Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Homemade Delight in Minutes!
Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly made donuts, warm and coated in a sweet, spicy cinnamon sugar crust. Now imagine achieving this dream in under 15 minutes, with minimal effort and no messy deep frying! Our recipe for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts makes it possible, using a brilliant shortcut: canned biscuits as the base. These delectable treats are perfect for a spontaneous breakfast, a fun brunch addition, or a delightful sweet snack.
If you’re craving a classic plain donut, you might also love our Air Fryer Donuts with Biscuits recipe, which provides a versatile foundation for various toppings. But for those who adore that timeless combination of buttery sweetness and aromatic spice, these cinnamon sugar donuts are an absolute must-try. The air fryer transforms simple canned biscuit dough into light, fluffy donuts with a slightly crispy exterior, ready to be coated in a generous layer of melted butter and fragrant cinnamon sugar. Get ready to indulge in pure sugary goodness!
This particular recipe elevates the humble biscuit by focusing on a luxurious cinnamon sugar coating. Each donut is brushed with rich melted butter, ensuring that every nook and cranny is ready to embrace the sparkling cinnamon sugar mixture. The result is an irresistible sweet treat that tastes like it came from your favorite donut shop, but with the convenience and speed of homemade air fryer cooking. It’s truly the perfect way to kickstart your morning with something special.
The Secret to Success: Choosing the Best Canned Biscuits for Air Fryer Donuts
The foundation of these incredible air fryer donuts lies in the quality of your canned biscuits. While many brands are available, not all are created equal when it comes to donut transformation. Our top recommendation, and a personal favorite, is Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers. These biscuits consistently deliver outstanding results, providing a wonderfully layered and tender texture that mimics traditional donuts beautifully.
Through countless experiments, we’ve found that Pillsbury brand biscuits generally outperform generic alternatives. They tend to hold their shape better during cooking, puff up beautifully, and develop that desirable light and airy consistency essential for a great donut. While generic brands might seem like a cost-saving option, they often don’t achieve the same fluffy, layered interior that makes these air fryer donuts so special. Investing in a quality brand like Pillsbury can truly make a difference in the final taste and texture of your homemade treats.
It’s crucial to manage expectations, though. These are, at their core, donuts made from biscuits. While they offer a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional fried donuts, they will have a slightly different texture – more akin to a soft, sweet biscuit than a yeast-raised, deep-fried pastry. Don’t misunderstand; they are absolutely wonderful and a fantastic solution for a quick donut fix, but they aren’t an exact replica of a bakery-style fried donut. Embrace their unique charm, and you’ll be delighted by their homemade goodness.
How to Easily Cut the Perfect Donut Hole
Creating that iconic donut shape from your round biscuits is simpler than you might think! The key is to have a small, sharp, round object to cut out the center. This step not only gives your donuts their classic appearance but also creates delightful donut holes that can be cooked and enjoyed right alongside the main donuts.
While a small round cookie cutter is the most straightforward tool for this task, feel free to get creative with what you have in your kitchen. Anything round with a somewhat sharp edge can work. For example, a bottle cap (clean, of course!), the small end of a pastry tip, or even a shot glass can be repurposed for this step. In our kitchen, a Wilton 1M Cake Tip works wonders. Simply press it firmly into the center of each biscuit, twist gently, and then carefully pull out the small piece of dough to create your donut hole.
And yes, absolutely cook those donut holes in the air fryer too! We believe in zero waste when it comes to deliciousness. These smaller pieces cook even faster and are perfect for a quick taste test or for little hands. Just remember to keep an eye on them as they will brown more quickly than the full-sized donuts.
Essential Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Achieving perfectly golden and irresistibly coated air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts requires just a few simple tips. Following these steps will ensure your donuts are not only beautifully cooked but also evenly and deliciously coated.
First and foremost, after cooking, your donuts will need a brief cooling period – about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the donuts to firm up slightly and ensures the melted butter adheres properly without being immediately absorbed or running off. The butter is the essential adhesive for your cinnamon sugar coating, so don’t rush this stage.
