Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside, and Ready in Minutes!

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly fried donuts—but the mess of hot oil, splatter, and cleanup can be a turn-off. Enter the Air Fryer Donuts: a no-fuss, less-greasy alternative that delivers the same crispy edges and fluffy centers of classic donuts—without deep frying.

Using refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade donut dough, these donuts come together in under 20 minutes and are finished with a sweet, customizable glaze. Whether you’re feeding kids, surprising brunch guests, or simply craving a late-night treat, these donuts will hit the spot—fast.

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts

No hot oil required – All the taste, none of the frying fuss.
Use store-bought or homemade dough – Perfect for any skill level.
Ready in 10–15 minutes – Great for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings.
Endlessly customizable – Glaze them, top them, or fill them!

🍩 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Donuts:

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Use buttermilk biscuits or flaky-style for best results. You can also substitute homemade yeast donut dough if desired.
Cooking spray
A light coating prevents sticking and promotes even browning in the air fryer.

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
Gives that classic, shiny donut glaze.
2–3 tablespoons milk
Helps thin out the sugar for a pourable consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Adds a rich, sweet aroma.
Food coloring (optional)
Create colorful glazes for holidays or themed treats.

Optional Toppings: sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or crushed cereal.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dough

Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the pieces.
Use a small round cutter or bottle cap to remove the centers and create classic donut shapes. Save the centers to make donut holes!

3️⃣ Prep the Basket

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place donuts in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.

4️⃣ Cook the Donuts

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes per side.
Flip halfway through using tongs.
Donuts are done when golden brown and puffed.

🔄 Donut holes cook faster—check after 4 minutes total!

5️⃣ Make the Glaze

While the donuts are cooking, whisk together:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract (if using)

Add food coloring if desired and whisk until smooth and pourable.

6️⃣ Glaze the Donuts

Let the donuts cool slightly for 2–3 minutes.
Dip each donut into the glaze, coating it evenly.
Place on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray and add toppings while the glaze is wet.

7️⃣ Let Glaze Set & Serve

Let the donuts rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the glaze to set. Then serve and enjoy the warm, sweet goodness!

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts

Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches to ensure even air circulation and browning.
Use parchment liners: These prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Don’t over-glaze: A thin dip is all you need—too much glaze may slide off.
Play with flavors: Add lemon zest, maple extract, or cinnamon to your glaze.

🎉 Fun Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with cocoa powder and milk for a chocolatey twist.
Filled Donuts: Use homemade dough, air fry, then inject with jam or cream using a piping bag.

🧺 Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 300°F for 2 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.
Freeze: Freeze unglazed donuts. Thaw and glaze just before serving.

🥄 Perfect For:

Weekend brunch
Birthday breakfasts
Quick snacks
Kid-friendly kitchen projects
Last-minute dessert cravings