Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

What I like about this air fryer method is how quickly biscuit donuts go from pale dough to lightly browned, but I rely on the visual cue more than the clock here. If the basket is crowded or your air fryer runs hot, the outside can color before the centers are fully cooked.

This version keeps things simple with refrigerated jumbo biscuits, a quick butter dip, and a cinnamon sugar coating while the donuts are still warm. It is an easy shortcut for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a coffee break, and it is best served fresh.

If you want another shortcut version, try these air fryer donuts with canned biscuits.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

• 1 can refrigerated jumbo flaky biscuits, about 8 biscuits
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (about 55g)
• Olive oil spray or coconut oil spray, as needed
• 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, optional, for dusting if the dough feels sticky

Use large flaky biscuits for the best shortcut donut texture. A light spray of oil helps with browning and release, but too much can make the basket greasy or smoky.

How to Shape Biscuit Donuts

You do not need a specialty donut cutter here. A shot glass, piping tip, or small bottle cap works well for cutting out the center.

I usually look for an opening that is large enough to stay open during cooking, since a very small hole can close up as the biscuit puffs in the air fryer. Save the centers and cook them as donut holes.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts in the Air Fryer

1. Mix the coating: In a shallow bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl. If you like, stir 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted butter.
2. Shape the donuts: Open the biscuit can and separate the biscuits. Cut a hole from the center of each biscuit, keeping the opening fairly wide so the rings cook through evenly. If the dough feels sticky, dust your cutter lightly with flour.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) if your model benefits from preheating, which is especially helpful for basket-style air fryers. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
4. Air fry in a single layer: Arrange the donut rings in a single layer with space between them. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 10 minutes per batch, starting to check around 6 to 7 minutes. If your air fryer browns unevenly, flip the donuts halfway through.
5. Check for doneness: The donuts are ready when they are lightly golden, the edges look set, and the centers no longer look doughy. They should feel lightly firm when gently pressed. Donut holes usually finish 1 to 2 minutes earlier, so check them separately and give them a quick shake or turn partway through.
6. Coat while warm: Let the donuts cool just enough to handle. Dip each warm donut in melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The coating sticks best while the donuts are still warm, so work fairly quickly. Repeat with the donut holes.
7. Serve: Serve warm for the softest texture and the best cinnamon sugar finish.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Biscuit Donuts

Cook the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 10 minutes. Start checking early rather than waiting for the full time, especially if your air fryer runs hot.

The part I pay attention to is the center of the ring, not just the color on the outside. A donut that looks browned too early may still need another minute or two if the middle looks puffy and underbaked.

How to Get Even Browning in the Air Fryer

Spacing matters more than it may seem with biscuit donuts. Air needs to circulate around each piece so the outside browns evenly and the center cooks through.

If the donuts touch or overlap, they can stay pale in spots and bake unevenly. Cook in batches if needed, and keep the donut holes separate if the basket is getting full.

Optional Finishes

Chocolate Glaze

For a richer dessert-style version, skip the cinnamon sugar and use a simple chocolate glaze after the donuts cool slightly. Let them lose some surface heat first so the glaze does not slide off.

Powdered Sugar

For a lighter finish, skip the cinnamon sugar and dust the warm donuts with powdered sugar instead. Wait until they are warm rather than very hot, or the sugar can melt into the surface too quickly.

For a gluten-free option, see these air fryer gluten-free donuts.

Readers who want a plant-based version may prefer these air fryer vegan donuts.

Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Serve these warm with coffee or tea, or add fresh fruit for a simple brunch plate. You can also set out the donut holes alongside the rings and offer extra cinnamon sugar on the side.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Donuts

These donuts are best the day they are made. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate briefly if needed. The coating will soften and the texture will not be quite the same as fresh.

To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at a low temperature just until heated through. Check early so the sugar does not darken too much. If you want to get ahead, shape the donuts in advance, but air fry and coat them close to serving time for the best texture.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition, based on 8 servings and using the core ingredients in the main recipe.

• Serving size: 1 donut
• Calories: about 210
• Protein: about 3g
• Fat: about 10g
• Carbohydrates: about 28g

Per 100g approximate: 390 calories, 5g protein, 19g fat, 52g carbohydrates.

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with the biscuit brand, the amount of butter absorbed, and how much cinnamon sugar sticks to each donut.