Save It There's something almost magical about opening a can of biscuit dough and transforming it into something that tastes like a bakery treat made just for you. The first time I tried this, I wasn't even sure it would work—turning a simple refrigerated biscuit into a proper donut felt like cheating in the best way possible. But when those golden puffs came out of the air fryer, the kitchen filled with this warm, cinnamon-sugar sweetness that stopped me in my tracks. My kids appeared from nowhere, drawn by the smell alone, and suddenly I understood why this became my go-to when I wanted something homemade-tasting without the fuss.
I made these one Saturday morning when unexpected guests dropped by, and it became this lovely moment of me frantically cutting donut shapes while my friend sat at the kitchen counter with her coffee, laughing at the chaos. By the time they left, there was nothing but a dusting of cinnamon sugar on the plate and talk of when I'd make them again. That's when I realized these aren't just quick desserts—they're a way to feel generous and impressive without the stress.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret foundation here—look for the kind that comes in a tube and pops open with a satisfying crack, and keep it cold until the last second so the dough stays tender.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: This is your adhesive for the coating, and melting it fresh (rather than using old butter) makes a noticeable difference in how evenly the cinnamon sugar clings.
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Standard white sugar works beautifully here, though some people swear by mixing in a touch of brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon matters more than you'd think—if yours has been sitting in the spice cabinet for years, grab a new tin and taste the difference.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes—this matters more than it sounds, because a properly heated basket gives you that golden exterior without overdrying the inside.
- Shape your donuts:
- Pop open that biscuit can (enjoy that little moment), then use a small round cutter, bottle cap, or even a shot glass to punch out the center of each biscuit, turning them into proper donut shapes. Keep those little centers—they become donut holes with the same amazing texture.
- Prepare the basket:
- A light spray of nonstick cooking spray on your air fryer basket prevents any sticking and makes cleanup effortless, which you'll appreciate more than you expect.
- Arrange and cook:
- Lay your donut shapes in a single layer without touching—they puff up, so crowding them means uneven cooking and some parts that stay pale. You might need two batches, and that's perfectly fine.
- Air fry with intention:
- Set the timer for 5–6 minutes and flip them halfway through when they're starting to turn golden; you're looking for that perfect stage where they're puffed and lightly browned but still have give when you press gently.
- Prep the coating while they cook:
- While the donuts are in the air fryer, mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl—this takes 30 seconds and makes the next step so much smoother.
- Coat immediately:
- The second those donuts come out, brush each one with melted butter while they're still warm, then immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks beautifully and creates that slightly crystallized, sweet exterior.
- Finish the donut holes:
- Those reserved centers cook in about 3–4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and they need the same butter-and-sugar treatment for that complete, consistent flavor.
Save It There was this one time I made these for my daughter's friend who said she'd never had a homemade donut, and watching her face light up when she bit into one was worth every single sticky hand and bit of flour dust. That's when I realized that good food, even simple food made from a can, has this quiet power to create small moments of joy.
Why These Work So Well
The air fryer does something special here that a regular oven just can't match—it circulates heat all around the donut, creating a light, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and almost custardy. The cinnamon sugar coating becomes almost candy-like in places, catching the heat and crystallizing just enough to be irresistible without being overly sweet or gritty.
Storage and Keeping Them Fresh
These are truly best eaten warm and fresh, within a couple of hours of making them, but if you do have leftovers (which is rare), a sealed container at room temperature keeps them decent for a day. A quick 30-second pass in the air fryer at 300°F the next morning brings back some of that warmth and texture, though they'll never be quite the same as fresh.
Simple Variations to Try
Once you've made these basic version, you'll start seeing possibilities everywhere. Try brushing the warm donuts with a thin maple glaze, or dust them with cocoa powder mixed into the cinnamon sugar for a mocha twist. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg in the coating adds unexpected warmth, and some people even dip the finished donuts halfway into melted white chocolate for a little extra indulgence.
- A touch of vanilla extract mixed into melted butter before brushing takes the flavor from good to genuinely special.
- Serving them with a small bowl of honey or jam for dipping turns them into something guests remember long after.
- Make a double batch and freeze the uncoated donuts in a sealed container—they reheat beautifully in the air fryer in just a few minutes.
Save It This recipe has become my secret weapon for those moments when I want to feel like I made something from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. There's something deeply satisfying about turning a simple can into something warm, golden, and completely irresistible.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough is used to make these donuts?
Refrigerated biscuit dough is used, which cooks quickly and yields a fluffy texture.
- → How do I shape the donuts?
Cut the biscuit centers with a round cutter or bottle cap to create a donut shape and reserve the centers for holes.
- → Can I add extra spices to the cinnamon sugar coating?
Yes, adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor without overpowering the sweet cinnamon sugar.
- → What temperature and time are needed for air frying?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry donuts for 5–6 minutes until golden and puffed.
- → Are there ways to make this treat dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives when brushing the donuts before coating.