The Shortcut Donuts Everyone’s Talking About — Air Fryer + 4 Ingredients

 

Whip up warm bakery-style donut holes in minutes! These 4-ingredient air fryer donuts are soft, buttery, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.

The Shortcut Donuts Everyone’s Talking About — Air Fryer + 4 Ingredients

I used to make these little golden donut holes in my old Fry Daddy (yes, I’m dating myself here!). Back then, the smell of dough and hot oil meant something delicious was on the way—but cleanup was a whole different story not to mention the health factor. Thankfully, times have changed. The air fryer is my new kitchen superhero, giving me the nostalgia of homemade donuts without the grease or the fuss.  What's better than recreating a dish that brings back such pleasant memories.   And, with no oil splattering just quick, golden, sugar-dusted blissful donut holes.

The first time you toss these warm donut holes in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, you’ll know exactly what I mean. The air fryer works its magic, turning simple biscuit dough into soft, pillowy bites that melt in your mouth. They’re buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and that sweet cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen with cozy, Sunday-morning warmth. It’s the kind of smell that draws everyone to the kitchen.  Good right?

And the best part? These 4-ingredient air fryer donut holes fit any moment. Whip them up for a weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or a sweet surprise for a kids’ party. They come together so fast you’ll wonder why you ever stood over a pot of hot oil. One bite, and you’ll be hooked—because this shortcut is just too delicious to resist.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You’ll be amazed at how simple these shortcut donuts are — just 4 everyday ingredients you might already have on hand!

• Sugar – Gives the donuts their classic sweetness and helps the cinnamon coating stick beautifully.

• Cinnamon  – Adds that warm, cozy flavor everyone loves in a fresh donut.

• Unsalted Butter  – A quick dunk in butter makes the sugar-cinnamon coating cling and gives each bite a rich, bakery-style taste.

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can, 16.3 ounces, such as Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits) – The ultimate shortcut! This ready-to-bake dough transforms into fluffy, golden donut holes in minutes.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries — these donuts are super flexible!

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Sugar: Swap white sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

• Cinnamon: Try a pumpkin pie spice blend for a cozy fall twist.

• Butter: Use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter to make them dairy-free.

• Biscuit Dough: Crescent roll dough or refrigerated pizza dough can work in a pinch — just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Tasty Variations:

• Glazed Donut Holes: Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

• Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to fill cooled donut holes with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or vanilla pudding for a fun surprise!

Kitchen Tips & Notes

A few quick tips to make your donut-making extra easy:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — give the donuts space to puff up evenly.

• Shake halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.

• Work in batches to keep the sugar coating warm and ready.

• Toss while hot — the butter and cinnamon sugar stick best when the donuts are fresh from the fryer.

• Serve immediately for the perfect mix of warm, fluffy inside and crispy-sweet outside.

How to Store & Reheat

These donut holes are best eaten warm, but you can save leftovers (if there are any!).

• To Store: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer softness.

• Pro Tip: Roll them in a bit of extra cinnamon sugar after reheating to refresh the coating!

       Set the Mood       

These donut holes deserve a whole vibe—start here ↓

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad — 5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes

 

Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights! This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad comes together in just 30 minutes with crunchy ramen noodles, edamame, and a bright Asian-style salad kit.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad — 5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes

I’m wrapping up the 5-Ingredient Meal series with one of my all-time favorite salads — Chinese chicken salad! I wanted to give it a little extra flavor and excitement, so I created a variation with grilled teriyaki chicken and a few surprise add-ins that take it to the next level.

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and totally satisfying — all without a ton of prep or fuss. The combination of mandarin oranges, edamame, crunchy ramen noodles, and dried cranberries makes every bite fun, while the teriyaki chicken adds a warm, savory punch.

