The beauty of these 2-ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites lies in their simplicity and incredible payoff. With just a can of biscuit dough and a coating of sugar (or cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling fancy), you can have warm, fluffy, golden bites ready in minutes no deep frying, no dough mixing, and barely any mess. Perfect as a quick breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or sweet dessert, these donut bites are always a hit. Whether you’re making them for kids, guests, or yourself with a cup of coffee, they’ll disappear as fast as you make them. Want to jazz them up? Add chocolate drizzle, powdered sugar, or even stuff them with jam or Nutella before air frying. The possibilities are endless!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for coating)
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Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
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Place the biscuit pieces in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches.
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Air fry for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
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While still warm, toss the bites in a bowl with cinnamon sugar or plain sugar until evenly coated.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 11 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Magic of 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook at home crispier food with less oil, faster cook times, and an almost mess-free experience. Among the most delightful recipes that have taken the internet by storm is the incredibly simple, shockingly delicious 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites. With just a can of biscuit dough and some sugar, these fluffy, golden bites are a hit with kids and adults alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins and appeal of this minimalist treat, share serving ideas, creative variations, and reasons why this recipe is more than just a trend. Whether you’re new to air fryers or a seasoned user, this bite-sized dessert deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
Why Simple Recipes Like This Work
One of the most compelling reasons home cooks are falling in love with 2-ingredient donut bites is their simplicity. In an age where we’re juggling work, family, and dozens of other responsibilities, the last thing we need is a dessert that requires hours of prep and a sink full of dishes.
This recipe hits that sweet spot literally and figuratively between convenience and indulgence. It feels like you’re cheating the kitchen gods by producing something so delicious with almost zero effort. The prep time is under 5 minutes, the cook time is under 10, and the cleanup is practically nonexistent.
These kinds of recipes also serve as a gateway for those who feel intimidated in the kitchen. Once someone realizes they can make fresh, warm, sugary donuts with no experience and just two ingredients, it often sparks more confidence and a willingness to try other recipes.
The Allure of Air Frying
Air frying offers a host of advantages over traditional frying. You get the same crispy texture and golden finish with little to no oil. For health-conscious individuals or families trying to cut back on deep-fried food, this is a massive win.
What makes air frying particularly ideal for recipes like these donut bites is the even cooking and quick turnaround. There’s no preheating an oven for 20 minutes or hovering over a pot of hot oil. With just a few minutes of cook time, each batch comes out perfectly puffed and golden brown.
There’s also no risk of oil splatter, lingering fried-food smell, or the dreaded greasy cleanup that comes with stovetop frying. That means you can enjoy indulgent treats like donuts more often, and with far less guilt.
A Dessert with Endless Versatility
The core of this recipe is simplicity, but that doesn’t mean it lacks potential for creativity. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, the sky’s the limit. Here are just a few ideas to elevate your donut bites:
1. Flavorful Coatings
Instead of just rolling them in plain sugar, you can coat the bites in:
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Cinnamon sugar
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Powdered sugar
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Pumpkin spice and sugar
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Cocoa powder with a touch of sugar
These coatings stick best while the donut bites are still warm and offer a wide range of flavor profiles.
2. Stuffed Variations
Before air frying, consider stuffing the biscuit dough pieces with:
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Nutella
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Fruit preserves
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Peanut butter
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Cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar
These surprise-filled bites taste like gourmet bakery treats and are still incredibly easy to make.
3. Glazed or Dipped
You can mimic your favorite donut shop’s style by adding a simple glaze or dip:
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Classic sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
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Chocolate ganache
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Maple glaze with a touch of sea salt
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Strawberry glaze using crushed freeze-dried strawberries
4. Toppings
Add crunch or extra flavor by topping your donut bites with:
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Crushed nuts
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Shredded coconut
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Sprinkles (great for kids)
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Mini chocolate chips
All of these additions take just seconds to prepare and offer a gourmet twist with minimal effort.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the best things about 2-ingredient air fryer donut bites is how kid-friendly they are. Children love the fun size, sweet taste, and hands-on aspect of tossing them in sugar or dipping them in glaze.
This recipe is also perfect for parties, sleepovers, and family gatherings. Make a big batch and serve them on a platter with different dipping sauces for an interactive dessert station. They’re ideal finger food no forks or plates needed.
And because the recipe uses biscuit dough, it’s also egg-free and easy to customize for different dietary needs. You can use dairy-free or gluten-free dough if required, making them suitable for almost everyone.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Though simple in nature, these donut bites are incredibly adaptable and suitable for almost any occasion:
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Weekend breakfast treat: Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a cozy family morning.
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After-school snack: A fun surprise for kids after a long day.
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Brunch boards: Add them to a brunch charcuterie board for a sweet touch.
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Holiday platters: Drizzle them with chocolate and sprinkles to fit seasonal colors or themes.
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Midnight snack: Quick to make and satisfy late-night cravings without reaching for packaged sweets.
They’re especially great when you need something fast whether you forgot to plan dessert for a dinner or just want to treat yourself on a whim.
Tips for the Best Donut Bites
Even with only two ingredients, there are a few pro tips to ensure perfect results every time:
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Space allows for even cooking and browning.
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Flip halfway: To get that evenly golden crust on all sides.
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Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed warm and fresh. If needed, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
You can also prep and cut the dough ahead of time if you’re hosting a party. That way, you only need to toss and cook when guests arrive.
Conclusion:
In a world obsessed with gourmet meals and over-the-top cooking, there’s something incredibly refreshing about a recipe that does so much with so little. The 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites are proof that magic can happen in your kitchen with just a few pantry staples and minimal time.
They’re fun, customizable, and deliciously nostalgic reminding us of fairground treats, homemade sweets, and the kind of comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking with kids, impressing friends, or just satisfying a personal craving, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.