Craving donuts but don’t want the hassle of deep frying? We’ve got the perfect solution that’ll have you enjoying warm glazed treats in just minutes. Our air fryer biscuit donuts transform simple refrigerated biscuits into golden bakery-style donuts without all the oil and mess.
These ingenious shortcuts deliver that classic donut texture we all love – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer creates the perfect environment for achieving that coveted golden-brown exterior while keeping the center tender and light.
What makes this recipe truly brilliant is its simplicity. We’re talking about three basic ingredients and less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re planning a weekend breakfast surprise or need a quick dessert for unexpected guests these air fryer biscuit donuts will become your new go-to treat. Plus they’re completely customizable with your favorite glazes and toppings.
What You’ll Need
Creating these delicious air fryer biscuit donuts requires minimal equipment and just a few simple ingredients. We’ve streamlined everything you need to make this quick breakfast treat successful.
Equipment
The essential tool for this recipe is an air fryer with a basket capacity of at least 3 quarts. We recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F for optimal results.
A small mixing bowl works perfectly for preparing glazes and toppings. You’ll also want a pastry brush or spoon for applying glazes evenly across the donuts.
Cooking spray or oil mister helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning. A wire cooling rack allows proper air circulation around the finished donuts.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Basic Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
The refrigerated biscuits serve as our donut base and eliminate the need for mixing dough from scratch. We prefer buttermilk biscuits for their tangy flavor and tender texture. The basic glaze ingredients create a classic sweet coating that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking our air fryer biscuit donuts, we need to prepare our ingredients and equipment. This preparation phase ensures smooth cooking and perfect results every time.
Preparing the Biscuits
We begin by removing the refrigerated biscuit dough from the can and separating each individual biscuit. Open the can carefully by peeling back the label or pressing along the seam until it pops open.
Next, we create the classic donut shape using a cookie cutter or donut cutter to remove the center from each biscuit. The ideal center hole should measure about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking and the traditional donut appearance.
Save the cut-out centers as these become delicious donut holes that we can cook alongside our main donuts. Place both the donuts and holes on a clean surface while we prepare the air fryer.
Setting Up Your Air Fryer
We start by preheating our air fryer to the optimal temperature range of 350°F to 400°F depending on our desired doneness level. Most air fryers require about 3 to 5 minutes to reach the proper temperature.
While the air fryer preheats, we lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. This step ensures our donuts release easily after cooking.
Arrange the shaped biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and leads to uneven cooking results.
| Air Fryer Setting | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Donuts | 350°F – 400°F | 5 – 14 minutes |
| Donut Holes | 350°F – 400°F | 2 – 3 minutes per side |
Instructions
Now that we have our shaped biscuit donuts ready and our air fryer preheated, let’s cook these delicious treats to golden perfection. The cooking process is straightforward and requires careful attention to timing and temperature.
Air Frying the Donuts
We begin by placing our shaped donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Set your air fryer temperature based on your preferred cooking method:
| Temperature | Cooking Time | Flipping Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350°F (175°C) | 6-7 minutes | Yes, at 4 minutes | Even browning |
| 360°F (182°C) | 5 minutes | No | Quick cooking |
| 400°F (200°C) | 12-14 minutes | Yes, halfway through | Deep golden color |
For the most consistent results, we recommend cooking at 350°F for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping the donuts two thirds through the cooking time. This ensures even browning on both sides and prevents any raw spots.
Cook the donut holes separately at 360°F for approximately 3 minutes without flipping, as their smaller size requires less cooking time. Monitor them closely since they can brown quickly due to their compact shape.
Checking for Doneness
We determine doneness by observing both visual and tactile cues from our air fried donuts. The donuts are properly cooked when they display a golden brown color across their entire surface and have puffed up significantly from their original size.
Gently press the surface of a donut with your finger to check the texture. The exterior should feel firm to the touch while maintaining a slight give that indicates the interior remains soft and fluffy. Properly cooked donuts will spring back when lightly pressed.
Look for an even golden brown coloration without any pale or doughy areas. The donuts should appear uniformly cooked with no wet or shiny spots on the surface. If you notice any undercooked areas, return the donuts to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Allow the donuts to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before handling or adding any glazes or toppings. This brief cooling period helps set the exterior crust while keeping the interior warm and tender.
Making the Glaze
The perfect glaze transforms our warm air fryer biscuit donuts into irresistible treats. We can choose between classic vanilla or rich chocolate options to suit our taste preferences.
Classic Vanilla Glaze
This simple glaze creates the traditional donut experience we all love. We need just two basic ingredients to achieve a smooth and sweet coating.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
We start by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until the mixture becomes completely smooth. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If our glaze appears too thick, we add milk one teaspoon at a time until we reach the desired texture. For a thinner glaze, we increase the milk slightly.
Once our donuts have cooled for 2-3 minutes, we dip each one face down into the glaze. We lift the donut and allow excess glaze to drip back into the bowl before placing it on a cooling rack. The glaze will set within 5 minutes, creating a beautiful glossy finish.
