Experience the joy of warm, fluffy donuts, golden-brown and lightly sweet, with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. These incredible Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) transform simple canned biscuits into a bakery-worthy treat in mere minutes. Forget deep-frying; this recipe offers classic donut satisfaction with incredible ease. It’s a delightful way to create sweet, effortless memories for your family.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Delicious Air Fryer Donuts from Biscuits
There’s something truly special about creating a cherished treat with such simplicity. These Air Fryer Donuts from biscuits are not just easy; they bring a heartwarming comfort perfect for any family gathering. You’ll adore making these air fryer donuts for their sheer convenience and delightful results, proving that the best memories often come from the simplest moments shared around food.
- Effortless & Quick: Prepare delicious, fresh donuts in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Crisp Outside, Tender Inside: Achieve that ideal donut texture without the greasy mess of deep-frying.
- Family-Friendly Fun: A simple recipe that kids love to help make, fostering wonderful kitchen memories.
- Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy a lighter version of your favorite treat, significantly reducing added fats.
- Versatile Sweetness: Easily customize with various toppings and glazes to suit every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every delicious creation begins with quality ingredients, and our Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) are no exception. Choose fresh, good-quality biscuits for the best results, as they form the heart of this simple yet delightful treat. Gathering these few items ensures a smooth and joyful cooking experience for everyone.
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can Refrigerated Biscuits: Opt for the “Grands!” flaky layers or regular Southern-style biscuits. The larger size yields bigger, fluffier donuts.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melted, for brushing the donuts before air frying. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden hue and crisp exterior.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: For a classic sugar coating.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: To mix with the sugar, adding a warm, aromatic spice.
- For Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): For a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons Milk (or water): To thin the glaze to your desired consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of classic donut flavor.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing sticking in the air fryer basket.
Substitutions & Variations
Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe your own, adapting it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs. These Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) are wonderfully versatile, allowing for creative, healthier swaps without sacrificing flavor. Embrace these suggestions to personalize your homemade air fryer donuts experience, making them truly unique.
- Biscuit Choice: For a slightly healthier option, choose reduced-fat or whole wheat refrigerated biscuits. The texture might be a little denser, but still delicious.
- Fat-Free Glaze: Instead of milk, use unsweetened almond milk or water for the powdered sugar glaze to cut down on fat. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy counterpoint.
- Natural Sweeteners: Replace granulated sugar with erythritol or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a low-sugar coating. For a glaze, use a powdered sugar substitute.
- Spiced Sugar: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice mixed with cinnamon for an aromatic twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) with a teaspoon of coconut oil for a healthier chocolate topping instead of a heavy glaze.
- Fruit Toppings: Top warm donuts with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or a light fruit compote made with minimal added sugar.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
To enhance your air fryer donuts experience, consider this Air Fryer Donuts recipe, which highlights how you can easily adapt the ingredients to your family’s tastes. It’s a fun way to explore different biscuit choices for a healthier twist on a classic treat.
Equipment You’ll Need
Cooking should be enjoyable and straightforward, especially when creating something as comforting as our Air Fryer Donuts. Having the right tools makes the process seamless, allowing you to focus on the joy of creating. These essential items will ensure your Air Fryer Donuts from biscuits turn out perfectly every time, simplifying your kitchen adventures.
- Air Fryer: Any model will work, but larger baskets allow you to cook more donuts at once.
- Small Round Cookie Cutter or Pastry Tip: For cutting out the donut holes. A clean, wide bottle cap also works in a pinch!
- Basting Brush: For applying melted butter to the biscuit dough.
- Small Bowls: For melted butter, sugar-cinnamon mixture, and glaze.
- Tongs: For safely transferring hot donuts in and out of the air fryer.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing excess glaze or coating to drip off and for proper cooling.
- Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners: Optional, but highly recommended for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these delightful Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) is a journey of simple steps, culminating in a truly satisfying treat. Follow these instructions closely, and you’ll soon enjoy warm, homemade donuts that bring smiles and sweet memories. It’s a process designed for ease, ensuring beautiful results every time you make these air fryer biscuit donuts.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Carefully open the can of refrigerated biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, gently separate each biscuit.
- Cut the Donut Holes: Using a small round cookie cutter (about 1 inch) or a wide pastry tip, cut a hole from the center of each biscuit. Save these holes; they air fry into delicious mini donut bites!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brush with Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Using a basting brush, lightly brush both sides of each biscuit donut and each donut hole with the melted butter.
- Air Fry the Donuts: Place the buttered biscuit donuts and holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You will likely need to cook them in batches.
- Cook Until Golden: Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed up. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Keep a close watch to prevent over-browning.
- Prepare Coatings: While the donuts are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. If making a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth.
- Coat the Donuts: As soon as the donuts are done and still warm, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated, or dip them into the prepared glaze. Place them on a wire cooling rack set over parchment paper to catch any excess.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your freshly made air fryer biscuit donuts immediately while they are at their absolute best.
As you prepare to create your delicious Air Fryer Donuts, make sure to check out these Air Fryer Mozzarella Donuts for an irresistible alternative. This variation adds a unique flavor twist that your family will love.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving bakery-quality Air Fryer Donuts at home is simpler than you think with a few clever tricks. These expert tips ensure your culinary adventure is smooth and your results are spectacular. Embrace these insights to elevate your Air Fryer Donuts from Biscuits, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary and memorable for your family.
- Do Not Overcrowd: For even cooking and optimal crispness, always cook your donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate freely around each piece.
