Crescent Roll Donuts Air Fryer: Quick & Crispy Delight Recipe

Last Updated on December 7, 2025

Imagine biting into a warm, soft donut that’s perfectly golden and fluffy—but made with crescent roll dough and ready in just minutes using your air fryer. Sounds delicious, right?

If you’re looking for a quick, easy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the mess of deep frying, this Crescent Roll Donuts Air Fryer recipe is exactly what you need. Keep reading, and you’ll discover how simple it is to whip up these irresistible donuts that will have you craving more every time.

Your next favorite snack is just a few steps away!

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Ingredients Needed

Basic ingredients include crescent roll dough, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. A simple mix creates sweet, crispy donuts in the air fryer. Few items, quick prep.

Basic Ingredients

Crescent roll donuts need just a few simple ingredients. These are easy to find in any kitchen or store. The main base is canned crescent roll dough. This dough makes the donuts soft and flaky.

Next, sugar is important for sweetness. Use granulated sugar for coating the donuts. It gives a nice crunch and sweetness on the outside.

Flavor Enhancers

Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor to the sugar coating. It pairs perfectly with the soft dough. Vanilla extract can be mixed in the glaze for extra aroma and taste.

Glaze Ingredients

For a simple glaze, powdered sugar is needed. It melts smoothly and makes the donuts glossy. Milk helps to thin the glaze to the right consistency. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

Optional Toppings

Sprinkles or chopped nuts add texture and color. Use these to decorate after glazing. They make the donuts look festive and fun.

Preparing Crescent Roll Dough

Preparing the dough is the first step to making delicious crescent roll donuts in the air fryer. Using crescent roll dough saves time and effort. It is soft, flaky, and perfect for donuts.

Handling the dough correctly helps get the best texture and taste. Follow these simple steps to prepare your crescent roll dough before cooking.

Unrolling The Crescent Roll Dough

Start by gently unrolling the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Avoid tearing the dough. Work slowly to keep it intact.

Use a flat surface like a cutting board or countertop. This makes it easier to shape the donuts later.

Separating The Dough Triangles

The dough comes in a sheet with perforated lines. Carefully separate each triangle along these lines. Use your fingers to pull them apart.

Keep the triangles whole for easy shaping. Do not stretch or pull the dough too much.

Shaping The Dough For Donuts

Take each triangle and gently roll it from the wide end to the point. This forms the classic crescent shape. For donuts, shape the dough into small circles or rings.

Pinch the ends together to close the shape. This prevents the dough from opening while cooking.

Shaping Donuts

Shaping donuts is a fun and simple step in making crescent roll donuts in an air fryer. This process helps create the perfect size and shape. It also ensures even cooking and a great look.

Start by handling the dough gently. This keeps it soft and easy to shape. Follow these steps to shape your donuts just right.

Cutting The Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough carefully on a flat surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares. Each square will become one donut. Try to keep the pieces about the same size for even cooking.

Cut slowly to avoid tearing the dough. If the dough sticks, dust the surface lightly with flour. This makes cutting easier and cleaner.

Forming The Donut Shape

Take each square and gently stretch it into a circle. Pinch the edges to make a smooth round shape. Use your finger to create a small hole in the middle. This forms the classic donut look.

Make sure the hole is not too big. It should hold the shape during air frying. If the hole is too small, the donut may puff up and close.

Air Frying Techniques

Air frying Crescent Roll Donuts is a quick way to enjoy a tasty treat. The right techniques can make the donuts crispy outside and soft inside. Understanding air frying settings helps you get perfect results every time.

Using the air fryer correctly saves time and prevents burning. Small changes in temperature and cooking time affect the donuts’ texture. Let’s explore key tips for air frying Crescent Roll Donuts.

Setting Temperature And Time

Set the air fryer to 350°F for best results. This temperature cooks the donuts evenly without burning. Cook the donuts for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check them halfway to avoid overcooking. Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model. Lower temperatures can make the donuts dry. Higher temperatures may burn the outside before the inside cooks.

Tips For Even Cooking

Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate. Turn the donuts halfway through cooking. This step helps both sides brown evenly. Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let the donuts cool a bit before eating. This keeps their shape and taste perfect.

