The beauty of these Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts lies in their simplicity. Using store-bought biscuit dough eliminates the need for kneading, rising, and waiting, making them the ultimate quick treat when sweet cravings strike. The air fryer delivers a golden, crisp exterior while the inside stays pillowy-soft, perfect for soaking up that luscious lemon glaze.
The glaze is where the magic happens: a bright and zingy mix of powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest that balances sweet and tart. These donuts are ideal for spring brunches, weekend breakfasts, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and totally customizable, just switch the glaze for other citrus or flavor options if you like. You’ll be amazed at how easily this recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)
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Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
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Lightly grease the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
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Separate the biscuit dough and use a small round cutter (or bottle cap) to punch holes in the center of each biscuit to create donut shapes.
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
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Place donuts (without overlapping) in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
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While the donuts cook, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of milk in a bowl until a smooth glaze forms.
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Once donuts are done, allow them to cool slightly before dipping the tops into the lemon glaze.
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Place on a wire rack or parchment paper to let the glaze set before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 11 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 8 donuts
Fluffy Air Fryer Donuts with Zesty Lemon Glaze
There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a freshly made donut, especially when it’s warm, fluffy, and kissed with a vibrant lemon glaze. These Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts bring all the joy of bakery-quality donuts right into your kitchen, minus the mess and hassle of deep frying. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or impromptu sweet cravings. It’s simple, fast, and satisfying, using pre-made biscuit dough and a quick homemade glaze to achieve an irresistibly tangy treat in just minutes.
What makes these donuts even more special is their accessibility. With just a few pantry staples and an air fryer, you can create a delicious batch that feels gourmet without the fuss. The air fryer ensures a crispy outer layer while keeping the interior soft and tender. The lemon glaze, a mix of powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest, adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the sweetness and adds an elegant touch. This recipe is a great introduction to air fryer baking, and one that both kids and adults will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Thanks to biscuit dough, there’s no need for mixing or proofing. Just shape, air fry, and glaze.
Healthier Than Fried: You’ll use significantly less oil than traditional frying, making these a lighter option.
Bright and Citrusy: The lemon glaze adds a refreshing contrast to the rich donut base.
Kid-Friendly: From shaping the dough to dipping in glaze, little hands can help along the way.
Customizable: Swap the lemon glaze for chocolate, vanilla, or maple, or add sprinkles for extra fun.
About Biscuit Dough Donuts
Biscuit dough donuts have been a favorite shortcut among home bakers for decades. By using pre-made dough, you can eliminate most of the time and complexity associated with traditional yeast donuts. Biscuit dough also produces a light, fluffy interior with a golden, slightly crisp exterior when cooked in an air fryer. It’s a great entry point into homemade donuts, especially for beginners or those short on time.
Another great advantage is consistency. Every biscuit in a can is portioned evenly, meaning your donuts will cook evenly and maintain a uniform size and texture. The small center cut-outs (which can be turned into donut holes) are a fun bonus and cook even faster. They’re perfect for kids or as mini treats alongside your main batch.
The Power of Lemon Glaze
Lemon is an incredibly versatile ingredient in baking. It cuts through sweetness, brightens flavors, and adds depth with its natural acidity. In this recipe, the lemon glaze is the star of the show, balancing sweet and tart while coating each donut in a shiny, eye-catching finish. The zest amplifies the citrus aroma and adds a touch of texture, making every bite more dynamic.
To create the glaze, all you need is powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest. A small splash of milk helps adjust the consistency, depending on how thick or runny you want your glaze. A thicker glaze will form a more dramatic shell, while a thinner glaze will soak into the donut for an extra moist finish.
Tips for Perfect Donuts Every Time
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
When air frying donuts, give them space to expand and brown evenly. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking or soggy results.
Flip Halfway Through
Flipping your donuts halfway through ensures even coloring on both sides and helps maintain a perfect donut shape.
Let Them Cool Slightly Before Glazing
If your donuts are too hot, the glaze will melt and slide off. Wait just a couple of minutes after air frying before dipping them.
Adjust Glaze to Taste
Want it sweeter? Add more powdered sugar. Too thick? Add a touch more lemon juice or milk. You’re in control of the final flavor.
Decorate for the Season
While lemon is great year-round, you can change the flavor or color of the glaze to match holidays or seasons. Add pink food coloring and raspberry juice for Valentine’s Day, or switch to orange and cinnamon for fall.
Pairing Ideas
Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with beverages and other treats:
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With Coffee or Tea: Their bright glaze balances perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a mild herbal tea.
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Brunch Boards: Add them to a weekend brunch platter with fruit, pastries, and breakfast meats.
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Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of berry compote or lemon curd for dipping.
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Ice Cream Donut Sandwiches: Slice in half and fill with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a fun dessert.
Storage and Reheating
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Warm in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
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Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Glaze after reheating.
Nutritional Highlights (Approximate per donut)
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Calories: 220 kcal
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Carbs: 27g
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Fat: 10g
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Sugar: 14g
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Protein: 3g
These figures are approximate and will vary based on the brand of biscuit dough and the amount of glaze used.
Who This Recipe Is For
This recipe is ideal for:
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Beginner bakers who want a no-fuss way to make donuts at home.
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Busy parents looking for a quick snack that kids will love.
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Lemon lovers who crave that bright citrus zing in their desserts.
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Anyone who loves donuts but doesn’t want to deep-fry or make yeast dough.
Reader Favorite Variations
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Chocolate Glaze: Substitute the lemon glaze with a mix of cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk.
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Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup and powdered sugar with a dash of vanilla extract.
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Spiced Sugar: Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing.
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Filled Donuts: After cooking, use a piping bag to fill them with lemon curd or jam.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, these Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts offer a delightful balance of ease, flavor, and fun. They prove that you don’t need complicated techniques or long lists of ingredients to create a treat that feels special. The brightness of lemon paired with the warm, tender donut makes for a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. With minimal prep and endless room for customization, it’s a go-to dessert, brunch addition, or sweet snack for any time of the year.