Air Fryer Donuts: Quick Biscuit Hack

Air fryer donuts are a quick and easy treat that can be made in minutes. They are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts and can be made with just four ingredients. Using store-bought biscuit dough, an air fryer, and some common pantry staples, you can create delicious homemade donuts with a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. This recipe is a fun activity to do with kids and can be easily customised with a variety of toppings and flavours.

Choosing the right biscuits

First, opt for refrigerated biscuit dough, either homestyle or flaky. The flaky variety will give your donuts a more pastry-like texture, while the homestyle option provides a classic biscuit base. Look for well-known brands like Pillsbury Grands, which offer convenient tubes of pre-made dough that simplify the donut-making process.

When selecting your biscuit dough, consider the flavour you want to achieve. For a warm and inviting taste, choose options like Buttermilk or Butter Tastin' flavours. If you're feeling adventurous, go for Honey Butter—a unique twist that will surprise your taste buds.

If you're short on time or prefer convenience, go for store-bought biscuit dough. Canned biscuit dough is readily available and can save you the effort of making dough from scratch. Simply pop open the can, and you're ready to start shaping your donuts.

When preparing your biscuit dough, follow the specific instructions provided by the recipe you are using. Some recipes may require you to cut out the centre of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. You can use a small cookie cutter, a bottle cap, or even a napkin ring for this step.

Lastly, consider the size of your air fryer when deciding on the quantity of biscuits to prepare. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket or tray, you may need to cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding.

By choosing the right biscuits and following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering air fryer donuts that your family and friends will adore.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set the temperature to 350°F to 360°F. This step ensures that your donuts cook evenly and efficiently. Allow your air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

Next, you'll want to prepare the air fryer basket or tray. Lightly coat it with an air fryer-safe cooking spray. Avoid using non-stick sprays, as these can be harmful to your air fryer. Instead, opt for coconut oil or olive oil spray. You can also use canola or vegetable oil spray if you don't have coconut or olive oil available.

Once your air fryer is preheated and the basket is coated, it's time to place your donuts inside. Carefully arrange the donuts in the basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. If you're making donut holes, you can place them in the basket as well, or cook them separately later.

Now, you'll set the timer for your air fryer. For cooking the donuts, set the timer for 5-7 minutes. If you're cooking donut holes, they will need less time, so set the timer for 3 minutes. Keep an eye on your donuts to ensure they don't overcook. You want them to be golden brown and puffed up when they're done.

While the donuts are cooking, you can prepare any toppings or glazes you plan to use. Cinnamon sugar is a popular choice, and you can easily make it by mixing cinnamon and sugar in a medium bowl. You can also make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. Get creative and experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.

Finally, when the timer goes off, carefully remove the donuts from the air fryer. If you're cooking in batches, you may need to repeat the process for the remaining donuts. Allow the donuts to cool slightly before topping or glazing them. Serve them warm to enjoy the best taste and texture.

Cutting the biscuits

Firstly, lay out your biscuits on a clean surface or cutting board. You can use any type of biscuit dough, such as homestyle or flaky varieties, depending on your preference. Ensure you have separated the individual biscuits from the can.

Now, it's time to create that classic donut shape! Using a small round cookie cutter, a bottle cap, or even the back of a pastry tip, cut out the centers of each biscuit. Don't worry if you don't have a small cutter specifically for the center – get creative! You can use a 1-inch circular cookie cutter or even a napkin ring. If you're making donut holes, be sure to save those cut-out centers.

Some recipes suggest cutting the biscuits into quarters to make donut bites or holes, ensuring you don't waste any dough. This approach is perfect if you don't want to bother with creating the classic ring shape.

Once you've cut out the centers (or quartered the biscuits), your donuts are almost ready for the air fryer! But first, a quick tip: if you're making donut holes, roll the saved centers into balls, so they resemble miniature donuts.

Now you're all set for the next step – cooking your donuts in the air fryer!

Air frying the donuts

Air-frying the donuts is a quick and easy process. First, preheat your air fryer to 350–360°F. Take your biscuits out of the can and cut a hole in the centre of each one, using a 1-inch circular cookie cutter, or something similar. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, such as coconut oil or olive oil spray. Avoid using non-stick sprays, as these can be harmful to your air fryer.

Place the donuts in the basket, leaving space between them. Set the timer for 5–7 minutes. While the donuts are cooking, melt some butter and prepare your cinnamon sugar mixture by combining cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.

When the donuts are done, they should be golden brown. Brush them with melted butter, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, or your chosen glaze. If you want to cook the donut holes, too, follow the same process but air fry them for 3 minutes.

Adding toppings

Cinnamon Sugar

Combine cinnamon and sugar in a medium-sized bowl. After removing your donuts from the air fryer, brush them with melted butter and then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are completely coated. This classic topping option adds a warm and inviting flavour to your donuts.

Powdered Sugar

For a simple yet delicious option, coat your donuts in powdered sugar. This can be done by dipping the donuts into a bowl of powdered sugar or using a sieve to dust the sugar over the donuts. This method creates a light and elegant finish.

Nutella

Nutella is a perfect choice for chocolate lovers. Spread Nutella on top of your donuts and add sprinkles for extra texture and colour. You can also experiment with other chocolate spreads or melted chocolate for a decadent treat.

Icing

Prepare a simple icing by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Once your donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the icing and place them on a cooling rack. The excess icing will drip off, creating a beautiful glaze. You can also add sprinkles, chopped chocolate, or other toppings of your choice.

Chocolate Glaze

For a more indulgent option, dip your donuts in chocolate glaze. To make the glaze, simply melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with butter, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. You can also add food colouring to the glaze for a unique touch.

Get Creative

Feel free to experiment with other toppings like a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a more decadent dip in melted chocolate. You can then add sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or any other toppings that suit your taste preferences and creative whims. The options are endless!

Frequently asked questions