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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Air Fryer Doughnuts

Air Fryer Doughnuts

They're made with canned biscuits!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Aug 5, 2024
Star FillStar FillHalf StarStarStar
2.7
3 Ratings
the pioneer woman's air fryer donuts recipe
Antonis Achilleos
Yields:
8
Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Arrow Circle Down IconJump to recipe

Is there anything better than a fresh doughnut? If there is, I haven't found it.

It took me years to finally figure out how to make classic risen doughnuts like the ones from the bakery. They're beyond lovely, but they require time and patience. Sometimes, I don't have time for yeast to do its thing or the patience for oil to heat up. I need a doughnut, and I need it now. Introducing: air fryer doughnuts. These precious puffs of deliciousness are just about the easiest breakfast you could make because they start with a can of biscuit dough!

All you have to do is pop open a can of biscuits, cut out the middle of each one (those are your doughnut holes!), and cook them for a several minutes in an air fryer. While they cool, stir together a vanilla, maple, or chocolate glaze (or all three) and dunk your doughnuts as you please, or get the kids involved and let them glaze the doughnuts. You can add food coloring to the vanilla glaze or top each one with sprinkles for a fun twist. These make the cutest, quick breakfast for back-to-school or an easy air fryer dessert.

Do you need to flip air fryer doughnuts while cooking?

No, the great thing about an air fryer is that it circulates heat, similar to a convection oven. That means you don't have to flip the doughnuts to get them golden brown on every side. I love air fryer recipes for this very reason!

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Ingredients

Doughnuts

  • 1

    (8-count) can large flaky biscuits

  • Colorful sprinkles (optional)

Vanilla Glaze

  • 1/2 cup

    powdered sugar, sifted

  • 1 tsp.

    vanilla extract

  • Pinch of kosher salt

  • Splash of whole milk

  • Pink gel food coloring, as needed (optional)

Maple Glaze

  • 1/2 cup

    powdered sugar, sifted

  • 1 Tbsp.

    maple syrup

  • 1/2 tsp.

    maple extract (optional)

  • Splash of whole milk

Chocolate Glaze

  • 1/3 cup

    heavy cream

  • 2/3 cup

    mini chocolate chips

Directions

    1. Step 1For the doughnuts: Open the biscuits, and use a small circle cutter or a bottle cap to cut out the doughnut holes from each biscuit.
    2. Step 2Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, if required.
    3. Step 3Working in batches if necessary, air fry the doughnuts and holes until golden brown, 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.  
    4. Step 4For the vanilla glaze: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and enough milk to make a smooth, pourable consistency. Add food coloring as desired; set aside.
    5. Step 5For the maple glaze: In another small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, if using, and enough milk to make a smooth, pourable consistency; set aside.  
    6. Step 6For the chocolate glaze: Add the heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl, and heat until bubbling, 30 to 40 seconds. Add the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth; set aside.
    7. Step 7To glaze the doughnuts, dunk the doughnuts and holes into the desired glaze. Lift out, letting the excess glaze drip back into the bowl, and transfer to the cooling rack. Sprinkle the tops with sprinkles, if desired. These are best when eaten immediately.
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