You know those lazy Sunday mornings when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to deal with frying oil or complicated dough? That’s exactly how my obsession with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts began! I’ll never forget the first time I tried transforming plain biscuit dough into golden, crispy delights – my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and my family couldn’t believe they weren’t store-bought. Now these 10-minute wonders are our go-to treat when we need a quick sugar fix without the mess. Trust me, once you taste that buttery cinnamon sugar crust on an air-fried donut, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with deep frying!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These donuts are absolute game-changers! First off, they’re ready in under 15 minutes – seriously, from craving to eating faster than you can say “drive-thru.” No messy oil splatters or lingering fryer smell either. Just crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-the-inside perfection with that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating that sticks to your fingers (in the best way possible).
Here’s what makes them magical:
- Crazy simple with refrigerated biscuit dough (no yeast, no kneading!)
- Healthier than traditional fried donuts (but tastes just as indulgent)
- That warm cinnamon sugar aroma fills your whole kitchen
- Perfect for lazy weekends or surprise “Mom, I want donuts!” emergencies
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise you probably have most of these already! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the shopping list is. Just grab:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (the 8-count size works perfectly)
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (trust me, unsalted lets the cinnamon shine)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (regular white sugar works great)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (use the good stuff – it makes all the difference!)
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s turn these basic ingredients into magic.
Equipment Needed
Gather these trusty tools – you probably already have them! All you need is:
- Your air fryer (of course!)
- Kitchen shears (for perfect donut holes)
- A small bowl for cinnamon sugar
- Pastry brush (or just use a spoon in a pinch)
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – transforming those humble biscuits into glorious donuts! I swear, this process is so satisfying you might just start making them every weekend (no judgment here).
Step 1: Prep the Dough
First, pop open that biscuit can – that satisfying pop never gets old! Lay the biscuits on a clean surface. Now grab your kitchen shears (or a small round cutter if you’re fancy) and snip out the centers. I like to make the holes about 1-inch wide – big enough to look like proper donuts but not so large they’ll fall apart. Save those little centers though! They make perfect donut holes to fry up alongside.
Step 2: Air Fry the Donuts
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F – this takes about 3 minutes in most models. While it heats, arrange your donuts in a single layer in the basket (they’ll puff up, so don’t overcrowd). Cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. Heads up – all air fryers behave a bit differently, so peek at 5 minutes. If they still look pale, give them another minute. Mine always seem to need exactly 5 minutes and 30 seconds (yes, I’ve timed it obsessively!).
Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Here’s my secret weapon – mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl while the donuts cook. As soon as they come out of the air fryer, brush them generously with melted butter (this is KEY for that perfect coating). Then dunk them immediately in the cinnamon sugar, rolling to coat every nook and cranny. The warmth helps the sugar stick in that magical way that leaves just the right amount on your fingers. Pro tip: do this while they’re hot or the sugar won’t adhere as well!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
After making these donuts more times than I can count (okay fine, I’ve kept track – it’s 47 batches!), here are my hard-won secrets:
- Serve immediately – They’re at their absolute best when warm and fresh
- Watch closely – Air fryers vary wildly, so check at 4 minutes (my sister’s burns them at 5!)
- Parchment liner – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze
- Don’t skip the butter brush – It’s what makes the cinnamon sugar cling perfectly
- Save those centers – Toss the holes in the air fryer for bonus mini treats!
Follow these and you’ll have donut shop quality every single time!
Variations for Air Fryer Donuts
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic cinnamon sugar version (which, let’s be honest, is perfect as-is), try these fun twists:
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts
- Swap cinnamon sugar for powdered sugar (my kids call these “snow donuts”)
- Brush with honey butter instead of plain butter
- Add orange zest to the cinnamon sugar for a citrusy kick
Honestly, the hardest part is choosing just one variation to try first! If you like cinnamon treats, you might also enjoy these air fryer churro bites.
Serving Suggestions
Oh, these donuts practically beg for a steaming cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk! I love serving them fresh from the air fryer when they’re still warm – that’s when the cinnamon sugar melts just slightly into the most heavenly treat. Perfect for dunking! If you are looking for another quick sweet treat, check out these soft air fryer chocolate chip cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Let’s be real – these donuts are best devoured fresh and warm! But if you must save some (impressive willpower!), stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. To revive them, just pop back in the air fryer for 60 seconds – good as new!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk nutrition – because yes, these are treats, but it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying! Disclaimer: These are estimates that can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Each delicious donut comes out to about:
- 120 calories
- 8g sugar (that cinnamon sugar coating is worth every grain!)
- 6g fat
- 15g carbohydrates
Not bad for a fresh, homemade donut that satisfies cravings instantly! Remember, portion sizes may vary slightly depending on your biscuit dough brand. For more information on general food safety and handling, you can always check resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
FAQ About Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
I get so many questions about these donuts – here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! While the canned dough is super convenient, my favorite homemade swap is a simple buttermilk biscuit dough. Just roll it to 1/2-inch thickness before cutting. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. If you prefer making your own base, you might enjoy this recipe for air fryer buttermilk biscuits.
How do I prevent soggy donuts?
Two tricks: First, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – space them out! Second, eat them right away (not that this is ever a problem in my house). If they sit too long, the steam makes them lose that perfect crispiness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You bet! Just grab gluten-free biscuit dough (several brands make it now). The cooking time might vary by a minute or two, so keep an eye on them.
What if my donuts stick to the basket?
A quick spritz of cooking spray or a parchment liner works wonders! I like the perforated kind made especially for air fryers – lets the hot air circulate while preventing sticking.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how your donuts turned out – leave a rating below!
Print
10-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy homemade donuts made in the air fryer with a cinnamon sugar coating.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Cut holes in the center of each biscuit to form donut shapes.
- Air fry donuts for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter.
- Coat donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
- Use kitchen shears to easily cut biscuit centers.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American