How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Donuts with Just 4 Ingredients

Air fryer donuts are a game-changer, light, fluffy, and deliciously sweet, made with just four simple ingredients. No deep frying, no mess, and ready in minutes!

Perfect for a quick breakfast treat, a fun dessert, or an indulgent snack.

Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, dipped in chocolate, or glazed with vanilla icing.

A plate of colorful air fryer donuts topped with icing and various sprinkles

4 Ingredients Air Fryer Donuts

Light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet, these Air Fryer Donuts are a true game-changer. Made with just four simple ingredients and no need for deep frying, they deliver all the joy of a classic donut with none of the mess. Whether
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 donuts
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Biscuit cutter or small round cookie cutter bottle cap or knife can be used as alternatives
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Pastry brush optional, for butter application

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 2 TBSP melted butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
    Separate the biscuit dough and use a small round cutter to create the donut shape, reserving the centers to make donut holes.
    Hands shaping raw donut dough rings on a floured wooden board
  • Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Cook in batches if necessary.
    Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
    Air fryer basket filled with golden-brown donuts after cooking
  • Immediately brush the hot donuts with melted butter.
    In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Roll each donut in the mixture until fully coated.
    Plate of golden air fryer donuts coated in cinnamon sugar
  • Serve warm and enjoy!
    Stack of warm cinnamon-sugar air fryer donuts on a white plate

Video

Notes

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 donut)
Calories 220
Carbohydrates 26g
Protein 3g
Fat 12g
Serving Size ~65g
Saturated Fat 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 450mg
Potassium 70mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 10g
Vitamin A 120 IU
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 20mg
Iron 1.2mg

Cooking Tips

  • For extra crispy donuts, air fry an additional minute.
  • Add a glaze or dip in melted chocolate for a different twist.
  • If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, a bottle cap or knife works fine.
  • Use parchment paper liners in your air fryer to avoid sticking.
Keyword Air Fryer, Snack, Vegetarian

Can You Use any other Ingredients?

If you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary needs, there are several great alternative ingredients you can use in this air fryer donut recipe.

Instead of traditional refrigerated biscuit dough, try using canned crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture.

For a healthier twist, whole wheat biscuit dough adds fiber while still delivering on flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are now pre-made gluten-free biscuit doughs available at many grocery stores, just check the label to ensure air frying is recommended.

For those avoiding dairy, swap the melted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. You can also get creative with the coating, use powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a blend of maple sugar and cinnamon for an one-of-a-kind taste.

If you prefer a savory version, skip the sugar and cinnamon and brush the donuts with garlic butter or sprinkle with parmesan and herbs right after air frying. These ingredient swaps allow you to customize the recipe to suit different palates and dietary preferences without compromising on the delicious factor.

Summary

With just four simple ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can enjoy delicious, warm donuts anytime, without the hassle of deep frying or complicated steps.

Air fryer donuts recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, offering a fun and fast way to satisfy sweet cravings.

Give them a try and enjoy the magic of homemade treats with minimal effort!

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