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Air Fryer Donuts (From Biscuit Dough)
Fluffy, golden donuts with a cinnamon sugar coating — made in 8 minutes with no yeast, no frying.
Total Time
13 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
8
Calories
185 cal
Why This Works
Biscuit dough is essentially a quick bread that rises from baking powder rather than yeast, making it perfect for the air fryer's quick cook time. The moderate temperature (350°F) allows the center to cook through before the outside over-browns. The result is a donut that's fluffy and bread-like rather than the yeast-risen variety, but equally delicious.
My Recipe Testing Notes
I tested Pillsbury Grands, regular Pillsbury biscuits, and homemade biscuit dough. Pillsbury Grands gave the best results — they're thick enough to have a fluffy interior while the outside gets golden. Regular biscuits are thinner and cook faster (6 minutes) but are less fluffy. At 350°F for 8 minutes, the Grands came out perfectly golden without being doughy in the center. Brushing with melted butter immediately after cooking is essential — it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
Ingredients
The large size works best
Instructions
Open the biscuit can and separate the biscuits. Use a small round cutter (or bottle cap) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit.
Place donuts (and donut holes) in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Air fry at 350°F for 7-8 minutes until golden brown on top. No need to flip.
While still hot, brush each donut generously with melted butter.
Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each buttered donut in the mixture until fully coated. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely! Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze and let set for 5 minutes.
Can I make these without a donut hole cutter?
Yes — just skip the hole and make round donuts. They'll take 1-2 extra minutes to cook through the center. Check with a toothpick.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These are best eaten immediately while warm. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
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