Air Fryer Biscuit Donut Recipe

5 from 1 vote

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An easy air-fryer biscuit Donut recipe makes the perfect after-dinner dessert. They are easy to make and use very little oil compared to traditional fried donuts.

There’s no need to go to your local doughnut shop because you can make your own copycat Krispy Kreme donuts right at home.

Air Fryer glazed donuts from biscuit dough

These delicious biscuit donuts will be one of your new favorite things to make for dessert on busy weeknights or for breakfast with some homemade bagels.

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What is this biscuit donut recipe? 

These easy biscuit donuts have only five ingredients and are made in an air fryer rather than deep frying in a pot of oil.

This simple recipe can be made in under 30 minutes and is best drizzled with a simple glaze and topped with sprinkles or covered in a cinnamon sugar mixture.

Send them with your kids to school as a delicious treat or bring them with you to your next family party.

Ingredients: 

You can find these simple ingredients in the grocery store or in your own pantry.

Air Fryer Donut ingredients
  • Biscuit dough
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Evaporated milk

Directions 

Here’s a brief overview of how to make air fryer biscuit donuts. See the recipe card below for the specific recipe instructions. 

Form the donuts: Cut a hole in the middle of each biscuit to make a donut shape. 

cut donut holes from biscuits

Prep donuts: Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place four donuts in the basket. Leave space for them to expand and spray them lightly with oil.

Cook: Bake the donuts in the air fryer.

place donuts in air fryer basket

Make the frosting: Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and evaporated milk in a medium bowl.

mix donut glaze

Glaze: Place the donuts on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and pour the glaze over the donuts or dip them in the bowl with the glaze.

pour glaze over donuts

Sprinkle them with other toppings if you’d like.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips and variations you can use to make these the best biscuit donuts you’ve ever had.

  • Don’t forget to fry the donut holes too! These little crispy pieces are often the best part.
  • You can use canned biscuit dough or make homemade biscuits with just a few simple ingredients.
  • Pillsbury biscuits are a popular brand and produce consistent results.
  • Be sure to preheat the oven to the right temperature, so these delicious donuts cook evenly and puff up nicely.

Other cooking methods

Air-fried donuts are an easy recipe that are healthier than other donut recipes and taste delicious. Other ways to make homemade biscuit donuts are also very popular, including frying and baking them.

Fry: To fry donuts use a small round cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of a can of biscuit dough. Heat a few inches of oil in a large pot and carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, flipping until they’re golden brown. Remove them to paper towels on a plate, let them cool, and then dip donuts in your favorite toppings.

Bake: Baking donuts is similar to air frying, except you use a conventional oven instead of a convection oven. Prep the can of biscuits, preheat the oven, place the donuts on a silicone-lined cookie sheet, and bake until they’re golden brown. You can also use a donut pan to make perfectly round donuts.

Topping options

Go crazy with the toppings on these easy donuts. Place them in a small bowl and then drizzle or sprinkle them over the tops of the air-fried donuts. You can also use a pastry brush to get an even layer of glaze as well. Here are some delicious options to try.

How to make Donut Holes

Instead of making whole donuts, make lots of little donut holes!

One of the easiest ways to do this is to use your biscuit cutter or small cookie cutter and cut each biscuit into small round pieces.

These are easier to pop in your mouth, and kids will go crazy over them.

You can also add your favorite topping, like chocolate glaze, and pair them with a cup of coffee. 

air fryer glazed donut

How to store Biscuit Donuts

On the counter: Keep leftover donuts in a brown paper bag on the counter at room temperature for up to three days. Using airtight storage bags will make them soggy since the moisture will have nowhere to evaporate. Keep in mind that storing them in a paper bag means they will also dry out more quickly.

In the refrigerator: You can keep these homemade donuts fresh longer by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

In the freezer: You can also freeze leftover air fryer donuts. Let them cool completely, place them in a single layer in a container, top with parchment paper to add additional layers, and freeze.

To Reheat: You can let them sit on the counter to thaw or place them in the air fryer to heat them up and make them crispy again.

Biscuit Donut Recipe FAQs

Is it better to fry or bake donuts?

Baking or air frying donuts is a much healthier option, while frying donuts gives them that fried flavor that is so popular.

Why is my donut not fluffy?

If your donut isn’t fluffy, it’s most likely because they were cooked too long or the biscuit dough was too cold when you put it in the air fryer.

What type of canned biscuits should I use?

You can use a variety of canned biscuits for this recipe. Try flakey, homestyle, honey butter, or original, and pick your favorite.

Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts

5 from 1 vote
These easy biscuit donuts have only five ingredients and are made in minutes using an air fryer.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 donuts

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk

Instructions 

  • Using a baking hole punch, punch hole from center of biscuit.
  • Spray air fryer basket with oil and place four donuts leaving space to expand. Spray donuts with oil.
  • Cook on 390 for 5 minutes
  • Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter and evaporated milk until completely combined.
  • Place donuts to cool on wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • Pour glaze over donuts. Reuse captured glaze from baking sheet and re-glaze donuts 6-8 times.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Warm up for about 5-10 seconds in the microwave if desired. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1donut, Calories: 438kcal, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 638mg, Potassium: 207mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin A: 321IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 94mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

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About Andrea Updyke

Andrea Updyke is a married mom of two boys living in Raleigh, NC. She is a published author and blogger of more than 18 years and loves to celebrate the little things that make life awesome.

Whether she's sharing tasty recipes, traveling or hanging with the family, Andrea's goal is to help make your days a little easier and a lot more fun! Email inquiries to andreaupdyke@gmail.com.

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