Air Fryer Donuts Using Biscuit Dough with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

Quick, shareable air fryer donuts made from refrigerated biscuit dough and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating plus a light cinnamon glaze. Ready in about 20 minutes, these treats are perfect for an easy dessert or snack that tastes indulgent with minimal effort.

0.0(0 reviews)
Prep: 10m · Cook: 10m · Total20 mins
DifficultyEasy
Serves4
Air Fryer Donuts Using Biscuit Dough with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

Air Fryer Donuts Using Biscuit Dough with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

If you want a weekend-shop indulgence without the yeast, oil bath, or calendar commitment, these air fryer biscuit donuts are the easiest shortcut that actually tastes like a treat. Refrigerated biscuit dough is already leavened and laminated with fat, so when it hits the hot dry heat of the air fryer it puffs into soft, tender layers with a thin, almost caramelized exterior. Brushing the fresh donuts with melted butter immediately after frying helps the cinnamon-sugar cling and gives a bakery-style sheen, while the light cinnamon glaze adds a polished counterpoint—sweet but not cloying.

This method wins for speed, shareability, and approachability: you can assemble a dozen in the time a yeast dough proofs, and the air fryer crisps faster than a skillet with far less oil. Small technique points make a big difference—don’t overwork the dough when forming the hole, give each biscuit a minute to rest before frying, and work in single layers to keep that even browning. These donuts are ideal for busy mornings, after-school treats, casual brunches, or anyone who wants the warmth and nostalgia of a doughnut without pulling out specialized tools or ingredients.

Plan your timing

6:35 pm6:39 pmMake cinnamon-sugar and cinnamon glaze
6:39 pm6:43 pmPrep the biscuit donuts
6:43 pm6:47 pmAir fry until golden
6:47 pm6:51 pmButter and coat with cinnamon-sugar
6:51 pm6:55 pmFinish with cinnamon glaze and serve
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Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

Make cinnamon-sugar and cinnamon glaze

In a shallow bowl combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until evenly mixed to make the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a separate small bowl whisk the powdered sugar with milk, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of cinnamon until smooth and pourable; add a splash more milk if needed and set the glaze aside.

For this step

  • 0.5 cupGranulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoonGround cinnamon
  • 1 cupPowdered (confectioners') sugar
  • 3 tablespoonsMilk
  • 1 teaspoonVanilla extract

Prep the biscuit donuts

Separate the refrigerated biscuits and use your thumb or a small cutter to press a hole through the center of each to form a donut (save the centers for air-fried 'holes' if desired). Let the formed donuts sit for 1–2 minutes at room temperature while you preheat the air fryer.

For this step

  • 8 countRefrigerated biscuit dough (counted biscuits)
Prep the biscuit donuts

Air fry until golden

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly brush or spray the basket with the neutral oil to prevent sticking. Working in a single layer, place donuts in the basket without overcrowding and air fry for 5–6 minutes until golden, flipping once halfway through; adjust time for your fryer and fry remaining batches as needed.

For this step

  • 3 tablespoonsUnsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoonNeutral oil (or nonstick cooking spray)
Air fry until golden

Butter and coat with cinnamon-sugar

Immediately after each batch comes out of the fryer, brush both sides with melted butter and toss the warm donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Use tongs to transfer coated donuts to a cooling rack so excess sugar can settle.
Butter and coat with cinnamon-sugar

Finish with cinnamon glaze and serve

Drizzle the prepared cinnamon glaze over the slightly cooled donuts using a spoon or a small piping bag for thin lines, or dip the tops for a heavier coating. Serve warm for best texture and flavor, and enjoy within a few hours for peak freshness.
Finish with cinnamon glaze and serve

Tips from the kitchen

Use chilled but pliable dough

Too-cold biscuits won’t expand properly, but overly warm dough becomes greasy; let them sit 1–2 minutes at room temperature so they relax and puff evenly in the air fryer.

Press the hole gently

Use your thumb or a small cutter without twisting to preserve the biscuit’s layers; a clean hole helps the donut cook through and produces tidy 'holes' if you air-fry those too.

Single-layer spacing

Place donuts in the basket in a single layer with an inch between them so hot air circulates; overcrowding leads to uneven browning and longer cook times.

