How to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
American · Easy · 18 min · 8 servings
Fluffy homemade donuts rolled in warm cinnamon sugar come together quickly using refrigerated biscuit dough cooked in the air fryer with hardly any oil. These delightful treats taste indulgent but are much lighter than traditional deep fried donuts.
Why this recipe works
This Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 18 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough 8 count
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 spray cooking spray
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Use a small round cookie cutter or the cap of a water bottle to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit, creating the classic donut shape. Set the donut holes aside to cook separately.
Step 2: Air Fry the Donuts
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the donuts in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts cook, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl and stir well. In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter with the vanilla extract. Set both bowls aside and ready for coating.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
As soon as the donuts come out of the air fryer while still hot, brush each one lightly with the vanilla butter mixture, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- refrigerated biscuit dough → homemade yeast dough for a more traditional texture
- granulated sugar coating → powdered sugar glaze for a classic glazed donut style
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the basket which causes the donuts to cook unevenly and stick together
- Coating the donuts in cinnamon sugar before they are hot enough, causing the coating to fall off
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 3g protein, 34g carbs, 7g fat, 1g fiber.
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