicy aroma of the cinnamon and make the sugar a bit crunchier.

Let it cool slightly before rolling your donuts in it.

3. Try Flavored Sugars

Give your donuts a unique twist by infusing your sugar. Vanilla sugar, orange zest sugar, or cardamom sugar can add depth and personality. Mix your desired flavor into the sugar the night before and store in an airtight container for a fragrant upgrade.

4. Reheat with a Light Mist of Water

If your leftover donuts feel a bit dry, spritz them with a little water before reheating in the air fryer. This reintroduces some moisture and keeps the inside tender while the outside crisps up again.

5. Serve with a Dipping Sauce Bar

Create a fun donut dipping bar for parties or brunch by offering a variety of sauces—chocolate ganache, fruit compote, vanilla glaze, and caramel are all delicious choices. This not only elevates the serving experience but also lets guests customize their treats.

Bonus Tip: Shape Variations

Cut the dough into stars, hearts, or letters for birthdays and holidays. It’s a fun way to turn a simple recipe into something festive and memorable, especially for kids.

These small but impactful tips will help you create bakery-worthy donuts with very little effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Even though this Air fryer biscuit donuts recipe is super straightforward, there are always a few common questions that pop up when people try it for the first time. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, timing, or how to customize your donuts, this section has you covered.

Can I use a different brand of biscuit dough?

Absolutely. While Pillsbury Grand Flaky Layers Biscuits work beautifully because of their soft texture and layers, you can use other brands of refrigerated biscuit dough. Just make sure to choose a similar flaky or layered variety for the best donut-like texture. Avoid dense or “buttermilk” biscuits, as they can be heavier and less airy when cooked.

What if I don’t have a small cutter for the donut holes?

No problem. You can use anything small and round—like the lid of a water bottle, a clean spice jar cap, or even a paring knife to carefully carve out a hole in the center. If you’d rather skip the holes, you can air fry the biscuits whole. They’ll puff up more like donut buns, which are equally tasty.

Can I make these in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Place the prepared biscuit rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t have the exact same crispiness as air-fried donuts, but they’ll still be soft, fluffy, and delicious.

Is it okay to skip the butter?

Technically, yes—but the butter does more than just add flavor. It helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates that delicious melt-in-your-mouth coating. If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, try brushing on a smaller amount of melted butter or using a butter substitute instead of dipping.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, with a few modifications. You can shape the donuts and store them in the fridge (uncooked) for a few hours ahead. Once air fried, they’re best enjoyed fresh. If making in advance, store uncoated and reheat before dipping in butter and sugar to refresh the texture.

What’s the best way to get an even sugar coating?

Use a shallow bowl or plate and roll the donuts while they’re still warm—not hot, but not cold. Dip both sides in butter, let the excess drip off, then press into the cinnamon sugar mix and turn a couple of times to make sure every bit is covered.

Can I add fillings to these donuts?

Yes, you can get creative. While the biscuit dough isn’t designed to hold a ton of filling, you can carefully inject a little jam, Nutella, or custard using a piping bag after air frying. Another option is slicing them open after cooking and spreading a layer of filling inside.

Are these donuts halal?

Yes, this recipe is halal-friendly as long as the ingredients used (like biscuit dough and butter) are halal-certified. Pillsbury biscuits typically contain no alcohol or pork-derived ingredients, but always check labels to be sure.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Definitely. You can roll the donuts in a lighter dusting of cinnamon sugar or skip it altogether and use a glaze made with less sweetness. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying due to the buttery biscuit base.

What should I do if the donuts collapse or go flat?

This usually happens if the dough is handled too roughly or if the air fryer isn’t preheated properly. Make sure not to overwork the biscuit dough when cutting it, and allow the air fryer to come fully to temperature before cooking.

These FAQs cover most of the issues and creative questions people have when trying these biscuit donuts for the first time. Once you get the hang of the basic method, you’ll find that the possibilities are almost endless.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There’s something undeniably satisfying about pulling a batch of fresh, golden donuts from your air fryer—especially when you’ve made them in under 20 minutes without any special equipment or complicated steps. These air fryer biscuit donuts with cinnamon sugar are the kind of treat that instantly turns an ordinary morning into something worth celebrating.

Whether you’re making them for a cozy family breakfast, bringing them to a brunch with friends, or just treating yourself to something sweet with your afternoon tea, this recipe always delivers. The flaky biscuit layers give you that classic donut softness inside, while the crispy air-fried exterior and cinnamon sugar coating bring in all the sweet comfort of your favorite bakery donut—with way less effort and cleanup.

Even better, this recipe is totally customizable. You can glaze them, dip them in chocolate, sprinkle on powdered sugar, or even fill them with jam or cream. There’s really no limit to how you can make them your own, and once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you’ll be able to whip up homemade donuts anytime the craving hits.

So here’s what I suggest: don’t wait for a special occasion. Just grab a can of biscuit dough, fire up your air fryer, and make a batch today. You’ll be surprised at how easy and fun it is—and how quickly they disappear from the plate.

And if you try them out, I’d love to hear how it goes! Feel free to drop a comment with your favorite topping or twist. Better yet, snap a photo and tag me on social media so I can see your donut creations. I’m always so excited to see how others make this recipe their own.

These air fryer biscuit donuts are the kind of comfort food you’ll come back to again and again—not just because they’re easy, but because they bring so much joy to the table with every warm, cinnamon-sweet bite.

Happy cooking—and even happier snacking!

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Air fryer biscuit donuts

Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts – Quick and Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts


  • Author: Julia Hart
  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 8 donuts + 8 holes 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These quick air fryer donuts are made using flaky biscuit dough, dipped in melted butter, and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re soft, golden, and ready in minutes—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grand Flaky Layers Biscuits

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp melted butter


Instructions

  • Separate the biscuit dough and cut out the centers using a small cutter.

  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F (if needed).

  • Place up to 4 donuts and holes in the basket. Air fry for 5–6 minutes until golden.

  • Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.

  • Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

  • Let cool slightly and serve.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches for even browning.

  • Use flaky layers biscuit dough for the best texture.

  • Donut holes may cook faster—check after 4 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

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