Over the last few years air fryers is everywhere in home kitchens , and almost everyone wants one . They promise crispy bits with way less oil than regular frying , making them a hit for folks who want healthier meals . Plus air fryers do more than just fry things—they can bake cookies , toast veggies , and even roast nuts in no time .
One thing that really stands out is air fryer donuts and biscuits . Donuts get all sweet and soft , and biscuits come out flaky and warm—perfect with butter or jam . Whether you like glazed donuts or simple buttery biscuits , the air fryer can do both without much fuss .
In this guide we’ll show you how to make mouthwatering air fryer donuts and biscuits step by step . You’ll learn tips on dough, cooking time , and flavors so you can impress your friends and family . Let’s get started and make some delicious treats right in your air fryer!
The Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Air fryers bring a few big wins for home cooks , especially if you care about health and time . They cut fat , cook fast , and clean up easy .
1.1 Healthier Cooking Options
Air fryers use hot air to crisp food , so you doesn’t need a lot of oil . Traditional frying soaks food in oil , but air fryers let you get that crunch with just a little mist of oil or even none .
1.2 Time Efficiency
An air fryer heats up quicky and cooks faster than an oven . You can make a batch of donuts or biscuits in about 10 minutes or less , saving you loads of time on busy mornings .
1.3 Easy Cleanup
With hardly any grease to deal with , wiping down your air fryer basket is simple . Most parts are dishwasher-safe , so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time eating .
1.4 Versatility
Besides desserts , you can roast veggies , cook chicken wings , and even bake small cakes in your air fryer . It’s like having a mini oven that you can fit almost anywhere in your kitchen .
What Are Air Fryer Donuts?
Air fryer donuts are just like your favorite treat but use way less oil . Instead of dropping dough into hot grease , you cook them with fast hot air . They come out fluffy on the inside and a bit crisp on the outside .
2.1 Overview of Air Fryer Donuts
Traditional donuts sit in oil until golden , while air fryer donuts spin around in hot air to get that same color and texture without the greasy mess .
2.2 Types of Air Fryer Donuts
There’s two main kinds: baked-style donuts with baking powder for a cake-like bite , and yeast-style donuts that rise like real fried ones . Both work great in the air fryer .
2.3 Flavor Variations
You can keep it classic with plain glazed , chocolate , or vanilla . Or try cinnamon sugar , jam-filled , or even maple bacon for a fun twist . The sky’s the limit when it comes to flavors .
What Are Air Fryer Biscuits?
Air fryer biscuits bake up fast and come out with a golden crust and soft inside . The hot air circulates evenly , so you get perfect biscuits without turning on a big oven .
3.1 Overview of Air Fryer Biscuits
Baked the normal way, biscuits can take 15–20 minutes , but in the air fryer they’re done in about 8–10 minutes with the same flaky layers .
3.2 Types of Air Fryer Biscuits
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Rich and tender thanks to tangy buttermilk .
- Flaky Biscuits: Made with cold butter to get extra layers.
- Drop Biscuits: No rolling or cutting—just scoop dough and drop it in.
3.3 Serving Suggestions
- Slather with butter , honey , or jam .
- Pair with eggs , bacon , or sausage for breakfast .
- Top with whipped cream and berries for dessert .
Detailed Recipes for Air Fryer Donuts and Biscuits
4.1 Air Fryer Glazed Donuts Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoon milk, optional vanilla
Directions:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl .
- In another bowl mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla .
- Pour wet into dry and stir just until you see no big lumps .
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes .
- Fill a donut mold with batter and place in basket .
- Cook 5–6 minutes or until tops are golden brown .
- Let cool a bit then dip donuts into the glaze and set on rack to drip off .
Advice:
- Don’t overmix batter or donuts get tough .
- Check your air fryer temp—some run hotter or cooler than others .
4.2 Air Fryer Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup milk
Directions:
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in large bowl .
- Cut in cold butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs .
- Stir in milk just until dough forms .
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) .
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined basket .
- Cook 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through .
Advice:
- Keep everything cold for flakiest biscuits .
- Handle dough gently so it stays tender .
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cooking
5.1 Temperature and Time Guidelines
Every air fryer is a bit different , so watch your food the first few times . 350°F (175°C) works well for donuts and biscuits , but you may need to tweak time by a minute or two .
5.2 Dough Preparation
Mix dough just until it comes together—overmixing makes baked goods dense . Keep an eye on texture as you fold or stir .
5.3 Maintaining Air Fryer
Wipe the basket after each use and wash parts in the dishwasher if you can . Don’t use steel wool or harsh scrubbers , they can damage the nonstick .
Variations and Creative Twists
6.1 Enhanced Flavors for Donuts
- Fill with jam , custard , or chocolate for a sweet surprise .
- Top with sprinkles , melted chocolate , or crushed nuts .
6.2 Savory Biscuit Variations
- Stir in shredded cheese , herbs , or spices .
- Add cooked bacon or sausage bits .
6.3 Gluten-Free Options
Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix . Follow the pack instructions for best results .
FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts and Biscuits
7.1 What is the difference between baked and fried donuts?
Baked donuts use baking powder and have a cake-like texture , while fried ones are lighter and fluffier thanks to oil frying .
7.2 Can you freeze air fryer donuts and biscuits?
Yes , put them in an airtight bag or container and freeze up to three months .
7.3 How do you store air fryer donuts and biscuits?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for two days , or pop them in the fridge to last longer .
7.4 Can you use pre-made dough for air fryer biscuits?
Absolutely , premade dough saves time and tastes great .
7.5 What oils are best for air frying?
Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil , canola oil , or avocado oil .
Conclusion
Air fryers are a game-changer for quick , healthier cooking . They help you whip up tasty donuts , biscuits , and so much more with little oil and less time . Give these recipes a try and have fun experimenting in your kitchen!
air fryer donuts biscuits
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 biscuit cutter
- 1 baking parchment optional
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
- ½ cup powdered sugar for glazing, optional
- 2 tablespoons milk for glazing, optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined and then pour in the melted butter, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¾ inch thick.
- Using a biscuit cutter, cut out biscuit shapes and place them on a parchment-lined plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the biscuits for 8 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the topping by mixing the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- If glazing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk, adding more milk if necessary until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few moments.
- Brush the biscuits with the glaze if desired, or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over them while they are still warm.