Flavor Variations

Crescent roll donuts cooked in an air fryer offer many flavor options. These treats can be sweet or savory. You can easily change the taste by adding different toppings or fillings. Let’s explore some tasty ideas to try.

Sweet Glazes And Toppings

Sweet glazes bring a shiny, sugary touch to the donuts. Classic sugar glaze is quick and simple. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice. Drizzle it over warm donuts for a smooth finish.

Cinnamon sugar is another easy choice. Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar right after cooking. It adds a warm, sweet crunch.

Try chocolate drizzle by melting chocolate chips. Pour the chocolate over donuts and let it set. You can also add sprinkles or chopped nuts for texture and color.

Savory Options

For a different twist, try savory flavors. Brush melted butter on the donuts and sprinkle garlic powder and herbs. This makes a tasty snack for any time of day.

Cheese-filled crescent roll donuts are rich and satisfying. Add shredded cheese inside before cooking. Top with a pinch of salt or black pepper for extra flavor.

Another idea is to add cooked bacon bits or chopped olives. These ingredients give a salty, bold taste that contrasts with the soft dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve crescent roll donuts warm for the best taste. Pair them with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk for a simple treat.

Classic Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Sprinkle warm crescent roll donuts with cinnamon sugar. The sweet, spicy mix makes each bite tasty. It adds a soft crunch outside and keeps the inside soft. Serve with a small bowl of vanilla icing for dipping.

Fresh Fruit And Cream Cheese

Top the donuts with sliced strawberries or blueberries. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese first. The creamy texture pairs well with the flaky, airy donut. This combo makes a fresh and light treat any time.

Chocolate Drizzle And Nuts

Drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts. Use dark or milk chocolate for flavor. Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top. This gives a nice crunch and rich taste that delights the palate.

Maple Glaze And Bacon Bits

Brush the donuts with warm maple glaze. Sprinkle small pieces of cooked bacon on top. The sweet and salty contrast makes a unique and tasty snack. Perfect for breakfast or a quick bite.

Powdered Sugar And Jam

Dust the donuts lightly with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of your favorite jam or jelly. Raspberry or apricot jams work well. This simple pairing adds a fruity sweetness to the soft donuts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Making crescent roll donuts in an air fryer is easy and fun. Sometimes, small problems happen. These can stop the donuts from turning out perfect. Knowing how to fix common issues saves time and stress. This section helps solve frequent problems with air fryer crescent roll donuts.

Uneven Cooking Or Burning

Donuts may cook unevenly or burn in the air fryer. Check the air fryer temperature. Lower it by 10-15 degrees if donuts burn. Place donuts in a single layer with space around each. Flip donuts halfway through cooking for even browning.

Dough Not Rising Properly

Dough that does not rise makes dense donuts. Use fresh crescent roll dough for best results. Avoid opening the air fryer too often during cooking. Warm the dough slightly before shaping to help rising. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Donuts Sticking To The Basket

Donuts may stick and tear when removed. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Use parchment paper cut to fit under the donuts. Let donuts cool a little before removing them. Use a soft spatula to lift donuts gently.

Donuts Are Too Dry

Dry donuts lack moisture and taste. Reduce cooking time by a few minutes. Check the air fryer manual for correct settings. Brush donuts with melted butter after cooking. Serve donuts with a sweet glaze or dip to add moisture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make Crescent Roll Donuts In An Air Fryer?

To make crescent roll donuts, shape dough into rings, air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. Add cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

What Is The Best Air Fryer Temperature For Crescent Donuts?

The ideal temperature is 350°F. This cooks donuts evenly without burning. Adjust time based on your air fryer model.

Can Crescent Roll Donuts Be Made Gluten-free In An Air Fryer?

Yes, use gluten-free crescent roll dough. Cook at the same temperature and time. Check for doneness as gluten-free dough may vary.

How Do You Keep Air Fryer Crescent Donuts Soft?

Avoid overcooking; remove donuts promptly. Store in an airtight container. Reheat briefly to restore softness before serving.

Conclusion

Crescent roll donuts in the air fryer make a tasty treat. They cook quickly and need little oil. You can add sugar or cinnamon for extra flavor. Kids and adults both enjoy these sweet snacks. Try different toppings to find your favorite.

This simple recipe saves time and mess. Enjoy fresh, warm donuts anytime you want. A fun and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give it a go and enjoy every bite!