- Flip for Evenness: Midway through cooking, gently flip the donuts. This ensures both sides cook evenly and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and desired texture.
- Warm is Key for Coating: Apply the cinnamon sugar or glaze while the donuts are still warm. The warmth helps the coating adhere better and creates that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Biscuit Freshness: Use refrigerated biscuits that are not past their expiration date. Fresh biscuits yield the best rise and texture.
- Experiment with Holes: Don’t discard the donut holes! Air fry them alongside the donuts for a delightful treat. They cook faster, so adjust your timing accordingly (typically 2-3 minutes).
- Adjust Air Fryer Temperature: Every air fryer is different. The first batch might be a test run. If they are browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly. If not browning enough, increase it.
- Use Parchment Liners: Air fryer parchment liners can make cleanup a breeze and ensure your donuts don’t stick to the basket, preserving their perfect shape.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While these Air Fryer Donuts are undeniably best enjoyed fresh and warm, sometimes you might have a few left over, or you might want to prepare them slightly ahead. Knowing how to store and reheat them properly ensures that you can savor their deliciousness again. This careful approach to storage helps preserve the delightful texture of these sweet air fryer donuts.
- Airtight Container: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. If they are glazed, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating donuts can cause them to dry out and become stale faster. It’s generally not recommended unless they contain perishable fillings or toppings.
- Reheating: To bring them back to life, place the donuts in your air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will warm them through and slightly crisp the exterior again. Be careful not to overheat, as they can quickly become tough.
- Freezing (Uncoated): For longer storage, you can freeze uncoated air fryer donuts. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 4-6 minutes, then coat as desired.
After enjoying your fresh Air Fryer Donuts, it’s essential to know how to store them properly. For tips on keeping your leftovers delicious, refer to this guide on Creamy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls which will help you keep your treats fresh and enjoyable.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These delightful Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) are a sweet indulgence, but pairing them with the right complements can elevate the entire experience into a balanced and joyful meal. Dominique believes in creating a holistic family dining experience, and these suggestions ensure your sweet treat fits beautifully into a wholesome spread. Enjoy your air fryer donuts with thoughtful additions.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of berries, sliced bananas, melon, and grapes provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts and adds essential vitamins.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries offer protein and fiber, creating a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or brunch component.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: For a quick protein boost, hard-boiled eggs are an excellent, simple addition to balance the meal.
- Green Smoothie: A nutrient-packed green smoothie (spinach, banana, almond milk, protein powder) is a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables and keep energy levels up.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea is a classic pairing, offering a comforting beverage to enjoy alongside your homemade air fryer donuts.
- Light Fruit Compote: A homemade compote, made with lightly sweetened berries or stone fruit, can be drizzled over the donuts for added natural sweetness and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) ahead of time?
While these air fryer donuts are truly best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can certainly prepare them slightly ahead. We recommend air frying them, allowing them to cool completely, and then storing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
When ready to serve, a quick reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes will bring back their lovely warmth and a touch of crispness. If you coat them with glaze or sugar, it’s best to do so just before serving for the optimal texture and appearance, though they will still be delightful if coated beforehand.
What kind of biscuits are best for making air fryer donuts?
For the fluffiest and most classic donut-like texture, we highly recommend using refrigerated “Grands!” flaky layer biscuits or any similar large, flaky Southern-style biscuit. These biscuits tend to puff up beautifully in the air fryer, creating that wonderful soft interior and slightly crispy exterior.
Smaller, denser biscuits will still work, but the final texture of your biscuit donuts in your air fryer might be a bit chewier. Always choose biscuits that are close to their “best by” date for the freshest results.
My Air Fryer Donuts are not browning evenly; what should I do?
Uneven browning can be a common issue, but it’s easily remedied! First, ensure you are not overcrowding your air fryer basket. Overcrowding restricts airflow, which is essential for even cooking.
Cook in batches if necessary, allowing space around each donut. Second, remember to flip the Air Fryer Donuts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides are exposed to the direct heat.
Lastly, air fryer models vary, so adjust your cooking temperature and time as needed. If one side is consistently lighter, you might increase the cooking time by 30 seconds on that side in future batches.
Air Fryer Donuts are a delightful twist on traditional donuts, utilizing ready-made biscuits to create a quick and easy version of this beloved treat. These innovative desserts perfectly exemplify how modern cooking techniques can simplify classic recipes while maintaining delicious flavor, allowing for endless customization and enjoyment in the kitchen. For more information about cooking techniques, you can check out this cooking guide.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) is more than just baking; it’s about crafting moments of warmth and joy. From simple ingredients, we transform canned biscuits into a symbol of homemade comfort, a sweet invitation to gather and share. Embrace the ease and delight of this recipe, and watch as these golden treats become a treasured part of your family’s traditions.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note, this is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one Air Fryer Donut (from Biscuits) without glaze, based on typical ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparations.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8-12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3-5 g |
| Cholesterol | 5-10 mg |
| Sodium | 300-400 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25-35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Total Sugars | 8-15 g |
| Protein | 3-5 g |
Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits)
Ingredients
Method
- Carefully open the can of refrigerated biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, gently separate each biscuit.
- Using a small round cookie cutter, cut a hole from the center of each biscuit. Save these holes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Melt the unsalted butter and brush both sides of each biscuit donut and each donut hole with melted butter.
- Place the buttered biscuit donuts and holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and puffed up.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl while donuts are cooking. If making a glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Toss warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture or dip into the prepared glaze. Place on a wire cooling rack.
- Enjoy your freshly made air fryer biscuit donuts immediately.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
