Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Donuts (Cinnamon Sugar)

If you love warm apple pie and a cinnamon-sugar donut, this recipe gives you both in one bite. These Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Donuts start with simple biscuit dough, get wrapped around a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and finish with a buttery roll in cinnamon sugar. No deep fryer, no yeast, no waiting — just a handful of pantry ingredients and about 18 minutes start to finish.

They’re the kind of treat that disappears the moment they hit the plate. My kids went back again and again until the whole batch was gone — fair warning.

If you love quick air fryer donut recipes, you’ll also want to try my Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts and Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts

• Kid-approved and crowd-friendly — perfect for weekend breakfast, brunch, or a fast dessert.
• Two desserts in one — the cozy flavor of apple pie tucked inside a soft, cinnamon-sugar donut.
• Ready in under 20 minutes — biscuit dough means no rising, no yeast, no fuss.
• Lighter than deep-fried — the air fryer uses a fraction of the oil for the same golden finish.
• Totally customizable — swap in berries, peaches, jam, or pie filling (more ideas below).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Refrigerated biscuits — the shortcut dough that forms the soft donut shell.
• Apples — two large, firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best). Sliced thin so they cook through.
• Butter — melted, for dipping the warm donuts before the cinnamon sugar so it sticks.
• Ground cinnamon — warm spice for both the filling and the coating.
• Granulated sugar — sweetens the filling and creates that classic cinnamon-sugar shell.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Donuts

Step 1 — Prep the dough and apples. Lay the biscuits on a cutting board and roll each one into a larger, thinner circle with a rolling pin. Slice the apples thin so they’ll soften in the short cook time.

Step 2 — Fill them. Stir the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Place an apple slice in the center of each dough round and spoon about a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar on top.

Step 3 — Wrap and load. Gather the dough around the filling to form a sealed bundle, pinching the edges tightly so nothing leaks. Place each bundle in an air fryer basket lightly sprayed with oil so they don’t stick.

Step 4 — Air fry. Cook at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden and puffed.

Step 5 — Butter and roll. Let the donuts cool just enough to handle. Dip each one in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Donuts

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — soft apples turn to mush.
• Seal the edges well to keep the filling from leaking during cooking.
• Don’t overstuff — a little filling goes a long way and keeps the seal intact.
• Cook in batches so the donuts aren’t crowded; they need room to puff and brown.
• Butter while warm — the melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar cling for that signature shell.

Variations & Filling Ideas

Reader favorites and easy swaps:

• Berries — fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries.
• Sliced peaches — fresh or canned, drained well.
• Jam or preserves — a teaspoon of your favorite works beautifully.
• Apple pie filling — use canned as a true shortcut.
• Sugar-free — swap a granulated sugar substitute to lighten them up.

How to Store & Reheat

• Room temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• Freeze before cooking: Assemble the bundles, freeze solid on a parchment-lined tray, then bag them. Thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying.
• Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes to bring back the crisp edges. (See my full guide on how to reheat donuts in the air fryer.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples? Yes — canned apple pie filling is a great shortcut. Use a small spoonful per donut and seal well.

Can I freeze the stuffed donuts before cooking? Yes. Assemble, freeze solid on a parchment-lined sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before air frying.

How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuit dough? Yes — puff pastry gives a flakier result, though the texture will be lighter and less bready than biscuit dough.

What apples are best? Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best.

More Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipes

• Air Fryer Chocolate Fudge Donuts
• Air Fryer Strawberry Jelly Donuts
• Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts
• Air Fryer Caramel Stuffed Donuts
• Air Fryer Maple Bar Donuts