Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts {3 Ways}
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Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are a busy Mama’s dream come true. A super easy treat or breakfast that is a smidge healthier than a traditional doughnut but still absolutely delicious.
I love the semi-homemade donuts using prepared biscuit dough. You can easily add your own spin to customize them, and the process is super easy.
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Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Donuts are a delightful breakfast that feels more like dessert. You can find them as simple as the classic glazed to the extravagant version stuffed with bacon and topped with maple frosting and covered in sprinkles.
Using your air fryer gives you that great texture on the outside while cooking the inside to a pillowy-soft texture. And the best part? You can do this without adding tons of calories from deep frying.ย My recipe is even easier because we’re using canned biscuits you probably already have in your refrigerator.ย ย
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fried Donuts
- Biscuits – I use the larger sized ones
- Oil – optional (keep reading for more info)
What Biscuits Work Best?
While I have made this with a number of types of biscuits, I prefer the basic biscuit version the best. They seem to hold together well and turn out closest to regular donuts.
The biscuits with added butter or lots of layers can sometimes come apart or make oddly-shaped donuts. I would recommend trying a few different types until you find the one you like best.
How to Make Donuts with Biscuits
Step 1 – cut centers out of each biscuit with a small round biscuit cutter.
Step 2 – lightly grease the bottom of your air fryer basket.
Step 3 – place 2-4 biscuits in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
Step 4 – cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove from basket using tongs and allow to cool slightly before topping.
Do I Need to Spray the Air Fryer to Prevent Sticking?
While I use a spray mister to prevent sticking, this isnโt necessary with all models. I highly recommend checking the manufacturer guidelines for your air fryer model.
Oil and spray are not necessary to make a great donut. However, they can add some additional browning and texture if you prefer that on your donut. Use your own judgement and preferences for this step.
PRO TIP: You should never use a commercial aerosol non-stick spray because it can damage the finish on your air fryer basket.
What Toppings Can I Add to Air Fryer Doughnuts?
The possibilities are truly endless. While I tend to stick with the classic cinnamon sugar or simple glaze options, you can easily make dozens of different variations.
Here are a few of our favorite versions:
- Dip in glaze then top with chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, or colored sugars
- Churro – brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Crush Oreo cookies and dip into them for a cookies and cream flavor
- Add any of your favorite cake frostings
- Top with glaze and a few slices of your favorite fruit or berries
Do I Need to Refrigerate Canned Biscuit Donuts After Cooking?
This really depends upon the type of glaze or frosting you add to your donut. As shown in this recipe, they do not need to be refrigerated. If you add certain icings with milk products or perishable items, you may need to refrigerate leftovers.
That said, these doughnuts are best eaten right after cooking. If you have leftovers, I do recommend storing them in an airtight container. For iced or glazed donuts, store them in a single layer. If you use powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar topping, you can stack with a piece of waxed paper between each layer.
Can I Add Filling to Biscuit Donuts?
Yes! Skip cutting a hole in the biscuit dough, cook as directed and fill with jam, pudding, or custard. Use a knife to cut a small hole in the side, then slide a piping bag filled with your desired topping inside and fill.
Iโve even filled them with this orange marshmallow fruit dip as a fun addition that was creamy and flavorful. Use your imagination to come up with fun variations.
Note: If you fill a donut, you may want to refrigerate leftovers. This will depend upon the ingredients in the filling.
More Air Fryer Recipes You May Like
**Save Air Fried Donuts Recipe for Later**
Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts {3 Ways}
Equipment
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
DONUTS
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuits
- oil, canola or vegetable
CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
FROSTING TOPPING
- 1/2 can prepared frosting, any flavor
GLAZE TOPPING
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspooons milk or heavy cream
- Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
DONUTS
- Open biscuit container and lay on cutting board. Cut centers out of each biscuit with a small round cookie or biscuit cutter.
- Using a pastry brush, spread a thin layer of olive oil on bottom of air fryer basket.
- Lay 3-4 biscuits in basket, making sure they aren't touching.
- Cook at 350 degrees for 4-5 minutes. Remove from air fryer and allow to cool slightly before coating with the toppings of your choice.
- Enjoy immediately or store in airtight container for 1-2 days
CINNAMON & SUGAR TOPPING
- Melt butter in small dish in microwave.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Using a pastry brush, coat top and sides of doughnuts with melted butter.
- Immediately spoon cinnamon and sugar mixture over doughnuts.
FROSTING (use any flavor of frosting)
- Place about ยฝ of the can of frosting in a microwave safe bowl.
- Melt in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, until thinned slightly. Stir until completely smooth.
- Dip top of doughnut into frosting. Turn over & gently shake to evenly spread frosting.
- Top with sprinkles if desired.
GLAZE TOPPING
- Add powdered sugar to a small bowl.
- Gradually add milk or cream and whisk until desired consistency.
- Dip top of doughnut into glaze. Turn over & gently shake to evenly spread glaze.
Notes
- Make donut holes with the cutout dough. These will cook faster than the donuts.
- Nutritional information doesn’t include optional toppings.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.