Air Fryer Donuts: Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Perfection in 12 Minutes

Remember when homemade donuts meant dealing with hot oil, messy counters, and that lingering fried-food smell? After perfecting this recipe through countless weekend mornings (and watching my kids’ faces light up when they smell these baking while asking “we can make donuts at HOME?”), I can promise these air fryer donuts deliver that perfect fluffy interior with golden exterior and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, no deep fryer or donut shop drive-through required.

Essential Ingredients (Makes 8 Donuts)

Donut Dough:

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 large biscuits, like Grands!)
• Cooking spray (for air fryer basket and donuts)

Classic Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (for coating donuts)

Alternative: Simple Glaze Base

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed:

• Small round cookie cutter (1-inch diameter) or apple corer
• Pastry brush (for butter)
• Shallow bowl (for cinnamon sugar)

Pro tip: Use refrigerated biscuit dough for foolproof results, Pillsbury Grands! work perfectly. You can make donuts from scratch, but canned dough delivers consistent texture without measuring flour or waiting for rising.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Method

Perfect Prep Work (5 minutes)

Prepare the Dough:

• Open biscuit can and separate into 8 individual biscuits
• Place on clean work surface or cutting board
• Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes (makes cutting easier)
• Don’t flatten or roll—maintain original thickness

Cut the Donut Holes:

• Use small round cookie cutter (1-inch) to cut center from each biscuit
• Press straight down and twist slightly to release
• Save donut holes, they cook up perfectly too!
• Place donuts and holes on parchment paper

Prepare Coating:

• Mix sugar and cinnamon in shallow bowl
• Melt butter in microwave (30-45 seconds)
• Set aside for coating after cooking

The Dough Secret: Don’t overwork the biscuit dough or flatten it before cutting. The original thickness ensures fluffy, bakery-style donuts. Cutting holes prevents raw centers and promotes even cooking.

Air Fryer Cooking Process

Temperature: 350°F (177°C)
Time: 5-6 minutes (donuts), 3-4 minutes (holes)
Batch size: 4 donuts maximum for proper air circulation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes
• Spray basket generously with cooking spray
• Arrange 4 donuts in single layer with 1-inch space between each
• Don’t let them touch—they expand slightly during cooking
• Spray tops lightly with cooking spray

Step 2: First Batch Cooking

• Cook 5-6 minutes without opening basket
• Donuts should puff up and turn golden brown
• Resist peeking, heat loss affects rise

Step 3: Check Doneness

• Donuts should be golden brown all over
• Touch test: Should spring back when lightly pressed
• Interior should be cooked through with no raw dough
• Remove to cooling rack

Step 4: Coat While Warm

• Brush warm donuts with melted butter on all sides
• Immediately roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm
• Coat generously for best flavor
• Set on plate to set coating

Step 5: Cook Donut Holes

• Arrange donut holes in basket (can fit 8-10)
• Cook 3-4 minutes until golden brown
• Coat with cinnamon-sugar same as donuts
• Perfect for snacking while decorating donuts!

Visual cues for perfect doneness: Golden brown color all over, puffed and slightly risen appearance, firm but tender when pressed, and cooked through with no raw dough visible when broken open.

Glazes & Topping Ideas

Basic Glaze Formula:

1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tablespoons liquid + flavoring

Liquid Options:

• Milk (classic)
• Heavy cream (rich)
• Coffee (mocha)
• Fruit juice (flavored)
• Maple syrup (sweet)

Flavoring Add-ins:

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Cocoa powder
• Instant coffee
• Citrus zest

Topping Combinations:

• Rainbow sprinkles – Classic kid favorite
• Chopped nuts – Pecans, almonds, or pistachios
• Shredded coconut – Tropical twist
• Crushed cookies – Oreos or graham crackers
• Mini chocolate chips – Melty goodness
• Crushed candy – Peppermint or toffee bits

Application Tips:

• Apply glaze while donuts are still slightly warm
• Dip tops only or coat entire donut
• Let excess drip off before adding toppings
• Add toppings immediately before glaze sets
• Let set 5-10 minutes before serving

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fresh Storage:

• Room temperature: Up to 2 days in airtight container
• Best quality: Consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness
• Separate layers: Use parchment paper between donuts

Freezing Strategy:

• Freeze unglazed: Freeze plain cooked donuts up to 2 months
• Wrap individually: Prevents sticking together
• Thaw and glaze: Bring to room temp, then glaze fresh
• Not recommended: Freezing glazed donuts (glaze gets soggy)

Reheating Methods:

• Air fryer: 300°F for 1-2 minutes (best method)
• Microwave: 10-15 seconds (quick but can toughen)
• Oven: 300°F for 3-4 minutes (even heating)

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Cut dough ahead: Cut donuts night before, refrigerate
• Cook morning of: Fresh donuts in minutes
• Glaze as needed: Keep coated donuts and plain donuts separate
• Donut holes: Perfect make-ahead snack

Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half unglazed. When morning cravings hit, you can have fresh glazed donuts ready in 5 minutes, better than any drive-through!

Frequently Asked Questions

For more air fryer desserts that make special treats simple, explore our Complete Air Fryer Collection with 20+ family-tested favorites. Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that makes you the breakfast hero!

• Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake –  Tropical Paradise in 25 Minutes
• Air Fryer Churros – Crispy cinnamon-sugar treats
• Air Fryer Chocolate Donut Holes – Bakery-Style Bliss in 12 Minutes

Ready to become the breakfast hero? Save this recipe and let me know when your family asks “can we have homemade donuts every weekend?”