2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts – Quick, Fluffy, and Fun
If you want warm, fresh donuts without the fuss, this recipe will be your new favorite. You only need two ingredients and an air fryer to make a batch of fluffy, golden rings in minutes. There’s no yeast, no kneading, and no deep frying.
It’s simple enough for a weekday treat and impressive enough for a weekend brunch. Once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever bought donuts from the store.
2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts - Quick, Fluffy, and Fun
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready.
- Prep the dough: Open the biscuit can and separate the biscuits. Use a small round cutter or the wide end of a piping tip to punch a hole in the center of each biscuit. Save the holes for donut holes.
- Lightly grease the basket: Mist with oil spray or rub a little butter on the grate to prevent sticking. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants that can damage nonstick coatings.
- Air fry the donuts: Arrange 3–4 donuts in a single layer, leaving space so air can circulate. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Cook the holes: Air fry the donut holes for 3–4 minutes, shaking once, until puffy and lightly browned.
- Finish with butter and sugar: Brush warm donuts with melted butter. Roll in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar. If glazing, let them cool 2–3 minutes first, then dip or drizzle.
- Serve warm: They’re best within 15–20 minutes of cooking, while the edges stay crisp and the centers are soft.
Why This Recipe Works
These donuts use pre-made biscuit dough as a shortcut, so you get the light, tender texture without mixing or waiting for dough to rise. The air fryer delivers a crisp exterior with far less oil than deep frying.
That means less mess, less cleanup, and a faster cook time. A quick brush of melted butter and a roll in cinnamon sugar (or a drizzle of glaze) gives you that bakery-style finish in minutes. Bottom line: Two ingredients, no guesswork, and consistently great results.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (homestyle or buttermilk style works best; avoid flaky layers for sturdier donuts)
- 2–3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Optional but highly recommended toppings:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Simple glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tablespoons milk + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready.
- Prep the dough: Open the biscuit can and separate the biscuits. Use a small round cutter or the wide end of a piping tip to punch a hole in the center of each biscuit.
Save the holes for donut holes.
- Lightly grease the basket: Mist with oil spray or rub a little butter on the grate to prevent sticking. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants that can damage nonstick coatings.
- Air fry the donuts: Arrange 3–4 donuts in a single layer, leaving space so air can circulate. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Cook the holes: Air fry the donut holes for 3–4 minutes, shaking once, until puffy and lightly browned.
- Finish with butter and sugar: Brush warm donuts with melted butter.
Roll in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar. If glazing, let them cool 2–3 minutes first, then dip or drizzle.
- Serve warm: They’re best within 15–20 minutes of cooking, while the edges stay crisp and the centers are soft.
Tip: If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at the 4-minute mark. Overcooking will dry them out.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Add a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Refrigerator: Not ideal for texture, but they’ll keep 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes to refresh.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes, then add toppings.
Health Benefits
These donuts are still a treat, but air frying reduces added oil compared to deep frying.
You skip the heavy grease and lingering oil smell, and you control the toppings. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a thin glaze can keep sugar levels reasonable. Portioning also helps—making smaller donuts or donut holes can satisfy a craving with fewer calories. Note: If you want a lighter option, use a reduced-fat biscuit dough and brush with a small amount of butter or a neutral oil instead.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Airflow is key to crisp, even cooking.
Work in batches.
- Don’t skip flipping. Turning halfway ensures both sides brown nicely.
- Don’t rely solely on time. All air fryers differ. Watch for color and texture, not just minutes.
- Don’t use flaky-layer biscuits. They can separate and become too delicate. Homestyle or buttermilk is more sturdy.
- Don’t glaze too hot. Piping-hot donuts will melt the glaze into a thin syrup.
Let them cool slightly for a glossy finish.
Recipe Variations
- Vanilla glazed: Dip warm donuts in a simple vanilla glaze and let them set on a rack for 5–10 minutes.
- Chocolate dip: Melt chocolate chips with a splash of cream and dip half the donut for a classic look. Add sprinkles while the chocolate is soft.
- Maple-cinnamon: Stir maple syrup into the glaze and finish with a pinch of cinnamon on top.
- Lemon sugar: Zest a lemon into the sugar for a bright, fragrant coating.
- Filled donut holes: Poke warm holes with a skewer and pipe in jam or chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Spiced fall sugar: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or pumpkin spice with sugar for a cozy twist.
- Savory brunch bites: Skip the sugar, brush with butter, and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning. Serve with cream cheese.
FAQ
Can I make these without biscuit dough?
You can use pizza dough or a simple yogurt-flour dough, but the texture will differ.
Biscuit dough gives the best rise and tender crumb with minimal effort.
What temperature works best for most air fryers?
350°F (175°C) is a reliable starting point. If your model runs hot or burns edges, drop to 330–340°F (165–170°C) and extend the time a minute or two.
How do I keep the sugar coating from falling off?
Brush the donuts with melted butter while they’re warm, then roll in sugar. The butter helps the sugar stick and adds a bakery-style finish.
My donuts are browning too fast.
What should I do?
Lower the temperature by 10–20 degrees and shorten the time. You can also place a small piece of parchment with holes under the donuts to prevent over-browning on the bottom.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, if you can find a gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough. Otherwise, use a gluten-free pizza dough and watch the cook time closely to avoid dryness.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the donuts puff quickly and brown evenly.
It’s not mandatory, but it improves consistency and reduces sticking.
What’s the best way to cut the donut holes?
Use a small round cutter, the wide end of a metal piping tip, or even a bottle cap washed well. Aim for a 1-inch center hole so the donut keeps its shape as it rises.
How many donuts does one can make?
Most standard cans make 8 donuts plus 8 holes. Yield can vary slightly based on brand and biscuit size.
Can I stack donuts to cook more at once?
No.
Stacking blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. Always cook in a single layer with space between each piece.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Air fry at 300–320°F (150–160°C) for 2–3 minutes. If they seem dry, a light brush of butter before reheating helps restore moisture.
Final Thoughts
These 2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts hit that sweet spot between easy and satisfying.
They’re fast, customizable, and great for beginners or busy mornings. With a few simple tips—don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, and finish with your favorite topping—you’ll get bakery-style results at home. Keep a can of biscuit dough on hand, and you can whip up warm donuts any time the craving strikes.
