The first time I ever had donuts made from biscuits was at a slumber party in sixth grade. It was the first time I ever stayed up the entire night, and in the morning my friend and I helped her mom make donuts and it was a glorious end to a delirious night. Lol.
Did you know you can make air fryer donuts from canned biscuits? It’s SO easy and the results are delicious!
Traditional deep-fried donuts are undeniably delicious, but they can be a little heavy, and the process makes your whole kitchen smell like grease. Air fryer donuts, on the other hand, provide a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste or texture.
Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and fluffy interior—the perfect combination for homemade donuts!
Related: Want more donut recipes? Next you should try Baked Apple Donuts or Chocolate Baked Donuts. For a more traditional donut recipe, try Glazed Crullers or old-fashioned Potato Donuts.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (homestyle or flaky variety)
- Powdered sugar – also called confectioner’s sugar
- Milk
These ingredients are to make glazed donuts. If you want ideas for other toppings, keep reading!
Directions
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the individual biscuits. Lay them out on a clean surface or cutting board. Using a small round cookie cutter or the back of a pastry tip (see above), cut out the centers of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape.
Carefully place the donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the donuts for 6-7 minutes, flipping them two-thirds through so both sides cook.
I find that if I try to flip these halfway through they are still too soft to easily flip. The donuts should be golden brown and puffed up when they’re done.
While the donuts cook, prepare your glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. Then once the donuts are cool enough to touch, dip the tops into the glaze then place on a cooling rack. The excess glaze will drip off the sides and down through the rack.
You can also air fry the centers for donut holes if you want!
Other Topping Ideas
- On top of the glaze you could add sprinkles or chopped up chocolate, other candies, or crushed cookies like Oreos.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze, like pink, for a different look.
- Mix together granulated white sugar and cinnamon. Then, brush the warm donuts with a little bit of melted butter and sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Use the chocolate glaze recipe from this Chocolate Baked Donuts post.
More Breakfast Recipes
Looking for more options to serve with these air fryer donuts, try:
- 50+ Healthy Breakfast Ideas
- The Best Fruit Salad
- How to Cook Bacon – air fryer, oven, and microwave options
- How to make The Best French Toast
- Homemade Pancakes – Without Milk, for when you’re out
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Making air fryer donuts from canned biscuits is a fantastic way to indulge in a classic treat with a modern and healthier twist. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, homemade donuts that will impress family and friends.
Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 can biscuits homestyle or flaky
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar confectioner's sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
-
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the individual biscuits. Lay them out on a clean surface or cutting board.
-
Using a small round cookie cutter or the back of a pastry tip, cut out the centers of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape.
-
Carefully place the donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
-
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the donuts for 6-7 minutes, flipping them two thirds through so both sides cook. The donuts should be golden brown and puffed up when they’re done.
-
While the donuts cook prepare your glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk.
-
Then once the donuts are cool enough to touch, dip the tops into the glaze then place on a cooling rack. The excess glaze will drip off the sides and down through the rack.
Notes
- I find that if I try to flip the donuts halfway through the cooking time, they are still too soft to easily flip. This is why I recommend waiting until two-thirds through the cook time.
- You can also air fry the centers for donut holes if you want!