Save The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through my tiny apartment on a Sunday morning still takes me back to when I first discovered this hack. I had a can of biscuits sitting in my fridge and a new air fryer I was determined to use for everything. These donuts came together so quickly that I made them three times that week, each batch disappearing faster than the last.
My roommate walked in while I was making these and immediately grabbed one straight from the air fryer basket, burning her fingers but not caring one bit. We stood over the counter, eating warm cinnamon sugar donuts and laughing about how something so simple could taste this good. Now whenever friends come over for brunch, they ask if I am making those donuts.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut that makes this whole recipe work, so do not overthink which brand to buy
- Unsalted butter, melted: This helps the cinnamon sugar actually stick to the donuts instead of falling off
- Granulated sugar: Creates that classic crunch on the outside of each warm bite
- Ground cinnamon: The star flavor that makes these taste like something from a donut shop
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else
- Shape the donuts:
- Press a small round cutter or bottle cap through the center of each biscuit, saving those little centers for bonus donut holes
- Get ready to cook:
- Give your air fryer basket a quick spritz of nonstick spray so nothing sticks
- Arrange and cook:
- Place the donuts in a single layer without touching, air frying for 5 to 6 minutes and flipping them halfway through until golden
- Mix the coating:
- While donuts cook, stir together your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl
- Coat immediately:
- Brush each hot donut with melted butter then toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm
- Make the holes:
- Cook those reserved centers for 3 to 4 minutes and coat them the same way because they are arguably the best part
Save These became my go-to for impromptu gatherings because nobody can resist warm donuts. I have started keeping extra cans of biscuit dough in my fridge just in case.
Making Them Your Own
I once added a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar mixture and it made everything taste cozier, like fall in a single bite. A friend tried mixing some cocoa powder into half her cinnamon sugar for chocolate variations that were surprisingly delicious.
Serving Suggestions
These are best served immediately while still warm, but I have also reheated leftovers for 30 seconds in the microwave and they came back to life beautifully. They pair perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate.
Storage And Make Ahead Tips
If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container but know they lose that magic texture after the first day. You can cut and refrigerate the biscuits the night before.
- Let refrigerated biscuits sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping
- Double the cinnamon sugar mixture because you will want extra for dipping
- Work in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer
Save Sometimes the simplest recipes create the happiest moments.
Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works beautifully. Just ensure it's chilled and rolled to similar thickness as canned biscuits for even cooking.
- → How do I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, warm briefly in the air fryer before serving.
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or deep fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → Why do my donuts come out dense?
Overcrowding the air fryer basket or not preheating can cause dense results. Cook in batches and allow proper air circulation.
- → Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes, cut the donut shapes and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag and air fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cook time.