Chocolate Glaze Option
Rich chocolate glaze offers an indulgent alternative that pairs perfectly with our fluffy biscuit donuts. This variation requires one additional ingredient but delivers exceptional flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
We begin by sifting together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder to eliminate any lumps. This step ensures our chocolate glaze will be perfectly smooth. Next, we whisk in the milk gradually until the mixture reaches a glossy consistency that easily coats our donuts.
The dipping process remains identical to our vanilla glaze method. We dip each cooled donut face down into the chocolate mixture and place it on a cooling rack. For extra visual appeal, we can add colorful sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. The chocolate glaze sets within 5-7 minutes, creating a rich coating that complements the light texture of our air fryer donuts.
Assembly and Finishing
With our donuts perfectly cooked and slightly cooled, we move to the final steps that transform simple biscuits into irresistible treats. The assembly and finishing process allows us to customize each donut with glazes and toppings that suit our taste preferences.
Glazing the Donuts
We prepare our glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Once our donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm to the touch, we dip the top of each donut directly into the prepared glaze. We place the glazed donuts on a cooling rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off naturally while the coating sets.
For chocolate lovers, we can create a chocolate glaze by adding cocoa powder to our powdered sugar mixture before whisking in the milk. The same dipping technique applies, ensuring each donut receives an even coating that will harden slightly as it cools.
Adding Toppings
We enhance our donuts with a classic cinnamon sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. After dipping our cooled donuts in melted butter, we roll them completely in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a sweet and crunchy exterior coating.
For additional variety, we can sprinkle chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, or chopped nuts over freshly glazed donuts while the glaze remains wet. This timing ensures our toppings adhere properly and create an appealing presentation.
We lightly coat our air fryer basket with oil before cooking to prevent sticking, avoiding non-stick sprays like Pam which can damage the air fryer coating. Our cooking times range from 5 to 14 minutes at temperatures between 350°F to 400°F, and we adjust these parameters based on our exact air fryer model and desired level of crispiness.
Storage and Serving Tips
Now that we’ve covered the cooking and finishing techniques, let’s explore the best ways to serve and store these delicious air fryer biscuit donuts to maintain their quality and flavor.
Best Serving Practices
We recommend serving air fryer biscuit donuts while they’re still warm to showcase their perfect crisp exterior and soft interior. Allow the donuts to cool slightly after cooking but avoid letting them cool completely before applying glazes or cinnamon sugar coatings for maximum flavor absorption.
Using a silicone brush works best for applying melted butter evenly across the donut surface. Roll or dip the donuts in cinnamon sugar or glaze immediately after buttering for optimal results. We suggest serving the donuts right away to maintain their ideal texture contrast between the crispy outside and tender inside.
The warm temperature enhances both the flavor release and the overall eating experience. When glazing, the slight warmth helps the coating adhere better and penetrate the surface for richer taste.
How to Store Leftovers
We store leftover air fryer biscuit donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Refrigeration should be avoided as it makes the donuts tough and compromises their texture.
For longer storage periods, we freeze the donuts using a two-step process. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container where they’ll keep for up to one month.
Reheating frozen donuts requires the air fryer set to 350°F for just a few minutes until warmed through. This method restores the original texture better than microwave reheating. Room temperature donuts can also benefit from a quick 1-2 minute reheat in the air fryer to refresh their crispness.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (airtight container) | Up to 2 days | Room temperature |
| Freezer storage | Up to 1 month | 0°F |
| Reheating frozen donuts | 2-3 minutes | 350°F |
Variations and Flavor Ideas
The beauty of air fryer biscuit donuts lies in their versatility and endless customization possibilities. We can transform these simple treats into gourmet delights with creative glazes toppings and flavor combinations.
Sweet Variations
Our favorite sweet variations begin with the classic cinnamon sugar coating. We brush the warm donuts with melted butter then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for that bakery-style finish that never goes out of style.
For glaze enthusiasts we recommend starting with a vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth sweet coating that hardens beautifully as it cools. The chocolate glaze offers another crowd-pleasing option by blending powdered sugar cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
Fruit glazes add a fresh twist to our air fryer donuts. We mash fresh strawberries raspberries or blueberries and mix them with powdered sugar for naturally flavored toppings that taste like summer. These fruit combinations work especially well when we want to balance the richness of the fried dough.
| Sweet Variation | Key Ingredients | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon Sugar | Sugar + cinnamon + melted butter | Brush with butter then roll in mixture |
| Vanilla Glaze | Powdered sugar + milk + vanilla | Dip donut face down in glaze |
| Chocolate Glaze | Powdered sugar + cocoa + milk | Dip donut face down in glaze |
| Fruit Glaze | Powdered sugar + mashed fruit | Dip or drizzle over donuts |
Savory Options
While sweet variations dominate the air fryer biscuit donut industry we can create intriguing savory alternatives by omitting sugar from our base recipe. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the biscuit dough before cooking create an unexpected Mediterranean twist.
