Air-Fried Donut Bliss: Biscuit-Style

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying donuts, offering a lighter, healthier option without compromising on taste or texture. With just a few simple steps and a few common ingredients, you can make delicious biscuit donuts in your air fryer in no time. This guide will take you through the process, from preparing the biscuit dough to creating the perfect toppings, so you can enjoy homemade donuts without the grease and guilt!

Choosing the right biscuit dough

When making biscuit donuts in an air fryer, choosing the right biscuit dough is essential to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the best biscuit dough for this delicious treat.

Type of Biscuit Dough

For air fryer biscuit donuts, it is recommended to use refrigerated biscuit dough, either homestyle or flaky varieties. The pre-made dough simplifies the donut-making process and offers convenience. Look for well-known brands such as Pillsbury Grands, which provide a consistent and reliable dough for your donuts. The Flaky Layers variety from Pillsbury offers a more pastry-like texture, while the Southern Homestyle Biscuits provide a different, slightly denser base.

Size of the Biscuits

The size of the biscuits you choose will impact the final result. For air fryer donuts, it is best to use larger, Grand-sized biscuits. These provide a taller, flakier donut that is closer in texture to a traditional deep-fried donut. Smaller biscuits can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster.

Ingredients and Flavours

When choosing your biscuit dough, consider the ingredients and flavours already present. Some biscuit doughs come with additional flavours like butter, honey, or buttermilk. These can enhance the taste of your donuts and reduce the need for extra flavourings. Additionally, check the ingredients list to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences and requirements.

Freshness and Storage

Always check the expiration date on the biscuit dough package to ensure freshness. Fresh dough will yield better results and a more enjoyable eating experience. If you're not using the entire can of dough at once, proper storage is crucial. Refrigerate any unused dough and check the package instructions for guidance on how long it can be safely stored.

Experimenting with Different Doughs

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of biscuit dough to find the one that suits your taste preferences. You can try different brands, flavours, and textures to see which works best for you. It might be helpful to conduct a taste test with various options and take notes on which ones you prefer, especially if you plan to make air fryer biscuit donuts regularly.

Preparing the glaze

While the donuts are cooking, prepare the glaze. For a simple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less milk. If you prefer a chocolate glaze, melt some chocolate chips with butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. For a fun twist, add a few drops of food colouring to your glaze.

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops into the glaze and place them on a cooling rack. The excess glaze will drip off, leaving you with a delicious and visually appealing treat. You can also get creative with toppings, such as sprinkles, crushed cookies, or chopped chocolate.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can even dip the glazed donuts in melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavour and texture. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate and toppings to find your favourite combination.

For a simpler approach, you can opt for a classic powdered sugar coating. Simply dip the warm donuts into a bowl of powdered sugar for a delicate and sweet finish. This method is perfect for those who prefer their donuts on the less sweet side.

Air-frying the donuts

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with an air fryer-safe cooking spray, such as coconut oil or olive oil spray. Avoid non-stick sprays, as these can damage the coating of the basket. Place the donuts in the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air fry the donuts for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway or two-thirds through so that both sides cook evenly. The donuts are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. If you are cooking donut holes, these will take 3-5 minutes.

Brushing with butter

Brushing your biscuit donuts with butter is an important step in the air fryer donut-making process. Not only does it add a rich flavour to your donuts, but it also helps the toppings stick to them.

To brush your donuts with butter, first melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. You can do this while your donuts are cooking in the air fryer. Then, using a pastry brush, coat each donut with the melted butter. Make sure to get both the tops and bottoms of the donuts. You can also use a fork to hold the donut in place as you brush.

After brushing the donuts with butter, you can then dip them into your chosen topping. Some popular options include cinnamon sugar, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even melted chocolate. You can also experiment with different toppings like sprinkles or shredded coconut.

If you want to make donut holes, don't forget to brush the reserved biscuit centres with butter before coating them in your chosen topping.

Adding toppings

Cinnamon Sugar

This classic combination is a favourite for a reason. Simply mix together cinnamon and sugar, and dip or roll your warm donuts in the mixture until fully coated. You can also brush the donuts with melted butter first, which will help the toppings stick and add a rich flavour.

Powdered Sugar

For a simpler approach, coat your donuts in powdered sugar for a delicious and beautiful finish. This option is especially good if you're short on time or want to let the donut itself shine.

Glaze

For a decadent glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk, then dip the tops of your donuts into the glaze. Place them on a cooling rack, and let the excess drip off. You can also add a few drops of food colouring to the glaze for a fun twist.

Chocolate Glaze

For chocolate lovers, a chocolate glaze is a must-try. Melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips with butter, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Dip your donuts into the glaze or spread it on top with a knife.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles are a fun and colourful addition to any donut. You can add them on top of a glaze or chocolate coating, or even mix them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more subtle effect.

Chopped Nuts, Shredded Coconut, or Crushed Cookies

For a more indulgent treat, top your glazed or chocolate-covered donuts with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies like Oreos. This will add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour.

Feel free to experiment and get creative with your toppings. You can also try combining different toppings to create unique flavour profiles. Enjoy your delicious biscuit donuts!

Frequently asked questions