# 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. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/air-fryer-biscuit-donuts-cinnamon-sugar-glaze ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 18, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe 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. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 20 minutes - Servings: 5 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Air Fryer ## Ingredients ### Make cinnamon-sugar and cinnamon glaze - 1/2 cup Granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon - 1 cup Powdered (confectioners') sugar - 3 tablespoons Milk - 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract ### Prep the biscuit donuts - 8 count Refrigerated biscuit dough (counted biscuits) ### Air fry until golden - 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon Neutral oil (or nonstick cooking spray) ## Instructions ### 1. 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. ### 2. 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. ### 3. 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. ### 4. 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. ### 5. 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. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (about 1 cup): - Calories: 313 kcal - Protein: 0.7 g - Carbohydrates: 51.5 g - Fat: 11.7 g - Saturated Fat: 6.5 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 0.8 g - Sugar: 24.3 g - Added Sugars: 23.2 g - Cholesterol: 32 mg - Sodium: 64 mg - Potassium: 17 mg - Calcium: 26 mg - Iron: 0.4 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### 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 and 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. ## Notes ### Storage and 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. ### Serving Suggestions 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. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Churro Bites with Orange Glaze](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/air-fryer-pumpkin-spice-churro-bites-orange-glaze) - [How to Make Frozen French Fries Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/extra-crispy-frozen-fries-air-fryer) - [Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Tossed with Linguine (20-Minute Weeknight Pasta)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/air-fryer-garlic-butter-shrimp-linguine-20-minute-weeknight-pasta) - [Crispy Beer-Battered Baja Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Chile-Lime Crema (Air Fryer Option)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/crispy-beer-battered-baja-shrimp-tacos-air-fryer-option) - [Air Fryer Mini Lasagna Cups with Crispy Edges](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/air-fryer-mini-lasagna-cups-crispy-edges) - [Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon Bites with Sesame Rice](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/air-fryer-miso-glazed-salmon-bites-with-sesame-rice) - [Air Fryer Trends 2026: 15 Viral Recipes — Birria Tacos, Honey Toast & Beyond](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/air-fryer-trends-2026-15-viral-recipes-birria-honey-toast) - [Top 10 Halloween Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/top-10-halloween-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)