Butter while scorching hot

Brush melted butter on the donuts as soon as they come out of the fryer so the coating melts in and the cinnamon-sugar adheres for even coverage.

Adjust timing by size

Smaller biscuit brands may be done in 4 minutes while larger ones need closer to 6; check color and springiness rather than relying solely on time.

Variations & substitutions

Maple-Bacon Twist

Swap the cinnamon glaze for a warm maple glaze and top with crumbled cooked bacon for a sweet-salty brunch favorite.

Apple-Cinnamon Filling

Spoon a teaspoon of quick-cooked apple compote into the center of each biscuit before pressing the hole for a fruit-filled donut; reduce air-fry time slightly to avoid leaking.

Vegan-Friendly Swap

Use vegan refrigerated biscuits (or homemade dairy-free biscuit dough), plant-based butter, and almond or oat milk in the glaze to make these dairy-free.

Lemon Sugar Finish

Replace cinnamon sugar with a mix of granulated sugar and lemon zest, and finish with a lemon glaze for a bright, tangy variation.

Storage & make-ahead

These donuts are best eaten the day they’re made; at room temperature store in a loosely covered container for up to 24 hours to avoid sogginess. For up to 2–3 days, refrigerate in an airtight container—reheat briefly in the air fryer at 300°F (about 2–3 minutes) to refresh the exterior, then re-coat with cinnamon-sugar if needed. You can freeze unglazed air-fried donuts in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag; thaw and reheat in the air fryer before finishing with butter and sugar.

What to serve with it

Serve these donuts warm with a vat of freshly brewed coffee, a cinnamon-spiced latte, or hot chocolate for kids. For a brunch spread, plate them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a small dish of warmed apple butter or chocolate sauce for dipping to give guests options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated cans?

Yes—homemade biscuit dough works beautifully, but aim for a similar thickness to canned brands and chill briefly so it holds its shape; cooking time may be slightly longer if your dough is thicker or richer.

Why are my donuts doughy in the middle?

Doughiness usually means the donuts were too thick or the fryer basket was overcrowded, which prevents even hot-air circulation; flatten slightly and give them space, and check them a minute or two longer until they spring back.

Can I skip the butter and glaze?

You can omit butter and glaze, but the butter helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere and adds richness; if skipping, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick sugar-cinnamon spray made with tiny water mist to help sugar stick.

How do I reheat leftovers so they’re not chewy?

Reheat in the air fryer at 300–325°F for 2–3 minutes to recrisp the exterior; avoid microwaving, which makes them gummy.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

You can air-fry donuts ahead, cool fully, and store them unglazed at room temperature up to a day; reheat briefly in the air fryer and finish with butter and cinnamon-sugar or glaze just before serving for best texture.

Jake

About the author

Jake

Hello, I'm Jake. I started this recipe site with the idea that I hated recipe websites that overwhelm you with long stories and ads just to see plain content that's not helpful. My goal is to provide you with quality recipes, simple ideas and a fun cooking experience. There's lots of fun things to cook, and I think as you browse the site you'll find that TopShelf.Recipes is the place for quality recipes on the web.

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Ingredients

4 servings
Step 1: Make cinnamon-sugar and cinnamon glaze
  • Granulated sugar0.5 cup
  • Ground cinnamon2 teaspoon
  • Powdered (confectioners') sugar1 cup
  • Milk3 tablespoons
  • Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Step 2: Prep the biscuit donuts
  • Refrigerated biscuit dough (counted biscuits)8 count
Step 3: Air fry until golden
  • Unsalted butter, melted3 tablespoons
  • Neutral oil (or nonstick cooking spray)1 tablespoon

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: about 90g (90g)

Calories349
Total Fat4.9g
Saturated Fat0.6g
Trans Fat0g
Polyunsaturated Fat2.5g
Monounsaturated Fat1.5g
Total Carbohydrates75.2g
Dietary Fiber1.3g
Total Sugars30.8g
Protein2.1g

Nutrition values are estimated from USDA ingredient data and may vary based on preparation, brands, and portion sizes. Values are provided for informational purposes only.

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Air Fryer Donuts Using Biscuit Dough with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

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