Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits)

Imagine biting into warm, fluffy delights, golden brown outside, wonderfully soft within. These Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) deliver classic donut joy with incredible ease. They transform humble canned biscuits into an irresistible treat, perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. Experience homemade magic without the fuss, creating delicious donuts in minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits)

• Lightning Fast: Donuts in minutes, perfect for instant cravings.
• Guilt-Free Goodness: Far less oil than traditional deep-fried versions.
• Creatively Versatile: A base for endless flavor explorations.
• Smart Snacking: Transform simple biscuits into a delightful treat easily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft these delightful Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits), we focus on quality and simplicity. Choosing wholesome ingredients elevates the taste and aligns with an eco-responsible approach, ensuring every bite is both delicious and mindful.

• One (1) can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky-layer or buttermilk biscuits: Opt for a high-quality brand, preferably organic, to ensure a rich, buttery base that air fries beautifully. The flaky layers create that signature pull-apart texture, making your homemade air fryer donuts truly special. Using a full can also helps prevent food waste!
  
• Two (2) tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil), plus extra for spraying: A healthy oil base ensures the donuts brown perfectly and prevents sticking. Avocado oil is excellent for its high smoke point and mild flavor, allowing the true biscuit donut taste to shine.
  
• One (1) cup granulated sugar (for coating): We’re creating a simple, classic sugar coating. Feel free to use organic cane sugar for a more unrefined option.
  
• Two (2) teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): Essential for that warm, inviting aroma and classic cinnamon sugar flavor profile. Always choose fresh, aromatic cinnamon for the best results.
  
• For Glaze (optional, but highly recommended for ultimate decadence):
  • One (1) cup powdered sugar: Sifted for a smooth, lump-free glaze. This forms the sweet, delicate coating for your quick air fryer donuts.
    
  • Two (2) to three (3) tablespoons plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, soy): Adjust consistency as needed. Using plant milk keeps this recipe versatile for those exploring vegan options and provides a creamy richness.
    
  • Half (1/2) teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract makes a significant difference, adding depth and warmth to the glaze. For an extra vibrant touch, consider a splash of orange blossom water.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
• Vegan Friendly: Ensure biscuits are plant-based (check labels carefully) and use a dairy-free milk alternative for glazes.
• Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to your cinnamon sugar mix. A touch of orange zest can also awaken the flavors in these easy air fryer donuts.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Melted dark chocolate for dipping, or a sprinkle of mini vegan chocolate chips mixed into the dough before air frying.
• Fruity Freshness: Dust with freeze-dried raspberry powder for a vibrant color and tangy taste, or serve with a side of homemade berry compote.
• Maple Magic: Swap granulated sugar for a maple sugar coating, or drizzle with pure maple syrup instead of a powdered sugar glaze.

For those looking to add a fruity twist to your air fryer biscuit donuts, check out our delightful Blueberry Donuts recipe. This offers a scrumptious way to incorporate flavors and keep your donut experience fresh and exciting!

Equipment You’ll Need

Making these Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) requires minimal specialized equipment, making it a perfect recipe for any kitchen.

• Air Fryer: The star of our show! Any model will work, though cooking times might vary slightly.
• Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners: Essential for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
• Donut Cutter or Small Round Cookie Cutter (or even a bottle cap): For creating the classic donut shape and those adorable donut holes.
• Pastry Brush: To lightly brush biscuits with oil.
• Small Mixing Bowls: For mixing sugar coatings and glazes.
• Whisk or Fork: For combining glaze ingredients.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For carefully removing hot donuts from the air fryer and dipping them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crafting your own batch of incredible air fryer biscuit donuts is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfectly golden and delicious results every time.

1. Prepare Your Biscuits: Carefully open the can of refrigerated biscuits. On a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper, gently separate each biscuit. Using a donut cutter, a small round cookie cutter (about 1 inch), or even a clean bottle cap, cut a hole out of the center of each biscuit. Don’t discard these “donut holes” – they air fry into delightful mini treats!
   
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown exterior on your Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits).
   
3. Lightly Oil the Biscuits: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush both sides of each biscuit and donut hole with your chosen neutral oil (avocado, grapeseed, etc.). This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful crispness and preventing them from drying out.
   
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a compatible air fryer liner. Carefully place the oiled biscuits and donut holes in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary; patience yields perfect air fryer biscuit donuts.
   
5. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook the donuts for 4-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around the 2-3 minute mark). For the donut holes, cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping them once. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a puffed-up texture.
   
6. Prepare Your Coating/Glaze: While the donuts are air frying, prepare your coating. For cinnamon sugar, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. For a glaze, whisk powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract in another shallow bowl until smooth.
   
7. Coat Your Donuts: As soon as the donuts and donut holes are cooked and still warm, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, or dip them into the glaze, ensuring both sides are coated. The warmth helps the coating adhere perfectly to your homemade air fryer donuts.
   
8. Serve and Enjoy: Place the coated Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) on a wire rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off and for them to set slightly. Serve these warm, irresistible treats immediately for the best experience.
   

If you’re a chocolate lover, you won’t want to miss our Homemade Chocolate Glazed Donuts recipe. This guide will help you take your biscuit donuts to the next level with a delicious chocolate finish!