The easiest and most effective way to apply the melted butter is by using a pastry brush. Gently brush the butter onto all sides of each donut, ensuring a thorough and even coating. Don’t be shy; a good layer of butter makes all the difference in how much cinnamon sugar sticks!
Once your donut is generously buttered, it’s time for the grand finale: the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Dip each donut into the mixture, rolling and pressing gently to ensure every surface is completely coated. You want a thick, sparkling layer that promises a burst of flavor with every bite.
For the cinnamon-sugar blend, you have two convenient options. You can easily make your own by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in your preferred ratio – we recommend starting with a 4:1 sugar to cinnamon ratio and adjusting to taste. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an even quicker solution, pre-made cinnamon sugar is readily available at most grocery stores. Both options work perfectly, so choose what best suits your time and preference.
These simple steps ensure that your air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts are not just cooked perfectly, but also beautifully coated and bursting with flavor. It’s undeniably one of the quickest ways to enjoy homemade donuts in the morning, making it a fantastic alternative to a trip to the local donut shop. Enjoy every warm, sweet, and spiced bite!
Pro Tips for Air Frying Donuts:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook donuts in a single layer, ensuring proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers vary. Keep an eye on your donuts, especially during the first batch, to prevent burning.
- Donut Holes Cook Faster: If cooking donut holes, add them to the air fryer for the last 3-4 minutes of the donut cook time, or cook them separately for a shorter duration.
- Serve Warm: While they can be stored, these donuts are truly best enjoyed warm, right after being coated.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
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Ingredients
- 1 8- Pack Can of Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
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Lightly spray your air fryer basket with grapeseed oil spray or your preferred cooking oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
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Carefully place each canned biscuit onto a clean cutting board. Using a small round cookie cutter (or a pastry tip, like a Wilton 1M, or even a clean bottle cap), gently press down in the center of each biscuit to cut out the “donut hole,” forming the classic donut shape.
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Arrange 4 prepared donuts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping to allow for optimal air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket.
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Place any donut holes that fit into the basket alongside the donuts. Remember, donut holes will cook faster due to their smaller size.
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Cook the donuts at 360°F (180°C) for 8 minutes. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip them halfway through (around 4 minutes) for even browning. Donut holes may only need 3-5 minutes, so remove them when golden.
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Once cooked to a beautiful golden brown, carefully remove the donuts and donut holes from the air fryer basket. Place them on a wire rack to cool for approximately 5 minutes. This cooling period is important as it helps the donuts set and prepares them for coating.
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Repeat steps 3-5 with any remaining biscuit dough and donut holes until all are cooked.
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While the last batch is cooking or during the cooling period, prepare your coating ingredients. Pour the melted unsalted butter into a shallow dish.
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In a separate shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until well blended.
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Take one slightly cooled donut. Using a pastry brush, liberally brush the melted butter over all surfaces of the donut, ensuring it’s well coated. This butter acts as the “glue” for the cinnamon sugar.
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Immediately after buttering, dip the donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll and gently press the donut into the sugar until it is fully and evenly coated on all sides.
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Repeat the buttering and coating process with all remaining donuts and donut holes.
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Serve your delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts immediately while they are warm for the best taste and texture. If not serving right away, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving & Storage Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These warm, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced donuts are best enjoyed immediately after being coated. The warmth helps the butter and sugar adhere perfectly, creating that irresistible texture. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate breakfast or brunch experience.
If you happen to have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to 2 days, though the coating might not be as perfectly crisp as when freshly made. To revive them, a quick 30-second zap in the microwave or a few minutes back in the air fryer (at a lower temperature like 300°F/150°C) can bring back some of their warmth and softness.
Variations to Explore:
- Powdered Sugar: For a simpler, classic donut, toss the buttered donuts in powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
- Simple Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a drop of vanilla extract for a quick glaze.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled donuts for a decadent treat.
- Lemon Zest: Add a pinch of lemon zest to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday morning, these air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts are a surefire hit. They offer all the comfort of homemade baking with a fraction of the time and effort. Give them a try and discover your new favorite quick breakfast!
