Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: A Quick & Easy Treat!

Craving doughnuts but don’t want the hassle of deep frying? Or maybe you’re just looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further! These air fryer cinnamon sugar doughnuts are the answer to your sweet tooth prayers. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and cook up in a flash. Plus, the air fryer gives them a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, all without the excess oil. Get ready to enjoy warm, delicious doughnuts in under 30 minutes!

Why Air Fryer Doughnuts?

The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to making traditionally fried foods. Here’s why it’s perfect for doughnuts:

* **Healthier:** Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making these doughnuts a lighter and healthier treat.
* **Faster:** Air frying cooks food much faster than a conventional oven, meaning you can satisfy your doughnut craving in a fraction of the time.
* **Easy Cleanup:** No messy oil splatters or complicated cleanup required! The air fryer basket is easy to wash.
* **Crispy Texture:** The air fryer circulates hot air around the doughnuts, creating a wonderfully crispy exterior.
* **Beginner-Friendly:** This recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, making it perfect for novice bakers.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

* **1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough:** Look for the flaky or buttermilk biscuit varieties. Avoid the jumbo biscuits, as they may be too large.
* **2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted:** Adds richness and flavor to the doughnuts.
* **1/2 cup granulated sugar:** For coating the doughnuts.
* **2 teaspoons ground cinnamon:** The star of the cinnamon sugar topping.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sprinkles, chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, etc.

Equipment

* **Air Fryer:** Any air fryer will work, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model.
* **Small bowl:** For melting the butter.
* **Shallow dish:** For mixing the cinnamon and sugar.
* **Pastry brush or spoon:** For brushing the melted butter onto the doughnuts.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** To prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
* **Small round cutter (optional):** A small cookie cutter or even a bottle cap can be used to create doughnut holes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of delectable air fryer doughnuts:

**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**

1. Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Gently separate each biscuit.
2. (Optional) If you want doughnut holes, use a small round cutter or bottle cap to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Save the doughnut holes for later (they cook even faster!).

**Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating**

1. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed.

**Step 3: Brush with Melted Butter**

1. Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or on the stovetop over low heat.
2. Using a pastry brush or spoon, lightly brush the tops and bottoms of each doughnut with the melted butter.

**Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar**

1. Immediately after brushing with butter, dredge each doughnut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
2. Place the coated doughnuts on a plate or tray.

**Step 5: Air Fry the Doughnuts**

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
2. (Optional) Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This will prevent the doughnuts from sticking and make cleanup easier. Make sure the parchment paper is trimmed to fit the basket without blocking airflow.
3. Carefully place the doughnuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking. You may need to cook the doughnuts in batches.
4. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and cooked through. Flip the doughnuts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
5. For doughnut holes, reduce cooking time to 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

**Step 6: Cool and Serve**

1. Carefully remove the doughnuts from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. While the doughnuts are still warm, you can add additional toppings if desired, such as sprinkles, chocolate glaze, or powdered sugar.
3. Serve the doughnuts warm and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Doughnuts

* **Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket:** Overcrowding will prevent the doughnuts from cooking evenly and result in a soggy texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Preheat the air fryer:** Preheating ensures that the doughnuts start cooking immediately and get a crispy exterior.
* **Adjust cooking time as needed:** Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on the doughnuts and adjust the cooking time accordingly. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
* **Use fresh biscuit dough:** Stale or expired biscuit dough may not rise properly and can result in dense doughnuts.
* **Don’t skip the butter:** The melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the doughnuts and adds richness and flavor.
* **For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.**
* **Experiment with different toppings:** Get creative and try different toppings like chocolate glaze, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar.
* **If your doughnuts are browning too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature slightly.**
* **For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter.** To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
* **Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the air fryer or microwave before serving.**

Variations and Add-Ins

* **Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts:** Dip the cooled doughnuts in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sprinkles.
* **Maple Glazed Doughnuts:** Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk for a delicious maple glaze.
* **Powdered Sugar Doughnuts:** Simply dust the warm doughnuts with powdered sugar.
* **Filled Doughnuts:** After cooking, use a piping bag to fill the doughnuts with your favorite filling, such as jam, custard, or chocolate cream.
* **Add sprinkles to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a fun and festive touch.**
* **Mix in different spices:** Experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
* **Try different extracts:** Add a few drops of vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to the dough for a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer cinnamon sugar doughnuts are perfect for:

* **Breakfast or brunch:** Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **Snacks:** They make a great afternoon snack or treat for kids.
* **Parties and gatherings:** These doughnuts are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Holidays:** Perfect for holiday brunches or dessert tables.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per doughnut (depending on the biscuit dough and toppings used)
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different type of dough?**

A: While refrigerated biscuit dough is the easiest and most common option, you can also use other types of dough, such as crescent roll dough or even homemade doughnut dough. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of dough used.

**Q: Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the doughnuts ahead of time, but they are best served fresh. If you do make them ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat them briefly in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

**Q: My doughnuts are burning on the outside but still raw on the inside. What am I doing wrong?**

A: This usually means that the air fryer temperature is too high. Reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking until the doughnuts are cooked through.

**Q: My doughnuts are soggy. What am I doing wrong?**

A: This could be due to several factors, such as overcrowding the air fryer basket, using too much oil, or not preheating the air fryer properly. Make sure to cook the doughnuts in a single layer, use only a light coating of butter, and preheat the air fryer before cooking.

**Q: Can I freeze these doughnuts?**

A: While you can freeze these doughnuts, they are best served fresh. Freezing can affect the texture and make them a bit soggy. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuit dough. However, keep in mind that gluten-free dough can sometimes be more delicate, so handle it with care.

**Q: Can I add fillings to these doughnuts?**

A: Absolutely! After cooking, you can use a piping bag to fill the doughnuts with your favorite filling, such as jam, custard, or chocolate cream.

Conclusion

These air fryer cinnamon sugar doughnuts are a simple, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried doughnuts. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes, you can enjoy warm, crispy, and utterly irresistible doughnuts any time you want. So, ditch the deep fryer and embrace the air fryer for your next doughnut craving! This easy air fryer doughnut recipe will become a family favorite, guaranteed! Enjoy!