Cinnamon Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

Soft cinnamon air fryer biscuit donuts are ready in minutes without any messy oil or lengthy rises. Refrigerated biscuits make these tender on the inside and the sweet cinnamon sugar dresses them up outside. See how easy they are to make!

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When you’re craving donuts but don’t want all the work, get out your air fryer and whip up these easy biscuit versions on the fly.

Is it better to bake or fry donuts?

There are pros and cons to both methods. The traditional golden exterior and texture comes from frying so if you are interested in authenticity you’d need to go that route. However for less mess and ease baking is simple to do though you won’t have quite the same flavor or texture afterward.

What you’ll need for air fryer biscuit donuts

• Refrigerated biscuits-We tested with Pillsbury Grands. Choosing a larger refrigerated biscuit will give you a more typical size donut but you could certainly use smaller biscuits for “mini” donuts.
• Sugar-Granulated or a finely ground organic cane sugar work best here. Coconut sugar might work if you don’t mind its bitter aftertaste.
• Ground cinnamon-Use cinnamon that hasn’t been sitting in the back of your pantry for months. The oils will lose strength and you won’t get that perfect pop of flavor.
• Butter– Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick. Salted or unsalted are both fine here.
• Non stick spray or oil-A high heat oil like avocado or a spray of non stick cooking oil will keep your donuts from sticking to the basket.

You will need the following supplies:

1.Your air fryer

2. A small shallow bowl to dip the donuts in

3. Something to cut the holes in your donuts. We used the large end of a metal frosting tip but a bottle cap also does a great job.

Steps for Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

1. Use a bottle cap or frosting tip to cut a 1″ hole in the center of each biscuit.

2. Spray or grease the basket of your air fryer. Lay four donuts (or whatever your air fryer will hold) in the basket.

Step 3: Bake four minutes until golden. Immediately dip the top in butter and then into cinnamon sugar.

Can I eat these warm or cold?

You can eat these cinnamon air fryer donuts warm or cold, however, they are best served warm and fresh. You can always rewarm them in the microwave for a few seconds too.

What are substitutions that I can make?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil if needed or you can use a dairy free butter.

Do I have to use store-bought biscuit dough, or can I make my own?

You do not have to use store-bought biscuit dough, you can make your own to make these common air fryer biscuits. Just keep in mind that homemade will be a bit crispier on the outside because refrigerated dough uses a lot of stabilizers and conditioners to keep the dough soft after baking.

Can I make these ahead and freeze?

Yes, you can make these cinnamon air fryer donuts. Be sure to completely thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Should I use parchment paper in the bottom of my air fryer?

No, you should not use parchment paper in the bottom of your air fryer for these cinnamon air fryer donuts. You want plenty of airflow to the bottom of the donuts and parchment paper will cover the vents in the bottom of the air fryer which prevents this from happening.

Don’t forget to bake the holes!

Donut holes are delicious too. Don’t forget to cook them up. Take all of your donut holes and add them to the air fryer separately. The main donuts will take longer to air fry than the holes will. Cook 2 to 3 minutes and give them a check to see if they are golden.

Storage Instructions:

These cinnamon air fryer donuts can be stored in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days or in a freezer for up to 3 months.

Fun glazes you could try instead of cinnamon sugar

Donuts are a blank slate for whatever flavor you may want to add. Try these fun ideas:

• Use lemon, lime, or orange juice to make a citrus glaze.
• A classic vanilla and powdered sugar glaze.
• Chocolate glaze that’s so gooey and rich.
• Or if you want color, try these pink party glazes and sprinkles.
  

Ready to tackle regular yeasted donuts?

I have a great recipe for baked yeasted donuts, too! You can skip the frying but get that lovely yeasted taste that only a risen donut brings. I’ll walk you through the steps when you’re ready.