Air Fryer Donuts: Pillsbury's Quick Treat

Making donuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and a can of Pillsbury Grands!™ biscuits, you can create delicious homemade donuts in under 15 minutes. This guide will teach you how to make the perfect air fryer donuts, from preparing the dough to storing your tasty treats.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step in making delicious, fluffy donuts with a crispy exterior. It's simple to do and only takes a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Turn on your air fryer: Start by turning on your air fryer and setting the temperature to 330 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a slightly lower temperature than you'll use for cooking the donuts, but it's an important first step to ensure your air fryer is ready for action.
• Let it run: Allow your air fryer to run at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for around 3 to 5 minutes. This preheating time will ensure that your air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for cooking those mouth-watering donuts.
• Choose your cooking temperature: Depending on your recipe, you can now adjust the temperature to the desired cooking temperature. Most recipes for Pillsbury donuts suggest cooking at 350 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can set your air fryer to one of these temperatures after preheating.
• Consistency is key: Preheating your air fryer ensures that your donuts will cook evenly. By starting with a consistent temperature, you can achieve that perfect balance of a fluffy interior and a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Get ready to cook: With your air fryer preheated, you're now ready to start cooking your donuts. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your chosen recipe, including any recommendations for cooking time and whether to flip your donuts during the cooking process.
• Enjoy the results: Preheating your air fryer helps guarantee that your donuts will turn out perfectly. By taking this simple step, you're well on your way to enjoying delicious, freshly made donuts that rival any bakery.

Prepare the dough

To prepare the dough, start by preheating your air fryer to 350-370°F. You can do this by turning on your air fryer at 330°F and letting it run for about 2-5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, open the can of Pillsbury Grands!™ biscuits and place them on a cutting board. Separate your dough into 8 biscuits. Cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. You can use a 1-inch round cookie cutter, the top of a soda bottle, or a knife to cut out the holes. Don't throw away the centers, as you can use them to make bonus donut holes!

Once your dough is prepared and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your donuts. Place 3-4 donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have room to breathe and are not overlapping. You will likely need to cook the donuts in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the donuts

Now that you've cut out your donuts and donut holes, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350-370°F and let it run for 2-5 minutes.

Next, place your donuts in the fryer. Be sure to give them some room to breathe and fry them in batches of 3-4 at a time. Fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're a deep golden brown.

Once they're cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Then, brush the donuts with melted butter, making sure to cover the sides.

Finally, it's time to add your toppings! You can sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or icing of your choice. Or, for a more indulgent treat, try dipping them in a glaze or chocolate.

Melt the butter

To melt the butter, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If you're using a microwave, simply place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's completely melted. If you prefer to use a stovetop, put the butter in a small saucepan and melt it over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the butter is melted, you can use it to dip your donuts or brush it onto the surface of the donuts. Some recipes also call for mixing the melted butter with other ingredients, such as cinnamon and sugar, to create a glaze or topping for the donuts.

When melting butter, it's important to keep a close eye on it to avoid overheating or burning it. Also, make sure that your butter is fully melted before using it, as any solid chunks can affect the texture and appearance of your donuts.

Additionally, the amount of butter you need to melt will depend on the recipe you are following. Some recipes call for just a few tablespoons of melted butter, while others may require a quarter or half a cup. Be sure to measure out the amount specified in your chosen recipe before beginning the melting process.

Coat the donuts

Now for the fun part: coating the donuts!

First, brush the donuts with melted butter. You can use a silicone pastry brush to make sure you cover all sides.

Next, it's time to add the toppings! You can sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the donuts, or you can dip them in a powdered sugar glaze. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can try one of these glaze recipes:

Maple Glaze

Add half a cup of powdered sugar or icing sugar and 5 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir it together and dip the top of your donuts into the glaze.

Maple Glaze and Bacon Topping

Dip the top of the donuts into the maple glaze and then sprinkle with bacon.

Chocolate Glaze

Dip your donuts into melted chocolate or Nutella, or drizzle chocolate syrup on top.

If you want to stick with a classic cinnamon sugar topping, simply mix together cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Then, dip the buttered donuts into the mixture, making sure to coat all sides.

And there you have it! Delicious, mouth-watering Pillsbury donuts made right in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions