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Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Crisp on the outside, fluffy in the center, and glazed with just enough sweetness—this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe gives you bakery-style donuts in minutes, with way less mess and almost no oil.
What Makes This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe So Special?
Let me explain what we’re making here. This is a simple, family-friendly air fryer donut recipe that uses canned biscuit dough, a tiny bit of butter, and a quick vanilla glaze. You still get that classic donut shop taste and texture, but without standing over hot oil or heating up the whole kitchen.
I’m a 50-year-old mom and grandma, and around here, “weekend breakfast” means something warm and fun—without me waking up at 5 a.m. These homemade air fryer donuts have become our go‑to treat for lazy Saturdays, sleepovers, and “Grandma’s special breakfast” days. They’re faster than yeast air fryer donuts, lighter than deep-fried donuts, and honestly, they make the house smell like a bakery in about 10 minutes.
If you’re new to air fried donuts, you’re going to love how easy they are. And if you’ve already been making air fryer biscuit donuts for a while, I’ll share a few tricks I’ve learned (like how not to overcrowd the basket and how to keep the glaze glossy).
This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is also easy to tweak—want healthier air fryer donuts? Use less butter and a lighter glaze. Want them extra indulgent? We can talk chocolate, cinnamon sugar, and even jelly‑filled. We’ll get there.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Quick breakfast treat – From can to plate in about 15 minutes; perfect for busy mornings.
- No deep fryer, less oil – These no oil air fryer donuts use just a light brush or spray, so they’re lighter than traditional fried donuts.
- Kid-friendly fun – Little hands can help cut the “holes,” dip the donuts, and sprinkle toppings.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – Uses canned biscuits and basic pantry staples you probably already have.
- Customizable flavors – From classic glazed to cinnamon sugar or chocolate, this simple air fryer donut recipe is a blank canvas.
- Small-batch friendly – Make just a few donuts at a time if you’re cooking for one or two.
- Less mess, easy cleanup – No big pot of oil, no greasy splatter—just wipe down the air fryer basket.
- Great for beginners – If you’re still getting used to your air fryer, this is a low-stress, high-reward recipe.
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Donuts
You don’t need much to make these homemade air fryer donuts. Here’s exactly what I use, plus a few notes from my own kitchen.
Donuts
-
1 (16 oz) can large refrigerated biscuits
(I like Pillsbury Grands or a store brand “jumbo” biscuit; flakey style works well because it puffs nicely.) -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
(You can swap with coconut oil for dairy-free; brush on lightly for flavor and browning.) -
Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
(Avocado or canola spray; use only a light mist if your air fryer basket tends to stick.)
Simple Vanilla Glaze
-
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
(Sifting helps avoid lumps and gives you a smooth glaze.) -
2–3 tablespoons milk
(Use whole milk for a richer glaze, or almond/oat milk for a dairy-free version.) -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
(Real vanilla makes a difference; if you love strong vanilla flavor, add up to 1½ teaspoons.) -
Pinch of salt
(Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and gives that “bakery” taste.)
Optional Toppings
-
¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(For cinnamon sugar coated air fried donuts.) -
Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or toasted coconut
(Tap off excess so they don’t slide off the glaze.) -
2–3 tablespoons melted chocolate chips
(For chocolate-glazed air fryer donuts; add ½ teaspoon coconut oil for shine.)
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Donuts
1. Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Most baskets heat unevenly at the start, so this little pause helps you get even browning on all your donuts.
2. Prep the biscuit dough
Open the can of biscuits and separate them on a cutting board.
Using a small round cutter (about 1 inch—an apple corer or the wide end of a piping tip works great), cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to create a donut shape.
Save the little centers—we’ll air fry those as “donut holes.”
3. Lightly grease the basket
If your air fryer basket is nonstick and well-seasoned, you might not need this, but I like to play it safe.
Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or brush with a thin layer of melted butter or neutral oil. Avoid heavy spraying so you don’t get a gummy texture.
4. Arrange the donuts in a single layer
Place the biscuit donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching.
