Easy Air Fryer Donuts: 15-Minute Guilty Pleasure

Okay, who *doesn’t* crave a donut now and then? But, ugh, the deep frying? The mess? No thanks! That’s where these **Air Fryer Donuts** come in, and trust me, they’re a total game-changer. You get that comforting donut experience without all the guilt (or the cleanup!). I’m all about recipes that are quick, easy, and don’t leave me with a mountain of dishes.

These are seriously the *easiest* homemade donuts you’ll ever make. We’re talking light, fluffy, and ready in minutes. And guess what? Because they’re air-fried, they are a slightly healthier alternative to the traditional kind—bonus! Making these Air Fryer Donuts is my go-to when I need a sweet treat but don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen. They’re quick enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for a weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts

Seriously, get ready to fall in love! These Air Fryer Donuts are kinda magical. Here’s why:

• **Lightning Fast:** From craving to face-stuffing in under 15 minutes? Yes, please!
• **Crazy Easy:** If you can open a can of biscuits, you can make these. I promise!
• **Hello, Healthier Treat:** Okay, they’re still donuts, but air frying cuts down on *so* much oil. Win!
• Taste Bud Approved: They’re warm, fluffy, and covered in cinnamon sugar. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Donuts

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You really don’t need much for these donuts, which is what makes them so awesome. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (the key to crazy-fast donuts!)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for that golden, scrumptious coating)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (sweetness, obviously!)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (because cinnamon sugar is life)

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! These Air Fryer Donuts are so simple, it’s almost ridiculous. But hey, I’m not complaining, and I bet you won’t be either! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be munching on warm, delicious donuts in no time.

1. First, pop open that can of biscuit dough! Separate the biscuits and get ready for the fun part. You’ll want to use a small, round cookie cutter (or even a bottle cap, if you’re like me and can’t find your cookie cutters!) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. This gives you that classic donut shape.

2. Next, give your air fryer basket a little love by spraying it with non-stick spray. This helps prevent the Air Fryer Donuts from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Place 2-3 donuts in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other. We want them to cook evenly, you see?

3. Now for the magic: cook the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-6 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through, so they get golden brown and cooked through on both sides. Keep a close eye on them! Air fryers can be a bit temperamental, so cooking times may vary slightly, depending on your model.

4. While those little beauties are air frying, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This is our simple, yet oh-so-delicious, cinnamon sugar coating!

5. Once the donuts are ready – and they will be soon! – brush each warm donut with the melted butter. Then, give it a good dredge in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s evenly coated. Yum!

6. Finally (and this is the hardest part, I swear!), serve those Air Fryer Donuts immediately. They’re best when they’re warm and that cinnamon sugar is all melty and delicious. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Donuts

Want your Air Fryer Donuts to be *perfect* every time? Of course you do! Here are my top tips and tricks for donut success:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket! Seriously, give those babies some space. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, and nobody wants a sad, pale donut.
• Keep a close eye on ’em! All air fryers are a little different, so your cooking time might vary. Start checking for doneness around 4 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color.
• Stick with the non-stick! A good coating of non-stick spray is your best friend here. It’ll save you from the heartbreak of a donut stuck to the basket.
• Warm is key! These are definitely best enjoyed warm, right after they’ve been coated in cinnamon sugar. Trust me on this one!

Variations for Your Homemade Air Fryer Donuts

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Air Fryer Donut. Awesome! But why stop there? Let’s get a little wild and crazy with some fun variations. These Air Fryer Donuts are basically a blank canvas for deliciousness, so let your imagination run wild! Seriously, it is okay to go mad!

My absolute favorite is a simple chocolate glaze. Just melt some chocolate chips with a little butter, dip the donuts, and BAM! Instant chocolate heaven. Or how about adding sprinkles? Because sprinkles make everything better, right? And for a truly decadent treat, you HAVE to try these filled air fryer donuts – talk about a party in your mouth! Get creative with different spices too! A little nutmeg or cardamon in that cinnamon-sugar mixture will give you the most wonderful flavour profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Donuts

Got questions? I’ve got (hopefully) answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about making these ridiculously easy Air Fryer Donuts.

Can I use different types of dough?

Totally! While refrigerated biscuit dough is the *easiest* option (and my go-to for speed), you can definitely experiment. Try using canned crescent roll dough for a slightly different texture, or even homemade donut dough if you’re feeling ambitious! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the dough you use.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Donuts?

Okay, first of all, leftovers? What are those?! Just kidding. If you *do* manage to have some leftover Air Fryer Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as they tend to get a little stale after that. A quick zap in the microwave can help revive them, though!

Can I bake these if I don’t have an air fryer?

Yep, you sure can! While these are called Air Fryer Donuts for a reason, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be *quite* as crispy as the air-fried version, but they’ll still be delicious. You can also try an **Air Fryer Donut Holes** recipe if you want to make the small version of this pastry recipe.

Are these Air Fryer Donuts actually healthy?

Well, let’s be real: they’re still donuts! But compared to deep-fried donuts, these are definitely a lighter option. Air frying uses significantly less oil, which means fewer calories and less fat. So, you can enjoy a sweet treat without *quite* as much guilt. Plus, you can control the amount of sugar you use in the cinnamon-sugar topping! So that makes it a **Healthy Air Fryer Donuts** version!

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Donuts

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of warm, delicious Air Fryer Donuts…now what? Well, you could just devour them as is (and I wouldn’t blame you!), but here are a few ideas to elevate your donut experience. A cup of hot coffee is the perfect accompaniment, or a cold glass of milk if you’re feeling fancy! And for a little something extra, a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, will add a touch of healthy goodness to your sweet treat.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Donuts

Just a quick note: the following nutritional information is an estimate! It can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. We are just not that precise, you see!

Enjoyed This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe? Leave a Comment!

Hey, did you LOVE these Air Fryer Donuts as much as I do? Then tell me about it! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media. And hey, come learn more about me!

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