Super Simple & Yummy Donuts in the Air Fryer!
My husband is a huge fan of donuts, but they can really cost a lot at the local donut shop….. I have tried in the past to fry them at home but honestly the mess and the time just was too much for a quick treat….
Well, now all that changes by just using basic refrigerated biscuit dough and your air fryer. It literally only take about 6-7 minutes in the air fryer, so these are a quick treat even for a weeknight!
Now to make truly awesome donuts, you need some kind of glaze or topping, so we got that covered as well!
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts
Super Simple! You also have 3 options as far as sizes too!
- Leave the biscuits whole for a donut you can fill using a pastry bag or top with fillings like pudding or pie filling.
- Cut a center out for a more traditional donut and you will also have some donut holes.
- Cut into quarters for a whole bunch of mini donuts or donut holes!
Pop them in the air fryer at 250 degrees for 6-7 minutes. I like to flip them halfway.
Now we just have to figure out what kind of donuts do we want?
Easy Glazes and Flavors for Air Fryer Donuts
1. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
2. Vanilla Glazed Donuts
3. Chocolate Glazed Donuts
4. Maple Glazed Donuts
5. Strawberry Glazed Donuts
Try this basic formula with other fruits too! (Imagine a mango glazed donut, a blackberry glaze, or even a peach glazed donut!)
6. Lemon Glazed Donut
You can easily switch this one up to be lime glazed donuts or orange glazed donuts too!
What other kinds of donuts can I make?
Here are some fun ideas you can try at home!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Donuts
Once the donuts are air-fried, warm a bit of peanut butter and drizzle it on top. Add a spoonful of jelly or jam in the center for a PB&J-inspired flavor.
Apple Pie Donuts
Brush the donuts with a little melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar. Top with a spoonful of apple pie filling and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a comforting twist. (Leave the biscuits whole for this one!)
S’mores Donuts
Spread some marshmallow fluff on top of the donuts, drizzle with chocolate glaze, and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
Strawberry Shortcake Donuts
Roll the donuts in sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream on top, and finish with fresh strawberry slices.
Maple Bacon Donuts
Glaze with maple syrup and sprinkle with crumbled crispy bacon for a sweet and savory option.
Matcha Donuts
Make a matcha glaze by mixing powdered sugar, a bit of matcha powder, and water or milk until smooth for a unique twist!
Coconut Cream Donuts
Dip the donuts in a vanilla glaze (powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract), then roll them in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
Cookies and Cream Donuts
Coat the donuts in a simple white glaze, then sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) on top. For extra fun, drizzle a bit of chocolate on top of the cookie pieces.
Caramel Pecan Donuts
Spread caramel sauce over the donuts and sprinkle with chopped pecans. A pinch of sea salt makes a perfect finishing touch!
Mint Chocolate Donuts
Make a minty glaze with powdered sugar, a tiny bit of mint extract, and green food coloring. Drizzle with chocolate glaze for a classic mint chocolate flavor.
Honey & Pistachio Donuts
Drizzle warm honey over the donuts and sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios. This gives a sweet, nutty flavor and a nice crunch!
Churro Donuts
After frying, brush donuts with melted butter and roll in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. For extra sweetness, drizzle with caramel or chocolate.
Berry Cheesecake Donuts
Spread cream cheese frosting on top, then add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can even add a berry puree drizzle for more flavor!
Espresso Glazed Donuts
Make an espresso glaze by combining powdered sugar with a touch of brewed espresso for a rich, coffee-flavored treat.
Maple Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Mix a maple glaze with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top for a fall-inspired treat.
Almond Joy Donuts
Spread chocolate glaze on the donuts, sprinkle with shredded coconut, and add a few slivered almonds.
Birthday Cake Donuts
Coat the donuts in vanilla glaze and cover with colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive vibe.
Orange Creamsicle Donuts
Whisk together powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and zest for an orange glaze, adding a vanilla drizzle on top for that classic creamsicle flavor.
Pistachio Rose Donuts
Use a rosewater-infused glaze and top with chopped pistachios for a unique, aromatic treat.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Donuts
Spread chocolate glaze on the donut, then drizzle with melted peanut butter for a deliciously classic combo.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Donuts
Dip donuts in caramel glaze and top with crushed pretzels and a light sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty mix.
Is that it for Donuts?
There is literally so many options when it comes to donuts! You can also go dig around in your backing cabinet to be inspired for other flavors too!
Don’t forget that you can also “fill” or “top” the center of a whole donut with lots of different pie fillings and even prepared puddings.
You can also play around with the shapes to make Long Johns or Bar Style donuts too!
This is a great family fun activity for you to involve your kids as well!
