My air fryer donuts are light, golden, and covered in a simple homemade glaze for a treat that’s downright irresistible! I make them with flaky Grands biscuits so they come together in minutes and taste just like the real thing.
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My Easy Recipe For Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
I’m always trying to make new recipes in my air fryer to use it to its full potential, so it didn’t take long to try out air fryer donuts.
I have a huge tooth, so I needed them sweet, but super easy. That’s when I got the idea to use that can of Pillsbury Grands biscuits in the back of my refrigerator to the donuts in the air fryer!
I’ve made plenty of donuts the traditional way, including making dough from scratch with yeast and frying in oil, but I love this stress-free version. No splattering, no waiting, no fuss! Just warm, fluffy glazed donuts that make any morning feel a little more special. Plus, my daughter Leah loves to help coat them in the glaze.
For more delicious breakfast recipes to start the day the right way, check out my air fryer pancakes, air fryer hard boiled eggs, air fryer sausage links, air fryer French toast sticks, and air fryer toast!
Air Fryer Donut Recipe Ingredients
- Pillsbury Grands biscuits – I like using the flaky or homestyle variety because they puff up beautifully and stay soft inside. They’re the perfect shortcut for a quick donut!
- Confectioner’s sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, this is the key to a smooth, glossy glaze that coats the donuts perfectly.
- Vanilla extract – Adds just the right touch of flavor and sweetness to balance the glaze.
- Milk – I use whole milk to thin the glaze to the right consistency, but any milk works. A little extra milk makes it smoother if needed.
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Using a small circular cookie cutter about 1-2 inches in diameter, cut a hole into the middle of each biscuit to form a donut.
STEP THREE: Place the donuts and donut holes in the air fryer in a single layer.
STEP FOUR: Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
STEP FIVE: Meanwhile, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add the extra tablespoon of milk if needed for better consistency.
STEP SIX: Carefully them from the air fryer and immediately dip them into the glaze. Place the donuts on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 minutes, then enjoy!
Tips for the Best Donuts in the Air Fryer
- I cut the donut holes with a small 1-inch biscuit cutter or cookie cutter. They air fry into yummy donut holes! 2-inches will also work, but a 3-inch cutter is too big.
- Using a little non-stick spray in the air fryer basket can keep the donuts from sticking.
- I always leave space between the donuts in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate evenly for that perfect golden finish. I prefer to air fry the donuts in batches instead of crowding the basket.
- When whisking the glaze, if it isn’t quite the right consistency, I’ll add an extra tablespoon of milk.
- If I’m in a hurry, I microwave the glaze for a few seconds to help the sugar dissolve faster.
- I dip each donut in the glaze immediately after air frying so the glaze sticks to the warm donuts.
Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Variations and Substitutions
- I sometimes roll hot donuts in cinnamon sugar right after air frying for that classic fair-style flavor.
- For a quick chocolate glaze, I’ll melt chocolate chips in a double boiler. This is also great to drizzle over the regular glaze!
- If I’m in the mood for a maple glaze, I’ll add some maple syrup to the mixture and play around with the amount of milk to get the right consistency. My husband loves when I add bacon crumbles on top of this version!
- I also love heating up maple syrup in a small bowl to dip the donut holes for a quick and easy snack.
- I stir a little espresso powder into the glaze for a coffee-flavored donut that pairs perfectly with my morning cup.
- For that bakery-fresh feeling, I’ll sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top.
What to Serve when using an Air Fryer for Doughnuts
If I want some savory goodness to go with my air fryer donuts, I love making air fryer scrambled eggs, air fryer hash browns, and air fryer bacon for a full breakfast!
For something simpler, I’ll serve donuts with fresh fruit and cream cheese fruit dip or marshmallow fruit dip or whip up my fall fruit salad.
Air Fryer Donuts FAQs
Is it better to fry or bake donuts?
I personally think it’s hard to beat deep-frying donuts. Baked donuts just don’t turn out quite the same. That’s why air frying donuts is the best of all worlds because the donuts turn out amazing with way less oil and mess!
Can I use regular sugar instead of confectioner’s sugar?
Regular sugar doesn’t dissolve the same way, so I stick with confectioner’s sugar for the glaze. It blends smoothly with milk and vanilla and gives the donuts that classic glossy finish. If I only have granulated sugar, I’ll quickly pulse it in my blender to make a finer version that works in a pinch.
Do I need to flip the donuts in the air fryer while they are cooking?
I usually skip flipping the donuts because they’re in the air fryer for such a short time, and I don’t want to lose too much heat by opening the air fryer basket. They still turn out amazing even without flipping!
How to store leftovers
I store my leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I keep them somewhere cool so the glaze doesn’t melt, but I don’t like putting them in the fridge because it can dry out the donuts.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer pork chops
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Air fryer pork tenderloin
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Hash browns in the air fryer
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Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury Grand Rolls flaky or homestyle
For the Glaze
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Using a small circular cookie cutter about 1-2 inches in diameter, cut a hole into the middle of the doughnut.
- Place the doughnuts and donut holes into the air fryer in one single layer and cook them for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
- Meanwhile, put the easy glaze together by whisking the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk together. Add the extra tablespoon of milk if needed for better consistency.
- Carefully remove the donuts from the air fryer and immediately dip them into the glaze.
- Place on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 minutes, then enjoy!
Notes
- Cut the donut holes with a small 1-inch biscuit cutter or cookie cutter. 2-inches will also work, but a 3-inch cutter is too big.
- Always leave space between the donuts in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate evenly for that perfect golden finish.
- When whisking the glaze, if it isn’t quite the right consistency, add an extra tablespoon of milk.
- If in a hurry, microwave the glaze for a few seconds to help the sugar dissolve faster.
- Dip each donut in the glaze immediately after air frying so the glaze sticks to the warm donuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
