Can I make these with homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting into donut shapes. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so watch them closely.

My air fryer is different from others. How do I know when the donuts are done?

The donuts should be puffed up and golden brown on the outside. If you're unsure, break one open - the interior should be fully cooked with no doughy spots. Different air fryer models may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.

Can I make these with a different citrus flavor?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with orange, lime, or even grapefruit. Simply substitute the corresponding juice and zest for a whole new flavor profile while keeping the same measurements.

The glaze is too runny/thick. How do I fix it?

For runny glaze, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add more milk or lemon juice a teaspoon at a time. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off slowly.

Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Name: Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits; Non-Stick Cooking Spray; 1½ cup powdered sugar; ¼ cup whole milk (may add or subtract for desired glaze consistency); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lemon zest (divided)

This irresistible Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts recipe transforms ordinary refrigerated biscuits into golden, fluffy donuts with a bright, tangy glaze in just 20 minutes! The air fryer creates perfectly crisp exteriors while keeping the centers soft and pillowy, and the fresh lemon glaze adds a burst of sunshine flavor that makes these treats absolutely impossible to resist. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or anytime you need a quick homemade donut fix!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have warm, glazed donuts in just 20 minutes. No rising time, no fuss!
No Deep Frying: Skip the messy oil and extra calories while still getting that perfect donut texture thanks to the air fryer.
Bright Flavor: The fresh lemon glaze transforms simple biscuits into bakery-worthy treats with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Foolproof: Even complete beginners can nail this recipe every time. If you can open a package of biscuits, you can make these donuts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: The magical shortcut that creates pillowy donuts without making dough from scratch. The buttermilk variety gives a slight tang that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of our glaze and provides that classic smooth sweetness. Don’t substitute granulated sugar – it won’t dissolve properly.
Whole milk: Creates the perfect glaze consistency. The fat content helps the glaze set beautifully on the donuts.
Lemon juice: Fresh is absolutely best here! The bright acidity cuts through the sweetness and makes these donuts special.
Lemon zest: The essential oils in the zest provide intense lemon flavor without additional liquid. Don’t skip this – it’s what makes these donuts sing!
Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents the donuts from sticking to your air fryer basket, ensuring perfect extraction every time.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Glazes

Transform these donuts with alternative glazes – try vanilla glaze with a splash of extract, chocolate glaze with cocoa powder, or maple glaze with pure maple syrup.

Flavor Additions

Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the glaze, or mix in some poppy seeds for lemon poppy seed donuts.

Topping Options

Sprinkle with colorful jimmies, toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or crushed freeze-dried berries for extra texture and flavor.

Filling Fun

Once cooled, fill the donut holes with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream using a piping bag for an extra special treat.

How to Make Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

Step 1: Create Donut Shapes

Cut a 1-inch circle from the center of each uncooked biscuit using an icing tip or small bottle cap. Don’t discard those centers – they become adorable donut holes!

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal.

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

Arrange the biscuit rings in your air fryer about an inch apart (they’ll expand). Air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes until they’ve puffed up and turned golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the donuts cook, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest until smooth. Adjust with more milk or powdered sugar to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 5: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each warm donut top-down into the glaze, then lift and flip to let the excess drip off. Place glazed-side up on a cooling rack or plate.

Step 6: Finish with Zest

Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of fresh lemon zest over the glazed donuts while the glaze is still wet so it adheres beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Thickness: Press down slightly on the biscuits before cutting to ensure even cooking.
Temperature Matters: Let the donuts cool just 1-2 minutes before glazing – too hot and the glaze melts away, too cool and it won’t adhere properly.
Air Fryer Management: Work in batches if needed. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer or the donuts won’t cook evenly.
Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still run off slowly. Too thick and it won’t spread, too thin and it won’t set properly.
Fresh Lemons: The difference between bottled juice and fresh is night and day here – always use fresh lemons for that vibrant flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These donuts are delightful alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit and savory egg dishes for balance.

Special Occasions

Stack them on a tiered plate for birthday breakfasts or weekend treats. They make charming additions to brunch buffets or afternoon tea spreads.

Temperature

While delicious warm or at room temperature, slightly warm donuts with just-set glaze offer the most heavenly eating experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The glaze may soften slightly in storage.

Freezing

These donuts can be frozen before glazing. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw, then warm and glaze before serving.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, warm refrigerated donuts in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F, or microwave for 10 seconds. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze if needed.

FAQs

Can I make these with homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness before cutting into donut shapes. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so watch them closely.
My air fryer is different from others. How do I know when the donuts are done?

The donuts should be puffed up and golden brown on the outside. If you’re unsure, break one open – the interior should be fully cooked with no doughy spots. Different air fryer models may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Can I make these with a different citrus flavor?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with orange, lime, or even grapefruit. Simply substitute the corresponding juice and zest for a whole new flavor profile while keeping the same measurements.
The glaze is too runny/thick. How do I fix it?

For runny glaze, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk or lemon juice a teaspoon at a time. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off slowly.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts are my go-to when I need to satisfy a donut craving without all the fuss. There’s something magical about transforming simple refrigerated biscuits into these light, fluffy treats with that bright burst of lemon. The best part? Everyone thinks you spent hours in the kitchen! Whether for a special weekend breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a last-minute dessert, these quick donuts never disappoint. Give them a try – I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!