Air Fryer Donuts
Make delicious, fluffy donuts quickly using your air fryer. These air fryer donuts are easy to prepare and perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack.
Reviewed by Savory Trail Test Kitchen · Published August 8, 2026 · Updated August 17, 2026
Using an air fryer for donuts gives you a crispy exterior with a soft and airy inside without the need for deep frying. For best results, preheat your air fryer and arrange the donuts in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
About this dish
Air fryer donuts are a quick, shortcut version of classic donuts made from refrigerated biscuit dough. They bake up with a lightly crisp outside and a soft, fluffy center, then finish with powdered sugar, a simple vanilla glaze, or cinnamon sugar.
The air fryer works especially well here because it circulates hot air around each donut, helping them brown evenly without deep frying. With a short cook time and a preheated basket, you can expect golden donuts that are best enjoyed warm, when the exterior is slightly crisp and the coating clings nicely.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (Use a 16-ounce can for about 6 donuts)
- 1 spray cooking spray (For greasing the air fryer basket)
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (For dusting or glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (For glaze)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (For glaze)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Optional, for cinnamon sugar coating)
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (Optional, for cinnamon sugar coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Place the donuts in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each donut.
- Air fry the donuts for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking.
- While the donuts cook, prepare the glaze or coating of your choice.
- Remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Dip or brush the donuts with glaze, or sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
Please verify air fryer temperatures and cooking times as they may vary by model and donut size.
Variations & substitutions
- Swap the vanilla glaze for a simple powdered sugar dusting if you want a less sweet finish.
- Use cinnamon sugar instead of glaze for a classic donut-shop flavor with a bit of crunch.
- Add a small pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a more traditional spice profile.
- Finish the glazed donuts with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra-rich treat.
- Serve them plain and warm, then let everyone customize their own topping at the table.
What to serve with
- Serve with hot coffee or café au lait for a classic breakfast pairing.
- Pair with cold milk to balance the sweetness of the donuts.
- Add fresh berries or sliced fruit for a lighter brunch spread.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage to make it more filling.
- Offer a small fruit smoothie for a sweet snack-and-sip combination.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make air fryer donuts ahead of time?
You can cook them ahead, but they’re best fresh and warm. If you need to prep ahead, make the glaze or cinnamon sugar in advance and finish the donuts just before serving.
How do I store leftover air fryer donuts?
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If they’re glazed, place parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
What’s the best way to reheat air fryer donuts?
Reheat them briefly in the air fryer until warmed through, then add glaze or sugar if needed. Heating them too long can dry them out, so keep the reheating short.
Can I use frozen biscuit dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
This recipe is written for refrigerated biscuit dough, so frozen dough would need to be thawed first. Using it frozen would prevent the donuts from cooking evenly in the short air fryer time.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through after 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway. If they’re still pale or doughy in the center, give them a little more time and check again.
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