Pro Tips for Success

To master the art of these delightful Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits), consider these expert tips for consistent perfection and an enhanced culinary experience.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most critical rule for air frying. Overcrowding traps steam, preventing the donuts from crisping up and browning evenly. Cook in small batches for uniformly golden air fried biscuits.
• Even Oil Distribution: Ensure every surface of the biscuit is lightly brushed or sprayed with oil. This promotes browning and prevents dryness. A light, even coat is better than a heavy, uneven one.
• Monitor Closely: Air fryers cook quickly and temperatures can vary. Start checking your donuts at the lower end of the recommended cooking time (e.g., 2 minutes per side). You want golden, not burnt, quick air fryer donuts.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining the basket prevents sticking, makes cleanup a breeze, and allows for easier transfer of the delicate hot donuts. Ensure the paper doesn’t obstruct airflow.
• Coat While Warm: The coating (cinnamon sugar or glaze) adheres best when the donuts are still warm. Don’t wait for them to cool down completely, or the coating might not stick as well. This creates that perfect sugary crust on your air fryer biscuit donuts.
• Save the Holes!: The donut holes cook faster than the donuts. They are incredibly delicious on their own and perfect for a quick taste test or a mini snack, minimizing food waste.
• Experiment with Temperature: If your donuts are browning too fast on the outside but not cooking through, try reducing the temperature slightly (e.g., 325°F/160°C) and increasing the cooking time. Conversely, if they are pale, a slightly higher temperature or longer cook time might be needed.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While these Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly save any leftovers. Proper storage ensures they remain delicious, and reheating brings back some of their initial magic.

• Storage: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The texture might change slightly, becoming a bit denser, but the flavor will still be delightful.
• Reheating: To re-crisp and warm your air fried biscuit donuts, place them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out quickly. This method is far superior to microwave reheating, which can make them rubbery.
• Freezing: For longer preservation, you can freeze uncoated air fryer donuts. Once cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and then warm in the air fryer. You can then coat them as desired.

To indulge your chocolate cravings further, consider trying our Baked Chocolate Donuts. They offer a delightful chocolate alternative that you can enjoy any time!

What to Serve With This Recipe

These delightful Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) are wonderfully versatile. As Hana, I love pairing indulgent treats with fresh, vibrant elements to create a balanced and colorful spread.

• Fresh Berry Medley: A bowl of ripe strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds natural sweetness, a touch of tang, and beautiful color, perfectly complementing the rich donuts.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt Parfait: Layer these warm air fryer biscuit donuts with coconut or almond yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a decadent yet balanced breakfast or dessert.
• Aromatic Herbal Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of chamomile, peppermint, or a freshly brewed coffee provides a comforting contrast to the sweet, warm donuts.
• Light Fruit Compote: A homemade compote of apples, pears, or mixed berries, lightly sweetened, offers a refined accompaniment. It’s also a fantastic way to use up fruit that’s a little past its prime, aligning with our anti-gaspillage philosophy.
• Tropical Smoothie: A vibrant green smoothie or a tropical fruit smoothie (mango, pineapple, banana) creates a refreshing pairing, making the entire meal feel energizing and wholesome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade biscuit dough for these Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits)?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to make your biscuit dough from scratch, these instructions for air frying will still apply. However, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as homemade dough can sometimes be denser or have a different moisture content than refrigerated canned biscuits. Start with the recommended cooking time and monitor closely, looking for that golden-brown color and cooked-through center for your homemade air fryer donuts.

How do I prevent my Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) from drying out?

Several factors contribute to moist and fluffy air fryer biscuit donuts. First, ensure you lightly brush or spray both sides of the biscuits with oil before cooking; this creates a barrier against drying. Second, avoid overcooking; air fryers are efficient, so stick to the recommended times and flip halfway. Third, coat them immediately after air frying while they are still warm, as the coating helps seal in moisture and adds flavor.

Can I make these air fryer biscuit donuts savory instead of sweet?

Certainly! The versatility of these Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) is one of their best qualities. Instead of a sweet coating, you can brush them with garlic butter or olive oil, sprinkle with dried herbs (like oregano or basil) and a pinch of salt, or even a savory spice blend. Serve them alongside a hearty soup or a vibrant green salad for a delightful unexpected twist.

These delectable treats have become popular for their convenience and taste, allowing anyone to enjoy homemade donuts easily. Air fryer donuts typically require less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a healthier choice for sweet cravings. Learn more about the benefits of air frying for homemade pastries by visiting this informative resource.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits) are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to joyful creativity in your kitchen. Quick, customizable, and utterly delicious, they prove that simple ingredients can spark extraordinary culinary moments. Indulge in their comforting warmth and share the happiness.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brand of biscuits, oil, and coating used. This estimation is for one donut with a cinnamon sugar coating.

Air Fryer Donuts (from Biscuits)

Experience homemade magic with these quick and easy Air Fryer Donuts made from canned biscuits. They are quick to prepare, guilt-free, and can be customized with various toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Servings: 8 donuts servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky-layer or buttermilk biscuits
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, soy) (for glaze, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze, optional)

Method

 

1. Prepare Your Biscuits: Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and cut a hole in the center of each biscuit using a donut cutter.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
3. Lightly Oil the Biscuits: Brush both sides of each biscuit with neutral oil.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place biscuits in the air fryer in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
5. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Prepare Your Coating/Glaze: Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon in a bowl for coating; for glaze, whisk powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla until smooth.
7. Coat Your Donuts: Toss warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture or dip in glaze.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Place on a wire rack to set slightly and serve warm.

Notes

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes for best results.