Craving something sweet but short on time? These Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts with Powdered Sugar are the perfect quick-fix treat!
This is another Air Fryer Dessert that's made with refrigerated biscuit dough.
Whether you're making a fun weekend breakfast or a last-minute easy dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Unlike many donut recipes that require yeast, rising time, or messy frying oil, this version uses store-bought biscuit dough and the air fryer to deliver crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside donuts in under 10 minutes.
No special tools or deep fryer required! Plus, the powdered sugar coating gives them that classic donut shop flavor with a fraction of the work.
Perfect for busy mornings, weekend treats, or when a sweet craving hits fast!
Looking for more Refrigerated Biscuit Dough Recipes? Try my Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread or my Donut Holes Recipe.
Table of Contents
- Fried Canned Biscuit Donuts
- My Quick Tips for the Best Biscuit Donuts Ever
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Air Fryer Instructions
- How to make Powdered Donuts
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- Recipe FAQ's
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Air Frying Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Comments
No air fryer? Check out my recipe for classic fried biscuit donuts instead!
Fried Canned Biscuit Donuts
My Quick Tips for the Best Biscuit Donuts Ever
- Don’t flatten the dough: Keep the biscuit rounds thick and intact—no need to roll them out. This helps them stay light and fluffy inside once cooked.
- Cut out the centers: Use a small cookie cutter, bottle cap, or even a piping tip to remove the middle and make that classic donut shape. Save the centers to make tasty donut holes!
- Cook in batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give each donut space to rise and brown properly.
- Flip halfway through: For even cooking and color, gently flip the donuts halfway through the cook time.
- Check early: Air fryers vary! Start checking for doneness around the 5-minute mark—you're looking for a golden brown color and a firm (not doughy) texture.
- Dust while warm: For powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar coatings, toss the donuts while they're still warm so the topping sticks well.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Biscuit Dough: Use any brand of refrigerated biscuit dough, but avoid ones labeled "buttermilk" if you prefer a lighter texture.
Powdered Sugar: Swap with cinnamon sugar (mix granulated sugar and cinnamon) or a vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + a splash of vanilla).
Frosted Fun: Let donuts cool and frost with chocolate, vanilla, or colored icing—then top with sprinkles for a fun twist.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Separate the biscuits and place on parchment paper.
Step 2: Use a small round cookie cutter to cut the center out of each biscuit.
Air Fryer Instructions
Step 3: Place the biscuit donuts and donut holes in the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air fry at 350° for 6-7 minutes. After about 4 minutes, flip them over to ensure even browning.
How to make Powdered Donuts
Step 5: Once the donuts are golden brown and puffed up, brush them with melted butter. Use a silicone pastry brush.
Step 6: Then dip them them in powdered sugar. You can also use a powdered sugar shaker!
Step 7: Continue air frying the donuts and donut holes in batches and covering in powdered sugar.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
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Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, it’s best to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the donuts cook evenly and get that golden, crispy exterior. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it at the cooking temperature (usually 350°F) for 3–5 minutes before adding the donuts.
For best results, choose flaky or layered-style biscuits—they puff up nicely and have a texture that’s closest to real donuts. Avoid "Grands with Butter" or buttermilk styles if you want a lighter bite.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Let donuts thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my other recipe for Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls. Or you might like this recipe for Glazed Donuts.
📖 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts with Powdered Sugar
Ingredients
Equipment
Video
Method
- Use a small round cookie cutter or the back of a pastry tip, cut out the centers of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape.
- Arrange the donuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch.
- Air fry them at 350°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping them over two-thirds of the way through to ensure even browning.
- They're ready when golden brown and puffed up!
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Brush the tops and bottoms of the donuts with the melted butter using a pastry brush.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use flaky biscuit dough for the best texture and be sure to cut out the centers to create that classic donut shape (save the holes to air fry too!).
- Lightly spray the donuts and air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and cook in a single layer—don’t overcrowd.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning and toss in powdered sugar while the donuts are still warm so it sticks well.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Air Frying Food Safety Tips
- Ensure foods reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked food.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw ingredients, especially meat.
- Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods.
- Monitor your air fryer while in use to prevent accidents.
- If the recipe calls for it, use oils with a high smoking point to avoid the release of harmful compounds.
- Keep your cooking area well-ventilated for optimal air circulation.
Paula says
Happy July Lois! Just popping back by to let you know I'll be featuring Your post at my July Sweet Tea & Friend's Link Up.
Paula says
Happy July Lois! Just popping back by to let you know I'll be featuring Your post at my July Sweet Tea & Friend's Link Up.
Paula Short says
Lois, this sounds fantastic! I had no idea you could make biscuit donuts in the air fryer. It's so unique. I see you live in PA. I do too in Western Pa about 40 minutes east of Pittsburgh.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.