Leave a little space between each one so the air can circulate; that’s the secret to evenly cooked, fluffy air fryer donuts.
If your air fryer is smaller, work in batches—crowding will give you pale, uneven donuts.
5. Air fry until golden
Cook the donuts at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You’re looking for a rich golden brown color and a light, springy feel when you touch the top.
Every air fryer runs a little different, so check your first batch around the 4-minute mark.
Tip: The donut holes usually cook a bit faster—about 3–4 minutes. Keep an eye on them.
6. Melt the butter and prep toppings
While the donuts are cooking, melt the 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl.
If you’re making cinnamon sugar donuts, stir together ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish.
For glazed donuts, move on to the vanilla glaze in the next step.
7. Make the vanilla glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (start with 2, add a bit more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Whisk until smooth and pourable. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon, not run off like water.
If it’s too thick, add ½ teaspoon milk at a time. Too thin? Sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar.
8. Coat the warm donuts
As soon as the donuts come out of the air fryer, brush them lightly with melted butter.
-
For cinnamon sugar donuts:
Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides. -
For glazed air fryer donuts:
Dip the top of each donut into the vanilla glaze, let excess drip off, and place on a wire rack.
Add sprinkles or toppings right away while the glaze is still tacky.
Warm donuts will soak up flavors better, so don’t wait too long here.
9. Let them set (if you can wait!)
Allow glazed donuts to sit for 5–10 minutes so the glaze can firm up a bit.
Cinnamon sugar donuts are ready to enjoy right away.
You know what? Around my house, waiting those 10 minutes is the hardest part.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 8 donuts + 8 donut holes (from one can of jumbo biscuits)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (cutting holes, making glaze)
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 15–20 minutes, depending on batch size
This makes a small family batch. For a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe—just keep the donuts in a single layer for each round.
Fun Variations on This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Here’s the thing: once you’ve made these a couple of times, you’ll start dreaming up your own flavors. To get you started:
- Chocolate-Glazed Air Fryer Donuts – Dip the tops in melted chocolate chips mixed with a touch of coconut oil for a shiny chocolate finish.
- Maple Breakfast Donuts – Swap vanilla extract in the glaze with 1 teaspoon maple extract and top with chopped cooked bacon.
- “Healthier” Air Fryer Donuts – Skip the butter, use just a very light spray of avocado oil, and dust with powdered sugar instead of a heavy glaze.
- Yeast Air Fryer Donuts – Use your favorite yeast donut dough, cut into rings, let rise, and air fry the same way for a more classic bakery texture.
- Filled Donuts – Air fry biscuit “rounds” without holes, then pipe in jam, custard, or Nutella after cooking and toss in powdered sugar.
- Pumpkin Spice Fall Donuts – Add pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon sugar mix and a little to the glaze for a cozy seasonal twist.
How to Store, Reheat, and Make Ahead
These air fryer breakfast donuts are best fresh, but leftovers do happen—especially if you made a big batch.
-
Room temperature:
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. Line the container with parchment to help prevent sticking. -
Refrigerator:
They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, though the texture gets a bit firmer. Glazed donuts may absorb some moisture and soften. -
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh. -
Reheating:
Pop donuts back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Reheat gently so they don’t dry out. -
Make ahead:
You can air fry the donuts a few hours ahead, then glaze right before serving. For parties or brunch, I like to set up a little “topping bar” and let everyone glaze and decorate their own.
Notes & Tips From My Kitchen
- Don’t skip the preheat. A hot, ready air fryer helps the donuts rise quickly and cook evenly.
- Watch the first batch. Think of it as your “test batch” to learn your air fryer’s personality—some run hotter, some cooler. Adjust your cook time accordingly.
- Use a light hand with oil. Too much spray can make the surface tough. A thin coat is enough for nice browning.
- Keep the glaze the right thickness. If it runs off completely, your donuts will look bare; if it’s too thick, it’ll clump. Aim for a smooth, slow ribbon when you lift the whisk.
- Serve warm when possible. Like most donuts, these shine when they’re still slightly warm and the glaze is just set.
