Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts were born out of one of those rushed mornings when I wanted something warm and sweet but didn’t want to deep fry anything. My first batch turned out pale and doughy in the center because I cranked the heat too high. After testing this three ways, with biscuit dough, yeast dough, and pancake-style batter, I discovered that 350°F was the sweet spot. Then I cracked the code by lightly brushing with butter before air frying for that golden finish. Now they come out fluffy inside, lightly crisp outside, and perfect with morning coffee.

Why This Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts Recipe Works

Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts cook faster than oven-baked versions and without the mess of hot oil. After researching top-ranking recipes, I noticed most successful versions use refrigerated biscuit dough or quick yeast dough and cook between 330–360°F for 5–8 minutes. That moderate heat ensures the centers cook through without over-browning.

What makes this Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts recipe reliable is the butter-brush technique before cooking, which helps create that classic golden donut look. Cooking in a single layer prevents uneven browning, and flipping halfway ensures both sides puff evenly. The result is a fluffy interior with lightly crisp edges, perfect for a quick breakfast treat.

Timing for Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients for Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts

These simple ingredients make a quick morning batch.

Main:

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Breakfast Donuts in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Separate the biscuit dough and use a small cutter to remove the centers, forming donut shapes.
3. Lightly brush both sides of each donut with melted butter.
4. Place donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
5. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
6. Check doneness: donuts should be evenly golden with a firm exterior. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) for fully cooked centers.
7. Immediately toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar or dip in glaze.
8. Serve warm for the best fluffy texture.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts

• Temperature sweet spot: 350°F (175°C) prevents raw centers. Higher temps brown too fast.
• Don’t overcrowd: Air circulation is key for even puffing.
• Flip halfway: Ensures both sides brown evenly.
• Butter brush trick: Helps mimic deep-fried golden color.
• Model differences: Smaller air fryers may cook faster—check at 5 minutes.
• Avoid undercooking: If centers feel dense, add 1–2 extra minutes at 325°F (163°C).

Storing and Reheating Breakfast Donuts

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap individually for best texture.

Reheating: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.

Variations:

• Add mini chocolate chips inside before cooking.
• Fill centers with jam or cream after air frying.
• Use maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a classic bakery flavor.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Breakfast Donuts are my favorite way to make mornings feel special without extra effort. They’re fluffy, golden, and ready in minutes. Once you try them warm from the basket, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.