Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh donuts in the morning. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bring that bakery-fresh experience right to your kitchen without the mess of deep frying. Using a clever shortcut, you can have warm, fluffy treats ready in under 15 minutes.

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are the perfect solution. They are incredibly light, airy, and coated in a crunchy layer of spiced sugar that everyone will love. Let’s get started on making this simple yet satisfying treat.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 donuts
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 220 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 480mg

Why Make This Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Making donuts in the air fryer is a total game-changer for home cooks. You get that irresistible crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior without having to deal with gallons of hot oil. It is much safer, cleaner, and faster than traditional frying methods.

This recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough, which means you don’t have to wait for yeast to rise or spend hours kneading dough. It is a kid-friendly recipe that allows you to enjoy a classic dessert with much less effort and a bit less fat than the deep-fried version.

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Creating these donuts is an easy process that involves simple preparation, a quick air-fry cycle, and a delicious two-step coating process. Follow these steps to achieve golden-brown perfection every single time.

Ingredients

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky layers biscuits (8 count)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray (non-aerosol preferred)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Open the can of biscuits and separate them on a clean work surface. Use a small round cutter, about 1 inch in diameter, to cut a hole out of the center of each biscuit. Keep the small center pieces to make donut holes later.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station

In a small shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. In a separate small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Having these ready ensures you can coat the donuts while they are still hot.

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the donut rings in the basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately after removing the donuts from the air fryer, dip each side into the melted butter. Then, toss the donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning to coat all sides thoroughly. Serve them immediately while they are warm and fresh.

Step 5: Cook the Donut Holes

Place the small center dough pieces into the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Once done, repeat the butter and cinnamon sugar coating process for these bite-sized treats.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These donuts are best served warm, right after they have been tossed in the cinnamon sugar. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a side of fresh fruit. For a fancier presentation, you can serve them with a small bowl of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for dipping.

How to Store Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To regain that soft texture, microwave them for about 10 seconds before eating. Note that the sugar coating may become slightly moist over time.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

For the best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; the air needs to circulate freely to make them rise. Use a non-aerosol cooking spray to protect the coating of your air fryer basket. If you want a thicker sugar coating, double-dip the donuts in the sugar mixture while the butter is still wet.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the sugar mixture for a seasonal twist. If you prefer a glaze, skip the cinnamon sugar and dip the warm donuts into a mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. For a filled version, skip cutting the center hole and use a piping bag to inject jelly or cream into the cooked donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Most air fryers benefit from a 3-minute preheat to ensure the temperature is consistent, but it is not strictly necessary for this recipe.

Q: Can I use different types of biscuit dough?

Yes, any refrigerated biscuit dough will work, but “Grand” or “Flaky Layers” styles usually provide the best height and texture.

Q: Why aren’t my donuts getting brown?

If they aren’t browning, you may need to lightly spray the tops of the dough with a tiny bit of oil or increase the temperature by 10 degrees.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

These are definitely best eaten fresh. If you must make them ahead, wait to coat them in sugar until you are ready to serve and reheat them briefly.

Q: Can I use this recipe for a gluten-free version?

You can use gluten-free biscuit dough if available, though the cooking times may vary slightly based on the brand’s density.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a fast, fun, and delicious way to bring a classic treat to your breakfast table. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of cook time, you can enjoy the comforting taste of cinnamon and sugar in every bite. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a sweet pick-me-up!

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