Pin it My apartment complex had this tiny shared courtyard where neighbors would actually stop and chat on Saturday mornings. One weekend I brought out a basket of these cinnamon sugar donuts fresh from the air fryer, and suddenly I had new best friends asking for the recipe. The smell of warm cinnamon travels farther than you would think, and something about homemade donuts makes people forget they are strangers.
Last winter my niece came over for a sleepover and we decided to have a midnight baking experiment. She wanted to learn how to make donuts but I was nervous about deep frying with an eight year old awake at midnight. The air fryer saved us, and she still talks about the night we made donut holes and ate them warm while watching movies in our pajamas.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The humble shortcut that makes this recipe possible. Any brand works, but I have found that the flaky layers butter biscuits give the best texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick to every surface of the donut while adding that rich buttery flavor we all love.
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon: The classic coating combination. Mix them together while the donuts cook so you can coat them immediately while they are hot.
Instructions
- Prepare your air fryer:
- Preheat it to 350°F for about 3 minutes while you get everything else ready. This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Shape the donuts:
- Open that can of biscuits and use a small round cutter or even a clean bottle cap to cut the center out of each biscuit. Save those little centers because they make the best donut holes.
- Arrange and cook:
- Give the basket a quick spray of nonstick spray and place the donuts in a single layer. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are puffed and beautifully golden.
- Coat immediately:
- While they are still hot, brush each donut generously with melted butter and toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps everything stick perfectly.
Pin it These donuts became my go to contribution for office breakfasts after a coworker tried one and asked if I had secretly opened a bakery. Now people actually get excited when they see me walking in with a covered basket, and someone always asks when I will make them again.
Make Ahead Tips
You can cut the donut shapes the night before and store them on a parchment lined baking sheet covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop them straight into the air fryer. The coating can also be mixed ahead and kept in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are best served warm, ideally within the first hour of making them when the coating is still perfectly adhered and the texture is at its peak. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a mimosa if you are feeling fancy for brunch.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. You can also mix some cocoa powder into half the sugar for chocolate donuts, or dip the butter coated tops in powdered sugar instead for a classic donut shop style glaze.
- Add vanilla extract to the melted butter for a deeper flavor
- Try substituting coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile
- A drop of almond extract in the coating makes them taste like a fancy bakery version
Pin it There is something so satisfying about turning a simple can of biscuits into something that brings people together. Hope these donuts make your kitchen smell amazing and create some sweet moments of your own.
Common Questions
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Yes, you can use your favorite yeast donut dough recipe. Just keep in mind that homemade dough typically requires rising time, which will extend the total preparation time considerably.
- → How do I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes to restore that freshly-made warmth and texture.
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
You can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or deep-fry in oil at 350°F for 1-2 minutes per side. The texture will vary slightly with each method.
- → Why do my donuts come out dense or heavy?
This usually happens if the dough is overworked or if the air fryer is overcrowded. Always arrange donuts in a single layer without touching, and handle the biscuit dough gently to maintain its fluffiness.
- → Can I freeze uncooked donuts?
Yes! Cut the donut shapes and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, air fry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What other coatings can I use?
Beyond cinnamon sugar, try powdered sugar, vanilla glaze, chocolate ganache, or a maple syrup coating. You can also add nutmeg, cardamom, or cocoa powder to the sugar mixture for different flavor variations.