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Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts, including canned biscuits and various topping ingredients.

Air Fryer Donuts (4 Ways!)

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast, Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Air Fryer Donuts four ways: cinnamon sugar, Krispy Kreme glazed, chocolate frosted, and powdered sugar! These homemade treats are buttery, flaky, and made easily using refrigerated biscuit dough in your air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Donuts (for all variations):

  • 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands! – should contain 8 biscuits)
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Butter Vanilla Dip (for Cinnamon Sugar, Glazed, Powdered Sugar variations):

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Variation 1: Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

Variation 2: Krispy Kreme Glazed Topping:

  • 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract, divided (1 Tbsp for butter dip above, ½ Tbsp for glaze)
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup
  • (Uses ½ cup melted butter + 1 Tbsp vanilla from Butter Vanilla Dip list)

Variation 3: Chocolate Frosted Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for frosting)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Sprinkles, for garnish
  • (Uses a separate ½ cup melted butter + 1 Tbsp vanilla for initial dip – see instructions)

Variation 4: Powdered Sugar Topping:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • (Uses ½ cup melted butter + 1 Tbsp vanilla from Butter Vanilla Dip list)

Instructions

Prepare Dough & Air Fryer:

  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease the inside basket with cooking spray.
  • Open the can of biscuits. Separate the biscuits.
  • Use a 1.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Separate the donut rings from the donut holes. Set aside on a clean work surface.

2. Air Fry Donuts & Holes (Common Step):

  • Place 4 donut rings (or all the donut holes) in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; work in batches.
  • Air fry for 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary slightly based on your air fryer.
  • Carefully remove cooked donuts/holes from the air fryer. Repeat with remaining dough.

3. Finish Donuts (Choose Your Variation):

  • Variation 1: Cinnamon Sugar:

    • In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the dip.
    • In another medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
    • While donuts/holes are still warm, submerge each one completely in the melted butter/vanilla mixture.
    • Immediately transfer the buttered donut/hole to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss generously to coat all sides.
    • Enjoy immediately.

  • Variation 2: Krispy Kreme Glazed:

    • In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the dip.
    • In another medium bowl, place powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract. Microwave for 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth to create the glaze.
    • While donuts/holes are still warm, submerge each one completely in the melted butter/vanilla mixture.
    • Immediately dip or submerge each buttered donut/hole into the warm glaze. Place on a wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off.
    • Enjoy immediately (glaze will set slightly as it cools).

  • Variation 3: Chocolate Frosted:

    • In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the initial dip.
    • In another medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and salt until smooth to create the chocolate frosting.
    • While donuts/holes are still warm, dunk the bottom half of each one into the melted butter/vanilla dip mixture.
    • Then, dunk the top half into the chocolate frosting.
    • Immediately top the frosting with sprinkles.
    • Enjoy immediately.

  • Variation 4: Powdered Sugar:

    • In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the dip.
    • Place 1 cup of powdered sugar in another medium bowl.
    • While donuts/holes are still warm, submerge each one completely in the melted butter/vanilla mixture.
    • Immediately transfer the buttered donut/hole to the powdered sugar and toss generously to coat all sides.
    • Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Biscuits: Large refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands!) work best. Ensure they are the type that can be separated or easily cut.
  • Cutting Holes: A small round cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or even a bottle cap can be used to cut the holes. Don’t discard the holes – air fry them too!
  • Air Frying: Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which ensures even cooking and browning. Cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is listed; if using salted, you may want to omit or reduce salt in the chocolate frosting.
  • Serving: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm shortly after making.
  • Storage: Store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, though they will lose their initial crispness.

Find it online: https://itasty.net/easy-air-fryer-donuts-4-ways/