Air fryer donuts are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic treat without the need for deep frying. Making donuts with biscuit dough in an air fryer is a quick and healthier alternative to traditional methods. The beauty of using biscuit dough lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the fact that you don’t need to spend hours preparing the dough from scratch.
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around food, mimicking the effect of deep frying but using much less oil. This makes the donuts significantly lower in fat and calories compared to traditional fried donuts, all while achieving that crispy, golden exterior we all love. Additionally, air fryer donuts are quick to make, usually taking less than 10 minutes to cook, which is ideal for busy mornings or sudden cravings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple process of making donuts using pre-packaged biscuit dough and your air fryer. Whether you’re a dessert lover, a busy home cook, or someone looking for a healthier version of a beloved treat, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can of pre-packaged biscuit dough
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small round cutter or bottle cap
- Tongs or a spatula
- Small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Biscuits
The first step is to prepare your biscuit dough. Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. You will need to create the donut shapes, so start by using a small round cutter or a bottle cap (something around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) to cut out the center of each biscuit. This will give you the iconic donut shape. Don’t throw away the centers; they will cook up into mini donut holes, which are just as delicious!
If you don’t have a cutter or bottle cap, you can simply use a knife to carefully cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Just make sure to create a circular hole, as this is what will give the donuts their shape.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Now it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps to ensure that the donuts cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Most air fryers require a preheating temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. While it’s preheating, you can prepare your donuts and any toppings you want to use.
3. Cook the Donuts
Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the donuts. Lightly coat the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray to prevent the donuts from sticking. Arrange the biscuit donut shapes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows the air to circulate around each donut, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Spray the tops of the donuts with a light coating of cooking spray. This helps to create a golden-brown exterior during the cooking process. Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. It’s important to flip the donuts halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are equally browned. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip them over.
4. Add Toppings
Once the donuts are cooked and golden brown, it’s time to add your toppings. You can get creative here, depending on what flavor you’re craving. A classic choice is to coat the warm donuts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. To do this, simply place some sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and roll the donuts in the mixture until they are fully coated.
Alternatively, you can drizzle icing or chocolate glaze over the donuts for a sweeter treat. You can also dust the donuts with powdered sugar for a lighter, more delicate topping. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.
Tips for Best Results
Achieving the perfect air fryer donut requires a bit of attention to detail, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing. Here are some tips for getting the best results:
Monitor Browning: Every air fryer is different, so it’s important to check the donuts a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. If they’re not golden brown yet, allow them to cook a bit longer. But be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become too dry.
Donut Holes: Don’t forget to cook the donut holes! They usually cook faster than the larger donuts, so check them after 3-4 minutes. You can use them as a bite-sized treat or coat them in toppings just like the larger donuts.
Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the basket of the air fryer. The air fryer relies on hot air circulation to cook food evenly, so if the donuts are touching, they won’t cook properly. It’s better to cook the donuts in batches if necessary.
Add Variety: While sugar and cinnamon are a classic choice, you can get creative with toppings. Try drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce, or topping the donuts with sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Creative Toppings and Variations
Chocolate Glaze: After the donuts are cooked, dip them in melted chocolate or a chocolate glaze for a decadent treat.
Maple Glaze: For a breakfast-inspired version, drizzle the donuts with a maple syrup glaze.
Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive touch, perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
Fruit Toppings: For a lighter option, top the donuts with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
Additional Information
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are perfect for pairing with a hot beverage like coffee or hot chocolate. They can be served as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after dinner. If you want to make the experience even more special, you can serve the donuts with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Storing Leftover Donuts
If you happen to have any leftover donuts, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They may lose some of their crispiness after being stored, but they can be easily revived in the air fryer for a minute or two. Simply place the donuts back in the air fryer and cook for about 2 minutes at 350°F to reheat them and restore their crunch.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer bag or airtight container. To reheat, simply pop them into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Conclusion
Making donuts in an air fryer with biscuit dough is an incredibly easy and delicious way to enjoy homemade donuts without the mess and oil of deep frying. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create golden, crispy donuts in no time. Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon sugar coating, a sweet icing drizzle, or a more decadent chocolate glaze, there’s no wrong way to top these donuts.
The air fryer makes it all possible, offering a healthier, quicker, and more convenient alternative to traditional donut-making methods. Perfect for busy mornings, special occasions, or a late-night snack, these air fryer biscuits donuts will quickly become a household favorite.
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