- Try different biscuit brands. Some rise higher, some are a bit denser. It’s fun to test and see which one becomes your “house” brand for air fryer donuts.
You know what? I also love serving these with coffee and fresh fruit, so breakfast feels a little balanced even if we’re eating donuts.
FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts
Can I make this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe with homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
Yes, you can use a yeast donut dough or even a sweet brioche dough—just cut into rings, let them rise, and then air fry; they may need an extra 1–2 minutes of cook time.
Do I have to use butter, or can I keep these as no oil air fryer donuts?
You can skip the butter and any oil entirely; the donuts will still cook, but they’ll be a bit lighter in color and slightly less rich in flavor.
Why are my air fried donuts pale or not browning well?
They probably need a minute more in the air fryer, or a very light brush/spray of oil to help with browning—also make sure your air fryer is fully preheated.
Can I stack donuts in the air fryer to cook more at once?
No, they really do need a single layer with space between them; stacking will give you uneven, soggy spots.
How do I keep the glaze from getting too runny on warm donuts?
Let the donuts cool for 3–5 minutes before glazing and make sure your glaze is thick enough to cling—if it slides right off, whisk in more powdered sugar.
Can I make air fryer biscuit donuts in a toaster oven style air fryer?
Yes, just use the air fry setting and place donuts on the tray lined with parchment; watch closely since toaster-style models often cook a bit faster.
Are these healthy air fryer donuts?
They’re definitely lighter than traditional deep-fried donuts since they use much less oil, but they’re still a sweet treat—perfect for occasional breakfasts or brunches.
Can I double this air fryer donut recipe?
Absolutely; just cook in batches so you keep that single-layer rule and don’t overcrowd the basket.
Final Thoughts & A Little Invitation
These easy air fryer donuts bring all the fun of a bakery box—without the early morning drive, the hot oil, or the long list of ingredients. They’re quick, customizable, and a lovely way to turn an ordinary morning into something a little special.
If you try this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe, I’d love to hear how it went—tell me your favorite toppings, what brand of biscuits you used, or if you tried a yeast version. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and if you’re craving more air fryer breakfast ideas, check out my other air fryer recipes on the blog next.
Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) large refrigerated biscuits such as Pillsbury Grands or jumbo-style biscuits
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, plus more as needed for brushing
- Nonstick cooking spray optional, for greasing the air fryer basket
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for cinnamon sugar coating, optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for cinnamon sugar coating, optional
- Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or toasted coconut optional toppings for glazed donuts
- 2-3 tablespoons chocolate chips melted, optional for chocolate-glazed donuts
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil optional, to add shine to melted chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready. This helps the donuts rise quickly and brown evenly.
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them on a cutting board. Use a 1-inch round cutter, apple corer, or the wide end of a piping tip to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to form a donut shape. Reserve the centers to cook as donut holes.1 can (16 oz) large refrigerated biscuits
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of melted butter or neutral oil. Avoid heavy spraying to prevent a tough or gummy texture.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, Nonstick cooking spray
- Place the biscuit donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching and leaving space between each donut for air circulation. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the donuts at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and feel light and springy when gently pressed. Begin checking the first batch around 4 minutes, as air fryer temperatures can vary. Cook the reserved donut holes for 3–4 minutes, watching closely so they don’t over-brown.
- While the donuts cook, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. If making cinnamon sugar donuts, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish and set aside.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon. If it is too thick, add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt
- As soon as the hot donuts come out of the air fryer, brush them lightly with melted butter. For cinnamon sugar donuts: Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. For glazed donuts: Dip the top of each warm donut into the vanilla glaze, let the excess drip off, and place on a wire rack. Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or toasted coconut immediately, while the glaze is still tacky.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt, Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or toasted coconut
- For chocolate-glazed donuts, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Dip the tops of warm donuts into the melted chocolate and let them set on a wire rack.2-3 tablespoons chocolate chips, 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- Allow glazed donuts to rest for 5–10 minutes so the glaze can firm up slightly. Cinnamon sugar donuts can be served immediately. Enjoy the donuts warm for the best texture and flavor.
