Easiest 5-Minute Air Fryer Donuts (Biscuit Dough Hack)
Easiest 5-Minute Air Fryer Donuts (Biscuit Dough Hack)
Make warm, fluffy air fryer donuts in just 5 minutes using canned biscuit dough. The easiest way to satisfy a donut craving without deep frying or yeast.
Craving a fresh, hot donut but don't want to deal with yeast, rising time, or a pot of hot oil? You are in luck.
These Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts are the ultimate "cheat code" for dessert. By using store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands), you can transform a simple tube of dough into golden, pillowy donuts that taste shockingly close to the real thing.
Coat them in cinnamon sugar or dip them in a vanilla glaze—either way, they are ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish.
Why Make Donuts in the Air Fryer?
- Speed: No waiting for dough to rise. You just pop the can and cook.
- Less Fat: Traditional donuts soak up grease. These use just a light spray of oil and hot air to puff up.
- Fun for Kids: It’s a safe and fun recipe to make with little ones since there is no dangerous hot oil involved.
Ingredients
The Base:
- 1 can Jumbo Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (8 count, like Pillsbury Grands).
- Oil Spray (Coconut oil or Butter spray works best).
The Classic Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar.
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted).
The Simple Vanilla Glaze (Option 2):
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar.
- 2 tbsp Milk.
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract.
Instructions
- Prep the Dough: Open the can and separate the biscuits. Place them on a cutting board.
- Make the Hole: Use a small round cutter (like a bottle cap or a 1-inch cookie cutter) to punch a hole in the center of each biscuit. Save the centers—these are your donut holes!
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place 4 donuts in a single layer (don't overcrowd).
- Cook: Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through. They are done when they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Note: The donut holes cook faster (about 3 minutes), so cook them separately at the end.
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Coat Immediately:
- For Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are hot, brush them with melted butter and dunk them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- For Glaze: Let the donuts cool for 2 minutes, then dip the tops into the vanilla glaze.
- Serve: Best enjoyed warm!
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Dipped: Melt chocolate chips and dip the cooked donuts.
- Jelly Filled: Skip the hole step. Cook the biscuit whole, then use a piping bag to inject strawberry jam into the side.
- Maple Bacon: Use a maple glaze and top with crumbled cooked bacon.
Nutrition (Per Donut - Cinnamon Sugar)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 15g
Common Questions
Why do my donuts taste like biscuits?
If they are plain, they might taste slightly like bread. The secret is the coating. A generous dip in butter and sugar or a thick glaze transforms the flavor profile completely.
Can I save leftovers?
These are really best eaten fresh. If you must save them, store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days and reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften them up.
Can I make these from scratch without canned dough?
Yes, you can use a standard yeast donut dough recipe in the air fryer, but you will need to proof the dough first. This biscuit method is specifically for a quick fix.
Final Thoughts
Next time you need a quick dessert or a fun weekend breakfast, skip the drive-thru line. These air fryer donuts are warm, sweet, and ridiculously easy to make.

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