You know those mornings when you wake up craving something sweet, but the thought of measuring flour or dealing with hot oil makes you groan? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts. They’re my go-to when I need a quick fix—whether it’s for a lazy Sunday breakfast or a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests. Seriously, just biscuit dough and sugar! No fancy equipment, no messy frying, and they’re ready in under 15 minutes. My kids think I’m a wizard every time I make them, and honestly? I kinda feel like one.
Why You’ll Love These 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Let me tell you why these donuts are about to become your new obsession. First off, they’re ridiculously easy—we’re talking two ingredients and zero baking skills required. No waiting for dough to rise or dealing with sticky countertops. Just pop open that biscuit can and you’re halfway there!
Here’s what makes them so special:
- Lightning fast: From craving to eating in under 15 minutes flat
- No frying mess: Your air fryer does all the work without splattering oil everywhere
- Endless possibilities: Dress them up with cinnamon sugar, glaze, or whatever toppings you love
- Kid-approved magic: My little ones cheer when they hear the air fryer beep
Seriously, these donuts are the ultimate kitchen hack for when you need something sweet stat. The best part? You probably already have everything you need sitting in your pantry right now.
Ingredients for 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Here’s the beautiful part – you literally just need two things from your kitchen to make these magical donuts happen:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (the standard 8-count size works perfectly – I usually grab the flaky layers kind)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (trust me, you’ll want the full half cup for that perfect sweet coating)
That’s it! Though I sometimes sneak in a teaspoon of cinnamon when I’m feeling fancy. But shhh – that’s our little secret.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these donuts is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes. Just follow these steps and you’ll have golden, sugary perfection in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first – fire up that air fryer! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prep the dough. This little wait makes all the difference for even cooking. Meanwhile, pop open that biscuit can (that satisfying “whoosh” never gets old) and separate the biscuits on a clean surface.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Here’s where you get creative. Use a small round cutter (I repurpose a medicine cup or bottle cap) to punch out centers. No cutter? No problem! Just stretch each biscuit slightly and tear a hole in the middle with your fingers. Rustic donuts taste just as good!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Now the magic happens. Arrange donuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket – they need breathing room! I do 3-4 at a time depending on my fryer size. Cook for 3 minutes, flip them over (tongs work great here), then cook another 2-3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown.
Step 4: Sugar Coating
The best step! While donuts are still warm (but cool enough to handle), toss them in your sugar bowl. I like to do one at a time, giving each a good shake in the sugar until fully coated. Pro tip: The warmth helps the sugar stick better for that perfect crumbly-sweet exterior.
Tips for Perfect 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
After making these donuts more times than I can count (okay fine, I keep count—it’s at least twice a week), I’ve picked up some tricks for absolute perfection every time. First, mix cinnamon into your sugar—I do about 1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup sugar for that cozy bakery flavor. Second, don’t crowd the basket—give each donut space to puff up properly. And here’s my golden rule: peek at 5 minutes. Air fryers vary, so check for that perfect golden hue before pulling them out. Too pale? Give ’em another minute. Too dark? Oops—but hey, they’ll still taste amazing!
Variations for 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, the fun really begins! My kids love when we turn sugar-coating into a creative activity. Try mixing powdered sugar with cocoa powder for chocolate-dusted donuts, or drizzle them with melted chocolate or vanilla glaze. For a citrus twist, add lemon zest to your sugar coating. Feeling fancy? Crushed nuts or sprinkles make these donuts party-ready in seconds!
Serving and Storing 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Here’s the truth—these donuts are at their absolute best when served warm, fresh from the air fryer. The sugar coating clings perfectly, and that first bite is pure magic. But if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Want to revive that just-made taste? A quick 30-second zap in the air fryer brings back the crisp exterior. Though honestly? They rarely last long enough to need reheating!
Nutritional Information for 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Okay, let’s be real—these are treats, not health food! But for those curious, here’s the scoop per donut (based on standard biscuit dough): about 120 calories, 8g sugar, and 5g fat. Remember, numbers will vary slightly depending on your biscuit brand. I figure if I’m eating donuts, I’m not counting calories too closely—life’s too short!
FAQs About 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead?
Absolutely! While canned dough is super convenient, homemade biscuit dough works great too—just roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting. The texture might be slightly denser, but still delicious. If you are interested in making other dough-based items in your air fryer, check out this recipe for air fryer garlic knots.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still satisfy that donut craving. For more oven-baked sweet treats, you might enjoy these soft chocolate chip cookies.
How do I prevent sticking?
A quick spritz of cooking spray on the basket works wonders. If your donuts still stick, let them cool for 30 seconds—they’ll release easier than when piping hot.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the dough shapes and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. The sugar coating should always be added right before serving though! If you enjoy quick dough recipes, you might also like these air fryer cinnamon rolls.
Now go try this recipe—I want to hear how your 2-ingredient donut adventure turns out! Tag me with your creations!
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2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts: Insanely Easy 15-Minute Magic
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and quick donuts made with just two ingredients in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces.
- Use a small round cutter to remove the centers, creating donut shapes.
- Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Toss the warm donuts in sugar until coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix cinnamon with the sugar before coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American