We suggest experimenting with garlic powder and dried herbs for an everything bagel inspired version. Parmesan cheese sprinkled on the donuts immediately after cooking while they are still warm creates a deliciously savory bite that pairs well with coffee or tea.
These savory adaptations work best when we treat the donuts more like bread rolls serving them alongside soups or salads rather than as dessert items.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper preparation, we sometimes encounter challenges when making air fryer biscuit donuts. Understanding how to address these common issues ensures consistently delicious results every time.
Preventing Overcooking
Overcooking ranks as the most frequent problem we face with air fryer biscuit donuts. We recommend checking our donuts frequently during the cooking process to prevent this issue. The donuts should achieve a golden brown color and appear puffed up when properly cooked. Setting a timer for 3 minutes allows us to monitor progress and flip the donuts at the halfway point. Temperature control plays a crucial role, so we maintain our air fryer between 350°F to 375°F for optimal results.
Addressing Undercooking Problems
Undercooked donuts present themselves with pale coloring and a doughy texture. When our donuts lack the golden brown appearance after the suggested cooking time, we add an additional 1-2 minutes to the cooking process. We check again after this extra time to assess doneness. Different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to cooking times, so we adapt accordingly based on our exact appliance’s performance.
Solving Sticking Issues
Sticking problems occur when we skip proper basket preparation. We lightly mist our air fryer basket with olive oil or use a paper towel to apply a thin coating before cooking. This simple step prevents our donuts from adhering to the basket surface. We avoid using cooking sprays with aerosol propellants, as these can damage non-stick coatings over time.
Managing Crowding Concerns
Crowding prevents even cooking and results in inconsistent donuts. We ensure our donuts do not touch each other in the air fryer basket to promote proper air circulation. Cooking in batches becomes necessary when preparing larger quantities. Each donut needs adequate space around its perimeter for the hot air to circulate effectively.
Utilizing Leftover Dough
We transform the remaining dough centers into delicious donut holes rather than discarding them. These smaller pieces require approximately 2-3 minutes per side at the same temperature settings. Donut holes cook faster than full donuts due to their reduced size, so we monitor them closely to prevent overcooking.
| Issue | Solution | Cooking Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooking | Check frequently, maintain 350-375°F | Monitor at 3-minute intervals |
| Undercooking | Extend cooking time | Add 1-2 minutes |
| Sticking | Oil basket lightly | No time change needed |
| Crowding | Cook in batches | Same time per batch |
| Donut holes overcooking | Reduce cooking time | 2-3 minutes per side |
Conclusion
We’ve shown you how simple it can be to create delicious homemade donuts without the mess and hassle of deep frying. These air fryer biscuit donuts deliver that perfect combination of crispy exterior and fluffy interior that makes store-bought versions seem unnecessary.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and speed. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or need a quick dessert solution you can have warm donuts ready in under 15 minutes. The endless customization options mean you’ll never get bored with the same flavor.
Best of all you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen right now. With just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer you’re minutes away from enjoying fresh homemade donuts that rival any bakery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make air fryer biscuit donuts?
Air fryer biscuit donuts take less than 15 minutes total to prepare and cook. The actual cooking time is 6-7 minutes at 350°F, with preparation taking just a few minutes to shape the biscuits and preheat the air fryer.
What ingredients do I need for air fryer biscuit donuts?
You only need three basic ingredients: a can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, powdered sugar for glaze, and milk. Optional ingredients include vanilla extract, cocoa powder for chocolate glaze, cinnamon, and various toppings like sprinkles or nuts.
What temperature should I set my air fryer for donuts?
Set your air fryer to 350°F for best results. This temperature ensures the donuts cook evenly with a golden brown exterior and fluffy interior. You can use temperatures between 350°F-400°F, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil before placing the donuts. Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating. Allow donuts to cool slightly before removing.
Can I make donut holes with the leftover dough centers?
Yes! Save the cut-out centers to make donut holes. Cook them separately at 360°F for about 3 minutes without flipping. They cook faster than full donuts due to their smaller size and make a perfect bonus treat.
How should I store leftover air fryer donuts?
Store leftover donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
What’s the best way to reheat air fryer donuts?
Reheat donuts in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F to restore their original crispy texture. This method is superior to microwaving, which can make the donuts soggy and lose their appealing texture.
Can I make savory versions of air fryer biscuit donuts?
Absolutely! Omit sugar from the glaze and incorporate fresh herbs, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese. These savory donuts work great as appetizers or sides for soups and salads, showcasing their versatility beyond desserts.
How do I know when the donuts are properly cooked?
Look for a golden brown color and firm yet slightly yielding texture when gently pressed. Cooking times vary from 5-14 minutes depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
What glazes work best for air fryer biscuit donuts?
Classic vanilla glaze (powdered sugar and milk) and chocolate glaze (adding cocoa powder) work perfectly. Apply glazes while donuts are slightly warm for better absorption. You can also roll them in cinnamon sugar for a different coating option.