Quick, colorful, and packed with flavor, this salad is the perfect way to end the series — healthy, simple, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation for a fast, delicious meal that feels a little special. For the other recipes in this series check out my list below.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

This recipe keeps things simple but delivers incredible texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright, Asian-inspired salad come together:

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this salad hearty and satisfying. When grilled and brushed with teriyaki sauce, they add a smoky sweetness that ties the whole dish together.

• Teriyaki Sauce – This is your flavor shortcut! It’s sweet, savory, and caramelizes beautifully as the chicken cooks. Use your favorite bottled version for ease, or make your own if you prefer to control the sweetness.

• Asian-Style Salad Kit – The perfect weeknight helper. These kits usually include crunchy greens, cabbage, dressing, and toppings that create a great texture base without any extra prep.

• Mandarin Oranges – Their citrusy sweetness brightens the flavors and pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken. Canned versions work great—just drain them well before tossing in.

• Edamame, Ramen Noodles & Cranberries – The supporting trio! The edamame adds a bit of protein, the ramen noodles bring crunch, and the cranberries give a touch of tart-sweet contrast that makes this salad so fun to eat.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to make this salad your own? Here are a few easy swaps and twists to try:

• Protein Swap: If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute grilled shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. They all pair beautifully with the teriyaki and mandarin flavors.

• Teriyaki Twist: Try a sesame-ginger dressing or even a honey-soy glaze instead of teriyaki if you want a lighter or less sweet flavor.

• Salad Kit Alternatives: Can’t find an Asian-style kit? Use romaine, shredded cabbage, and a sesame dressing as a quick stand-in.

Variations

• Variation 1 – Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes for a lighter, island-inspired version that’s still bright and quick.
• Variation 2 – Crunchy Upgrade: Toss in toasted almonds, cashews, or crispy wonton strips to give your salad even more satisfying texture and flavor.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Grill Pan Shortcut: If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet works great. 

• Timing Tip: Grill the chicken first, then toss the salad ingredients while it rests. That way, everything comes together warm and fresh.

• Crunch Factor: Crush the ramen noodles just before serving so they stay crisp.

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the chicken and salad ingredients earlier in the day—just store the dressing separately until ready to serve.

       Set the Mood       

Want to create a cozy night in with a little Asian flair? Here’s how to make it unforgettable

Looking for more quick dinner salads? Try my Country Chophouse Chicken Salad with Garden Fresh Buttermilk Dressing or browse the full 5-Ingredient Meal series below.

     5-Ingredient Meal Series     

Looking for quick, flavorful meals that require minimal effort? Here’s the full lineup of 5-Ingredient Meals in this series — each designed to be ready in 20–30 minutes, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights:

5-Ingredient Steak Salad with Avocado (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Juicy grilled steak paired with Southwestern-style salad kit, black beans, avocado, and bell peppers.

5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Mini farfalle pasta tossed with Caesar salad kit, salami, pepperoncini, red onion, and Parmesan-crouton topping.

5-Ingredient Asian-Inspired Kohlrabi & Cabbage Slaw (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Crisp kohlrabi and cabbage with a zesty chili-peanut dressing, lime, and cilantro — perfect for a refreshing side.

5-Ingredient Zucchini Ribbon Salad (Ready in 20 Minutes!) -Delicate ribbons of fresh zucchini mingle with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta — all tossed in a za’atar vinaigrette that bursts with Mediterranean flavor. It’s colorful, elegant, and refreshingly simple.

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Before You Start

Can I make this teriyaki chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the teriyaki chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, wait to assemble the salad until just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and makes this recipe even faster. Simply warm the chicken and toss it with the teriyaki sauce before adding it to the salad.

What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don’t have mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, sliced fresh oranges, or even dried cranberries make great substitutes and still balance the savory teriyaki flavor.

