Powdered Sugar Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
March 9, 2026
Warm, fluffy donuts made from refrigerated biscuits and finished with a buttery powdered sugar coating!
Powdered Sugar Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts might be one of the most satisfying kitchen shortcuts ever. A can of biscuits goes into the air fryer and somehow comes out looking like fresh bakery donuts. There’s no yeast, no dough rising, and no giant pot of oil. They puff up golden and fluffy, then get brushed with vanilla butter and tossed in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Expect powdered sugar on your fingers, the counter, and probably the floor, but the first bite makes that feel completely acceptable.
Flavor Profile
These donuts are soft and fluffy with a buttery center and a light golden outside. The vanilla butter adds warmth while the powdered sugar gives that classic bakery sweetness. A tiny pinch of cinnamon brings just enough spice to round everything out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses refrigerated biscuits for a quick shortcut.
- Air fryer cooking creates a golden donut texture without frying oil.
- Powdered sugar coating gives that classic bakery flavor.
- Ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Extra donut holes make a fun bonus treat.
- Perfect for quick breakfasts or spontaneous dessert.
The Twist
The twist is the air fryer biscuit shortcut. Refrigerated biscuits puff into soft donuts in minutes instead of mixing dough or deep frying. One simple ingredient turns into warm powdered sugar donuts with almost no effort.
Ingredient Highlights
- Biscuits: Flaky layer refrigerated biscuits puff the best and create soft donut layers.
- Powdered sugar: The classic coating that melts slightly onto warm donuts.
- Butter: Brushed on warm donuts so the sugar sticks perfectly.
- Vanilla: Mixed into the butter for warm bakery flavor.
- Cinnamon: A small pinch adds depth without overpowering the powdered sugar.
Powdered Sugar Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (flaky layer style works best)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Separate the biscuits and place them on a cutting board.
- Use a small round cutter, bottle cap, or the wide end of a piping tip to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Set the centers aside to cook as donut holes.
- Gently stretch the donuts just a little so the holes stay open while cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil so the donuts don’t stick.
- Place the donuts in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and puffed. Flip halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
- The donut holes cook a little faster, usually 3–4 minutes.
- Stir the vanilla into the melted butter.
- Brush the warm donuts lightly with the vanilla butter.
- Place the powdered sugar and pinch of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss or dust the donuts until coated in powdered sugar.
- Serve warm.
FAQ
Can I make these without cutting a hole in the center?
Yes. You can cook them whole and they will turn into round biscuit donuts.
Do I need to flip them while cooking?
Flipping halfway helps them brown evenly, especially in smaller air fryers.
What can I use to cut the donut holes?
A bottle cap, piping tip, or small round cutter works perfectly.
Can I add other flavors to the powdered sugar?
Yes. Lemon zest, cocoa powder, or pumpkin spice mix well with powdered sugar.
How should I store leftovers?
They taste best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container and warm them briefly in the air fryer.
Sprinkle of Fun
Make these for a Saturday morning cartoon marathon and pass around the warm donut holes while watching Bluey (my favorite). It’s the perfect excuse to sit on the couch with a plate of powdered sugar donuts and enjoy a slow morning.
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