Air Fryer Donut Bites

I absolutely adore these warm little puffed donut bites—made from canned biscuit dough, air-fried until golden, then coated in buttery cinnamon-sugar. They’re quick, indulgent, and addictive.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and fuss-free this treat is. Cutting biscuit dough into quarters, air-frying for just minutes, and tossing in cinnamon‑sugar makes them taste like freshly fried donuts with minimal mess. They’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a simple dessert—everyone smiles when these come out.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• canned biscuit dough (e.g., flaky buttermilk biscuits)

• melted butter

• granulated sugar

• powdered sugar (optional)

• ground cinnamon

directions

1. I preheat my air fryer to 350 °F (175 °C) and lightly grease the basket with melted butter or spray.

2. I separate each biscuit and cut it into 4 pieces using a knife or pizza cutter.

3. I place the cut pieces in a single layer in the basket—being careful not to overcrowd.

4. I air-fry for 3–5 minutes, then carefully flip or shake and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

5. As soon as they’re hot, I dip or brush them generously in melted butter.

6. I toss the buttery bites in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar—sometimes with a bit of powdered sugar added—to coat fully.

7. I serve them immediately while they’re still warm and crisp.

Servings and timing

• Makes about 16–20 bites from a standard 5‑count biscuit can

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 5–8 minutes total

• Total time: about 10–12 minutes

Variations

• I swap in other spices—like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice—for a twist on the cinnamon coating.

• I sometimes drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce instead of sugar.

• For a sweeter bite, I roll them in pure powdered sugar or mix granulated and powdered sugar.

• Homemade biscuit dough or self-rising flour-based dough (like yogurt dough) works well too—just adjust timing.

storage/reheating

I serve them fresh—leftovers lose crispness quickly. If needed, I store cooled bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To refresh, I reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 2 minutes to bring back crunch.

FAQs

What dough should I use?

I usually use canned flaky buttermilk biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands), which give a light, layered texture. Homemade dough can work too.

Can I skip the butter?

I don’t recommend it—melting butter before coating helps sugar adhere and adds richness. Without it, the sugar won’t stick well.

Are they healthy?

These are definitely indulgent—they’re essentially fried biscuit bites but with less oil. Air-frying cuts grease, and they’re ready in minutes.

Can I make them sugar-free?

Yes—I’ve tried rolling them in a mix of cocoa powder and powdered erythritol or using sugar-free syrup drizzle. They still taste great warm.

What’s the best way to reheat?

I always reheat in the air fryer or skillet for a minute or two. Avoid the microwave—it softens their crisp coating too much.

Conclusion

I love making these Air Fryer Donut Bites whenever I want something sweet, fast, and nostalgic. They taste like classic sugar donuts but come together in minutes and without a deep-fryer. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy treat with coffee.

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