Craving a sweet treat without the fuss? These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a perfect quick dessert recipe, delivering warm, fluffy goodness in minutes. You’ll love how simple it is to create bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Use flaky or buttermilk biscuits, not crescent rolls.
- Melted Butter: Margarine works too.
- Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 donuts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, pastry brush or spoon, small bowls, parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Air Fryer and Donut Shapes
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, open the biscuit dough and use a small round cutter (like a shot glass or bottle cap) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. You’ll have 8 donuts and 8 donut holes.
2. Air Fry the Donuts
Lightly grease your air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the donuts in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap; you’ll likely need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with donut holes, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts cook, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. In another small bowl, melt the butter. This quick dessert recipe relies on this perfect coating.
4. Coat Your Warm Donuts
Once the donuts are out of the air fryer, immediately brush them generously with melted butter. Then, dredge each donut through the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade quick dessert.
Variation Ideas:
- Powdered Sugar Donuts: Instead of cinnamon sugar, toss warm donuts in powdered sugar.
- Chocolate Glaze: Dip cooled donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of milk.
- Maple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little maple syrup and milk for a delicious topping.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) for a freshly baked taste. This makes them a convenient quick dessert recipe for later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use other types of dough for this quick dessert recipe?
A: While refrigerated biscuit dough works best for ease, you can experiment with homemade yeast dough or even puff pastry, though cooking times will vary.
Q: How do you prevent the donuts from sticking to the air fryer?
A: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.
Q: Can you make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you can find gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough, you can follow the same steps.
Q: What if you don’t have a donut cutter?
A: A small round cookie cutter, a shot glass, or even the cap of a water bottle can work perfectly to cut out the centers.
Q: Can you bake these in an oven instead?
A: Yes, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown, then coat as directed.
Q: Are the donut holes worth making?
A: Absolutely! They cook even faster and are delightful little bites, perfect for enjoying as part of this quick dessert recipe.