Air Fryer Donuts
Air fryer donuts made from canned biscuit dough are ready in about 20 minutes, with no yeast, no rising time and no pot of hot oil. Each biscuit becomes a golden donut with a soft center and a cinnamon sugar coating. This yeast-free method makes 8 donuts and 8 donut holes in a 4–6 qt air fryer.
- Temperature
- 330°F170 °C
- Total time
- 30min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 8
- Per serving
- 270kcal
Why the air fryer works for donuts
A classic donut is deep-fried, which needs a pot of oil, a thermometer and a lot of cleanup. Biscuit dough is a shortcut. It is already leavened with baking powder, so the air fryer only needs to heat it quickly and brown it. The fan circulates hot air around the ring, which gives a golden crust with a soft inside, much like a baked donut.
These are not the same as a deep-fried donut, and it helps to know that. The surface is more like a biscuit, with a light crust, and the coating makes them taste like a cinnamon sugar donut. Cut the holes cleanly so the ring is thin enough to cook through. If you like sweet air fryer baking, you can also try cookies or scones.
How to make donuts in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut the donuts Separate the 8 biscuits and place them on a cutting board. Cut a hole out of the center of each with a 1-inch round cutter or a bottle cap. Keep the holes.
- Mix the coating Stir the sugar and cinnamon together on a plate. Keep the melted butter in a small bowl.
- Preheat and prepare Preheat the empty air fryer to 330 °F for . Brush the basket lightly with some of the oil, because biscuit dough sticks to bare metal.
- Cook the donuts Place 4 donuts in the basket with space between them. Cook at 330 °F for , flipping after , until deep golden brown. Cook the second 4 donuts the same way. In a 4 qt air fryer, cook 3 at a time.
- Cook the holes Place the 8 donut holes in the basket and cook at 330 °F for , shaking the basket halfway.
- Coat Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then press it into the cinnamon sugar on both sides. Roll the holes in the same way. Serve right away.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Donuts | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuit donutsFlip after 4 min | 330 °F (170 °C) | 8 min |
| Donut holes | 330 °F (170 °C) | 4 min |
| Yeast dough (homemade) | 330 °F (170 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Reheat a donut | 300 °F (150 °C) | 2–3 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Cut the holes cleanly. A sharp round cutter gives an even ring that cooks at the same speed all the way around.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. The donuts puff as they cook, so leave about an inch between them.
- Coat them warm. The butter and sugar need warm donuts to stick well, so brush and roll them right away.
What to serve with donuts
Serve donuts with coffee, hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk for breakfast or a weekend treat. For a party, offer a few toppings, such as a simple glaze, chocolate sauce or sprinkles, and let everyone choose. They also go well beside pancakes for a sweet brunch table.
Storing and reheating
Donuts are best on the day they are made. Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for 1 day. To bring them back, warm each donut in the air fryer at 300 °F for 2–3 minutes. The coating softens, and the donut tastes freshly baked.
Variations
- Glazed: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip warm donuts in a glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk and ½ tsp vanilla.
- Chocolate: Dip cooled donuts in melted chocolate and add sprinkles.
- Filled holes: Fill cooled donut holes with jam using a piping bag.
- Cinnamon rolls style: Roll biscuit strips into a spiral and cook for 9 minutes at 330 °F.
- Apple Fritters: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer apple fritters.
- Churros: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer churros.
If it does not turn out right
- The donuts are doughy in the middle
- The center did not cook through. Bake 1–2 minutes longer, and make sure the hole is cut out fully so the ring is thin enough to cook evenly.
- The donuts stick to the basket
- Brush the basket with oil before loading, or use a perforated parchment round with dough on top of it, and never preheat with parchment in the basket.
- The sugar will not stick
- Brush the donuts with melted butter while they are still hot. The sugar sticks best to a warm, buttery surface.
Questions and answers
How long do donuts take in the air fryer?
About 8 minutes at 330 °F for biscuit donuts, flipped halfway. Donut holes need 4 minutes.
Can I make air fryer donuts without yeast?
Yes, and this recipe does exactly that. Canned biscuit dough rises with baking powder, so the donuts need no proofing.
Can I make donuts from scratch in the air fryer?
Yes, with a yeast dough that has risen once. Cut the rings, let them rest for 20 minutes and cook at 330 °F for 6–8 minutes. Batter donuts need a donut pan.
How do I reheat donuts in the air fryer?
Warm a day-old donut at 300 °F for 2–3 minutes. It will taste close to fresh.
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