Crispy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe — Light, Fluffy, No Frying

Air fryer donuts are warm, light, fluffy, and buttery—simply irresistible. These sweet glazed donuts cook quickly in an air fryer and are sure to please the whole family.

Air Fryer Donuts Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 can Grands buttermilk biscuits (10-count)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Additions

Biscuits: You can use a different brand of canned biscuits, but texture and cooking time may vary slightly.

Glaze: Swap the vanilla for maple, almond, or coconut extract to change the flavor of the glaze.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

Step Two: Open the can of biscuits, separate them, and place them on parchment so they don’t stick while you work.

Step Three: Cut a hole in the center of each biscuit using a 1-inch cookie cutter, the wide end of a frosting tip, or by pinching the dough and smoothing the hole with your fingers.

Step Four: Use your hands to smooth the edges and form an even donut shape. Save the center pieces to make donut holes, if you like.

Step Five: Brush melted butter over each donut.

Step Six: Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Arrange the donuts in a single layer with space between them so air can circulate.

Step Seven: Cook for about 6 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Glaze

Step Eight: Whisk the powdered sugar, melted butter, salt, water, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. Add water a teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency.

Step Nine: While the donuts are still warm, use a fork to dip each one into the glaze, turning it until fully coated.

Step Ten: Place glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off.

Step Eleven: Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Alternative coating: For cinnamon sugar, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Spray the warm donuts lightly with oil and toss each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts

These donuts are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or a chilled chocolate drink for a comforting treat. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage

In the fridge: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.

In the freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add the glaze after thawing for best results.

Air fryer donuts are quick and simple to make at home. They turn out light and fluffy inside with a slightly crisp exterior. Finish them with a vanilla glaze or a cinnamon-sugar coating for a crowd-pleasing sweet treat suitable for any occasion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I freeze this air fryer donut recipe?

Yes. Freeze the donuts before glazing for up to 3 months. Glaze them after thawing for the best texture.

Do I have to add the glaze?

No. You can coat the donuts with cinnamon sugar instead for a different flavor and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a cookie cutter for the hole?

Use a bottle cap, the wide end of a frosting tip, or simply pinch out a center and smooth the dough with your fingers.

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