Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh, warm donuts wafting through the kitchen. Traditionally, making donuts at home involves deep frying and a lot of messy oil cleanup. These Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar change everything. By using a clever shortcut and your air fryer, you can enjoy bakery-quality treats in a fraction of the time.

These mini donuts are light, airy, and coated in a crunchy layer of sweet cinnamon sugar. They are perfect for a quick weekend breakfast, a fun snack for kids, or even a late-night treat. Because they are air-fried instead of deep-fried, they feel a bit lighter while still delivering that classic donut satisfaction.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (approx. 16-20 mini donuts)
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 210 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 420mg

Why Make This Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

The best reason to make these donuts is the sheer convenience. Using refrigerated biscuit dough means you don’t have to wait for yeast to rise or spend an hour kneading dough. You can go from craving to eating in less than twenty minutes. It is a fantastic recipe for beginners or anyone who wants a “homemade” feel without the intensive labor.

Additionally, using an air fryer uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. You get a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior without the heavy greasiness. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since you only have to wash the air fryer basket and a couple of small bowls.

How to Make Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Making these donuts is a simple process of cutting, air frying, and coating. It is a fun activity to do with family, especially when it comes time to roll the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Ingredients

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky layers biscuits (8 count)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Shapes

Open the can of biscuits and separate each biscuit. Use a 1-inch round biscuit cutter or the base of a large piping tip to cut a hole out of the center of each biscuit. This will give you 8 donuts and 8 donut holes. You can cut the donuts into smaller quarters to make “mini” bite-sized pieces if preferred.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little bit of non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. You may need to work in batches. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

While the donuts are cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

As soon as the donuts come out of the air fryer, quickly dip each one into the melted butter, or use a pastry brush to coat them. Immediately roll the buttered donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Serve while still warm.

How to Serve Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

These donuts are best enjoyed immediately while the coating is crisp and the center is warm. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. If you want to make them an even more decadent dessert, serve them with a side of chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or a simple vanilla glaze for dipping.

How to Store Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the sugar coating may soften over time. To restore the texture, you can pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes until they are warmed through and the exterior crisps back up.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Do not overcrowd the basket; air needs to circulate around each donut to make them puff up and brown evenly. Also, make sure to coat them in butter and sugar while they are hot. The heat helps the butter soak in and allows the sugar to stick much better than if the donuts have cooled down.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by changing the coating. Instead of cinnamon sugar, try rolling them in powdered sugar for a “beignet” style treat. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the sugar for a seasonal flavor. For a citrus twist, mix some lemon zest into the granulated sugar before rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of biscuit dough?

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

Q: Do I have to use butter for the coating?

A: The butter is what helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the donut. If you prefer, you can use a light spray of oil, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

Q: Can I cook the donut holes too?

A: Absolutely! Donut holes take less time to cook, usually only 2-3 minutes total at 350°F. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.

Q: My donuts are doughy in the middle, what happened?

A: This usually means the temperature was too high or they weren’t cooked long enough. Try lowering the heat by 10 degrees and adding an extra minute to the cook time.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: While you can make them ahead, they are significantly better when fresh. If you must make them early, wait to coat them in sugar until you are ready to serve and have reheated them.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are a total game-changer for breakfast or snack time. They are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and provide that wonderful homemade taste without any of the frying hassle. Once you see how quickly these disappear from the plate, they are sure to become a regular request in your household!

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