Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

Transform refrigerated biscuit dough into delightful cinnamon sugar donuts using your air fryer in just 18 minutes. Cut out donut shapes from biscuits, air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until golden, then brush with melted butter and coat in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. The result is fluffy, indulgent donuts that rival bakery versions without the deep-frying mess. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or dessert, and easily customizable with nutmeg or other spices.

Updated on Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:41:46 GMT
Warm, golden Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts dusted generously with sweet spice and resting on a rustic wooden board. Pin it
Warm, golden Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts dusted generously with sweet spice and resting on a rustic wooden board. | vectorbaker.com

Experience the joy of a warm, bakery-fresh treat without the hassle of deep-frying. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are made using refrigerated biscuit dough, transforming a simple kitchen staple into fluffy, golden rings of sweetness in just under 20 minutes. Perfectly coated in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust, they are the ideal companion for your morning coffee or a cozy dessert.

Warm, golden Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts dusted generously with sweet spice and resting on a rustic wooden board. Pin it
Warm, golden Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts dusted generously with sweet spice and resting on a rustic wooden board. | vectorbaker.com

These donuts are a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet craving quickly. By using the air fryer, you achieve that coveted golden-brown finish with much less effort than traditional methods. Whether you are making them for a family breakfast or a last-minute snack, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 can (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
  • Coating: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2
Remove the biscuits from the can. Using a small round cutter or bottle cap, cut out the center of each biscuit to form a donut shape; reserve the centers for donut holes if desired.
Step 3
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 4
Arrange the donut shapes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. (You may need to cook in batches.)
Step 5
Air fry for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6
While the donuts are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
Step 7
Immediately after air frying, brush each donut with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 8
Repeat with remaining dough and centers for donut holes, reducing cook time for holes to about 3–4 minutes.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the most even cook, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate freely. If you are making the donut holes, keep a close eye on them as they brown much faster than the full-sized donuts.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a richer, more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar mixture. If you prefer a dairy-free treat, you can easily substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative.

Serviervorschläge

These treats are at their absolute best when served warm. They pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a cup of rich hot chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.

Freshly air-fried biscuit donuts coated in sparkling cinnamon sugar, served warm alongside a steaming mug of coffee. Pin it
Freshly air-fried biscuit donuts coated in sparkling cinnamon sugar, served warm alongside a steaming mug of coffee. | vectorbaker.com

With their golden crust and sweet spice, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Simple enough for a weekday treat yet delicious enough for a special occasion, they prove that you don't need a lot of time to create something truly magical in the kitchen.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the donut shapes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Cook directly from cold, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What's the best way to store leftover donuts?

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or homemade dough all work well. Adjust cooking times based on thickness—thicker doughs may need 1-2 extra minutes.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking in the air fryer?

Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray before arranging donuts. Ensure donuts don't touch each other for proper air circulation and even cooking.

What if my donuts aren't golden brown?

Increase the temperature to 360°F or extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Every air fryer varies, so monitor the first batch closely to find your ideal settings.

Are these suitable for dietary restrictions?

They're vegetarian and dairy-free versions are possible using plant-based butter. Check biscuit dough labels for allergens like wheat, milk, and soy before use.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Fluffy air-fried donuts from biscuit dough, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Ready in 18 minutes for an irresistible treat.

Time to prep
10 minutes
Time to cook
8 minutes
Overall time
18 minutes
Created by Jack Sanchez


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

What you need

Dough

01 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)

Coating

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 01

Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.

Step 02

Form Donut Shapes: Remove the biscuits from the can. Using a small round cutter or bottle cap, cut out the center of each biscuit to form a donut shape; reserve the centers for donut holes if desired.

Step 03

Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 04

Arrange Donuts: Arrange the donut shapes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. (You may need to cook in batches.)

Step 05

Air Fry: Air fry for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.

Step 06

Prepare Coating: While the donuts are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.

Step 07

Coat Donuts: Immediately after air frying, brush each donut with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 08

Cook Remaining Dough: Repeat with remaining dough and centers for donut holes, reducing cook time for holes to about 3–4 minutes.

Tools you'll need

  • Air fryer
  • Small round cutter or bottle cap
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy advice

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (butter, possible in biscuit dough)
  • May contain: Soy (check biscuit dough ingredients)
  • Double-check all labels if you have allergies.

Nutrition info (per portion)

These values are estimates for your reference. They’re not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Fat content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams