Got it — you want a BIG, full, food-blog–style recipe with everything: intro, ingredients, methods, history, formation, variations for donut lovers, serving ideas, and a warm conclusion. Let’s do it 🍩✨
Weight Watchers–Friendly Air Fryer Donuts
Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and shockingly low-guilt
Introduction
If you love donuts but don’t love the points, calories, or deep-frying mess, these Weight Watchers Air Fryer Donuts are about to become your new obsession. They deliver that classic cinnamon-sugar donut vibe using flaky biscuit dough and an air fryer—no yeast, no waiting, and no fryer oil required.
Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch spreads, or late-night sweet cravings, these donuts feel indulgent while still fitting into a mindful eating lifestyle. Warm, golden, and finished with a buttery cinnamon coating, they’re proof that “lighter” doesn’t have to mean boring.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
1 can jumbo flaky biscuits (Look for reduced-fat or lower-point options if available)
¼ cup granulated sugar or a Weight Watchers–approved sugar substitute
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter (Light or reduced-fat butter works great)
Equipment Needed
Air fryer
1-inch round cutter (or bottle cap)
Small mixing bowl
Silicone pastry brush
Tongs or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even browning and a soft interior.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix:
Sugar (or substitute)
Ground cinnamon
Set aside. This mixture will coat the donuts while they’re still warm for maximum flavor adhesion.
3. Shape the Donuts
Open the can of biscuits and separate them.
Use a 1-inch cutter to remove the center of each biscuit, creating a donut shape.
Save the centers for donut holes (trust me—you want them).
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Avoid aerosol sprays that may damage the air fryer coating.
5. Air Fry the Donuts
Place donuts in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Air fry at 360°F for about 5 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Flip halfway if your air fryer heats unevenly.
Tip: Cook in batches if needed—crowding leads to pale donuts.
6. Melt the Butter
While the donuts cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish (about 20–30 seconds).
7. Coat the Donuts
Immediately brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter.
Roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture or spoon it over the top.
Shake gently to remove excess coating.
Warm donuts = perfect cinnamon-sugar stickage 😍
8. Donut Holes (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Air fry donut holes at 360°F for 3–4 minutes
Brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar
These cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Method Summary (Quick View)
Preheat air fryer
Mix cinnamon sugar
Cut biscuit centers
Air fry donuts
Brush with butter
Roll in cinnamon sugar
Serve warm
A Short History of Donuts
Donuts (or doughnuts) date back to Dutch settlers in early America, who made “olykoeks” — oily cakes fried in fat. Over time, the iconic ring shape emerged, allowing dough to cook evenly. While traditional donuts are deep-fried, modern air-fryer versions like this one bring the same comfort and nostalgia with a lighter twist.
Formation & Texture
These donuts form their signature texture thanks to:
Flaky biscuit layers → soft, pull-apart interior
Air frying → crisp outer shell without oil
Butter brushing → classic donut richness with less fat
The result? A donut that feels indulgent but fits into everyday life.
Serve with warm apples or sugar-free apple compote
Savory-Sweet Twist
Use less sugar
Add a pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon sugar
Serving Methods for Donut Lovers
Pair with coffee or chai for breakfast
Serve as a brunch dessert
Stack on a platter with fruit for balance
Enjoy fresh—these are best warm!
Conclusion
These Weight Watchers Air Fryer Donuts prove that comfort food and mindful eating can absolutely coexist. They’re quick, customizable, family-friendly, and dangerously easy to make. Whether you’re tracking points or just want a lighter sweet treat, these donuts hit the spot every single time.
Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a weekly ritual 🍩💛
