Save The weekend air fryer purchase that was supposed to be for 'healthier cooking' took an ironic turn the moment I discovered how to make these cinnamon sugar donuts. Standing in my kitchen at 7 AM on a rainy Saturday, still in pajamas, I popped open a can of biscuit dough with that satisfying thwack against the counter. The scent of warm cinnamon filled my apartment before anyone else was even awake.
My sister dropped by unexpectedly during my third batch of testing these donuts, drawn by the smell wafting down the hallway. She walked through the door, eyebrows raised in question, then immediately grabbed one still warm from the coating bowl. The look on her face as the cinnamon sugar scattered across her sweater was worth the extra cleanup. Now she texts me before visits to make sure these will be waiting.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret weapon here is using the basic, inexpensive biscuits rather than the fancy layered ones, as they puff more evenly in the air fryer.
- Unsalted butter: This acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar coating, and I discovered that brushing rather than dipping ensures you get just the right amount without making them soggy.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly opened cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in aroma, so I always save a new container specifically for this recipe.
Instructions
- Prep your dough:
- Pop open that can of biscuits and use a small bottle cap to cut out the centers. The first time I made these, I used a shot glass and it worked perfectly.
- Get your fryer ready:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and give the basket a light spray. The sound of that first batch hitting the hot basket is oddly satisfying.
- Arrange with care:
- Place the donuts in a single layer without touching. They need room to expand and brown evenly.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Youll know theyre done when they puff up and develop that irresistible golden color.
- Butter bath:
- Brush each hot donut with melted butter immediately after cooking. Work quickly here as the warm donuts absorb the butter best.
- Cinnamon sugar magic:
- Toss the buttered donuts in your cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. I like to gently press the mixture onto the sides for maximum coverage.
- Donut hole bonus round:
- Dont forget those cute centers! They only need about 3-4 minutes in the air fryer and make perfect little bite-sized treats.
Save Last Christmas morning, I quietly made a double batch of these while everyone was still opening gifts. The moment I set the platter down among the torn wrapping paper, conversation stopped mid-sentence. My nephew, who typically refuses anything that isnt cereal, grabbed two and declared them better than birthday cake. Sometimes the simplest foods create the strongest connections.
Morning Shortcuts
For busy mornings, I prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture the night before and keep it in a covered bowl. The mixture will clump slightly overnight but a quick stir breaks it up. Ive found this small bit of preparation makes the morning process so much smoother when Im still fumbling for coffee.
Flavor Variations
After making these donuts nearly a dozen times, Ive experimented with several flavor twists. Adding a quarter teaspoon of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar creates an unexpected warmth, while a dash of vanilla extract in the melted butter adds depth. My personal favorite variation involves zesting an orange into the sugar mixture, which brightens the entire experience.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of these donuts is their versatility when it comes to serving. Ive stacked them on a cake stand for impromptu brunches and packed them in parchment paper for park picnics. The slight crunch of the coating holds up surprisingly well even after an hour.
- Create a donut board with different dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, maple glaze, or fruit compote.
- For a dessert twist, warm them slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack them in lunch boxes inside a paper bag that will absorb any excess sugar without making them soggy.
Save These little donuts have become my signature offering, requested at neighborhood gatherings and family breakfasts alike. Theres something magical about transforming ordinary ingredients into something that makes people pause, smile, and reach for seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works well. Prepare your dough following your favorite biscuit recipe, then cut and air fry using the same method. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on dough thickness, so monitor the first batch.
- → What's the best way to cut donut holes?
Use a small round cutter, bottle cap, or even a piping tip to punch out the center of each biscuit. Keep cuts clean and centered for even cooking. Reserve the centers to air fry separately as donut holes with 3-4 minutes cooking time.
- → How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?
The key is brushing donuts with melted butter immediately after air frying while they're still warm. The butter acts as an adhesive for the cinnamon sugar mixture to cling to the donut surface. Toss gently but thoroughly.
- → Can these donuts be made ahead of time?
Donuts are best served warm, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead and reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as they may dry out.
- → What toppings pair well with cinnamon sugar coating?
Beyond the classic cinnamon sugar, try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, drizzling with glaze, dusting with powdered sugar, or sprinkling brown sugar for extra crunch. Vanilla glaze or chocolate drizzle also complement these well.
- → How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray before arranging donuts. Ensure they're not crowded and don't touch each other. Leave space for air circulation, which also helps them cook evenly and prevent sticking.