Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Donuts
Tender, bite-sized donut pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, made in the air fryer for a quicker alternative to deep frying. Refrigerated biscuit dough is cut into small balls, dipped in melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture, then air-fried until golden and cooked through. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. This version skips traditional yeast dough for convenience while delivering the warm spice and sugary coating that makes pull-apart donuts irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated biscuits (8 count)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces.
- 2
Pour melted butter into one bowl and combine cinnamon and sugar in another bowl.
- 3
Roll dough pieces into balls as you work.
- 4
Dip each ball into melted butter, then coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- 5
Arrange coated balls in a greased air fryer-safe pan.
- 6
Air fry at 320 degrees F for 5 minutes until fully cooked.
- 7
Plate and serve warm.
Tips
Roll dough into uniform ball sizes so all pieces cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Don't overfill the air fryer pan; arrange balls in a single layer for proper air circulation and browning.
Good to Know
Cover leftover donuts and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 300 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
Prepare coated dough balls up to 4 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Air fry when ready; add 1-2 minutes if starting from cold.
Serve warm with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate. Pairs well with fresh fruit or cream cheese dip.
Common Mistakes
Overstuff the pan to avoid crowding, which traps steam and prevents crisping.
Skip rolling dough into balls to avoid uneven cooking and irregular donuts.
Use salted butter to avoid overly salty coating.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use biscuit dough from scratch instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works, but adjust cooking time as needed since texture and density differ. Start with 5 minutes and check; homemade dough may cook faster or slower.
What if my donuts aren't fully cooked after 5 minutes?
Add 1-2 minutes at a time and check for doneness. Cook time varies by air fryer model. Donuts should be golden brown and firm when pressed gently.
Can I freeze these and reheat later?
Yes, freeze cooled donuts in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. Reheat in air fryer at 300 degrees F for 3-4 minutes until warm.