Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

These Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts have saved me so many Saturday mornings when everyone in my house wants something sweet without the mess and time it takes to make traditional donuts. Using canned biscuits and simple pantry glaze ingredients, you can whip up fresh, fluffy donuts in just about ten minutes. My family loves customizing their own with different glazes and all the sprinkles in our baking drawer.

I first made these for a birthday breakfast surprise and now they have become our go to rainy day treat Everyone grabs a different glaze and it is always a messy delicious good time

Ingredients

• Buttermilk biscuits: go for the classic flaky kind not Grands for best texture and rise
• Powdered sugar: gives the glaze a silky smooth finish choose fine textured sugar for easiest mixing
• Milk: brings the right consistency to both vanilla and chocolate glaze whole milk is best but any will work
• Vanilla extract: lifts the vanilla glaze with beautiful aroma use real vanilla for best results
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: creates a true chocolate punch make sure the powder is fresh and unsweetened for the richest glaze
• Sprinkles: bring fun color and crunch choose your family’s favorites or seasonal shapes for special occasions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Allow your air fryer to fully preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes This ensures an even golden color and the right pillowy texture

Shape the Donuts:

Separate the biscuits and lay them out on a clean surface Use a one inch to one and a half inch round cutter or even a shot glass to cut a hole from the center Reserve these small circles for donut holes

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray This helps prevent any sticking and keeps your donuts golden not greasy

Air Fry the Donuts:

Arrange the donuts in the basket ensuring they do not touch so air circulates for even cooking Depending on the size of your air fryer you will need to cook in batches Fry for about five minutes flipping halfway through for best browning

Cool Completely:

Transfer the hot donuts onto a wire rack Cooling prevents the glaze from melting right away and keeps the finish glossy

Make the Vanilla Glaze:

Whisk together powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl Aim for a thickness that coats but still slowly drips off a spoon

Make the Chocolate Glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar unsweetened cocoa powder milk and a splash of vanilla in another bowl Adjust milk as needed for a pourable yet thick finish

Glaze the Donuts:

Dip the tops of the donuts into your chosen glaze Let the excess drip off then return them to the wire rack

Decorate:

While the glaze is still wet shower with your favorite sprinkles to lock in color and crunch

Cook the Donut Holes:

Preheat the air fryer again if needed Then add the reserved holes and cook for about three to four minutes flipping halfway through until puffed and golden

Chocolate glaze is always the first to disappear in my house My youngest insists on extra sprinkles and there is usually a bit of powdered sugar dust in every corner of the kitchen after we finish

Storage Tips

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature They will stay soft for up to two days If you want to freeze them wrap in plastic and freeze for up to three months When ready to eat thaw at room temperature or give a very quick warm up in the microwave for that fresh donut feel

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk biscuits any plain refrigerated biscuit dough will do For a dairy free version swap milk in the glaze with your favorite unsweetened plant milk and choose a vegan biscuit brand instead If you skip sprinkles try rolling the glazed donuts in toasted coconut or finely chopped nuts after dipping

Serving Suggestions

Serve these donuts with fresh fruit and a big mug of hot cocoa for a playful brunch Have a donut decorating party by offering bowls of nuts mini chocolate chips and crushed cookies on the side These are also a great after school project to enjoy with kids

Cultural Context

Shortcut donuts with biscuit dough have been a southern tradition for decades Popularized in church cookbooks and Sunday school kitchens quick skillet or oven donuts were a clever way to bring special treats to the table without much fuss The air fryer just takes the tradition to a new level of convenience

Common Recipe Questions

→ Are air-fried donuts healthier than deep-fried ones?

Air-frying uses less oil, making these donuts lighter than traditional deep-fried versions while still delivering great taste and texture.

→ Can I skip the glaze or use a different topping?

Absolutely! Dust with powdered sugar, toss in cinnamon sugar, or leave plain for a simple finish. The choice is yours.

→ How do I make donut holes with biscuit dough?

After cutting out donut shapes, use the dough centers as donut holes. Air fry those too—they'll cook a bit quicker than the larger rounds.

→ What’s the best way to set the glaze?

After dipping in glaze, let donuts rest on a rack for 1-2 hours so the topping can set and lose its stickiness before serving.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep donuts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, microwave each for a few seconds to soften.

→ Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F until golden, typically 10-15 minutes. The texture will be slightly different, but still tasty and soft.