Is this salad good for meal prep or lunches?
Yes, with one tip: keep the dressing and salad kit separate until ready to eat. Assemble just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What other greens can I use besides a salad kit?
Romaine, butter lettuce, mixed greens, or even shredded cabbage all work well. A crunchier green like cabbage holds up especially well if you’re prepping ahead.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

5-Ingredient Zucchini Ribbon Salad (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

A light and refreshing Mediterranean Zucchini Ribbon Salad made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes! Tossed with za’atar vinaigrette, tomatoes, olives, and feta — the perfect healthy side dish.

5-Ingredient Zucchini Ribbon Salad (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

I’m back with another 5-ingredient weeknight wonder — and this one is bringing major fresh and sunny Mediterranean vibes to the table! I'm loving these quick, uncomplicated recipes for my weeknight meals because I'm just too tired to tackle anything complex at the moment.  However, I do want something beautiful and delicious on my plate.

That’s exactly why this Zucchini Ribbon Salad is such a side dish lifesaver. Cutting the zucchini into ribbons feels fancy (but really takes zero extra effort), and the za’atar vinaigrette gives everything a herby, zesty punch. Add juicy cherry tomatoes, salty olives, and creamy feta and serve it alongside some Mediterranean seasoned grilled chicken — and suddenly dinner feels like it came straight from a seaside cafe.

And did I mention that it is a no cook dish?  The zucchini is raw, but not to worry as the thin slices make it tender and the taste is crisp and fresh.  This is a great weeknight-friendly dish that can accompany so many main dishes.   A total win in my book!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Just 5 simple ingredients turning into a stunning, fresh salad!

• Zucchini - Tender ribbons make the salad feel elegant — and they soak up every bit of flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes - A burst of juicy sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.

• Kalamata Olives - Briney + bold — a little goes a long way in adding rich Mediterranean flavor.

• Feta Cheese - Creamy and salty crumbles give this salad its finishing touch.

• Za’atar Vinaigrette - Just olive oil, vinegar, and za’atar — bright, herbaceous, and effortless.

Substitutions & Variations

Sometimes you don’t have exactly what a recipe calls for — or you just want to mix it up a bit! Here are some easy substitutions and fun variations for the Zucchini Ribbon Salad:

Ingredient Swaps

Not everything has to be exactly as listed — these swaps work beautifully:

• Feta Cheese: Don’t have feta? No problem! Goat cheese or shaved Parmesan are both delicious alternatives that still give you that creamy, salty punch.

• Kalamata Olives: If you prefer a milder olive or want a different flavor, try green Castelvetrano olives or even capers. They give the same briny pop without being too bold.

• Vinegar: Out of red wine vinegar? Lemon juice works perfectly and gives the salad an extra bright, fresh flavor.

Flavor Variations

Want to play with textures or make the salad a bit heartier? Here are some easy ideas:

• Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a satisfying main-dish salad. 

• Crunch Factor: Add toasted pine nuts, pistachios, or even sliced almonds for a little extra texture and a nutty flavor. It makes the salad feel even more special.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

Even though this salad is super simple, a few quick tips can help it turn out perfectly every time:

• Slice zucchini ribbons carefully: Use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline for thin, even ribbons. If they’re too thick, they can be a bit tough, and if too thin, they may wilt too quickly.

• Pat zucchini dry if needed: If your zucchini is very watery, lightly pat the ribbons with a paper towel to keep the salad crisp.

• Make the vinaigrette ahead: The za’atar vinaigrette can be whisked together a few hours in advance — just toss the zucchini ribbons right before serving to prevent sogginess.

• Serve fresh: This salad is best eaten within 2 hours of assembly — it’s all about that fresh, crisp zucchini texture.

       Set the Mood       

Want to create a fresh Mediterranean moment at home?

Then let the vibe match the flavors—here’s how to set the mood while you serve up this bright and breezy Zucchini Ribbon Salad.

     5-Ingredient Meal Series     

Looking for quick, flavorful meals that require minimal effort? Here’s the full lineup of 5-Ingredient Meals in this series — each designed to be ready in 20–30 minutes, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights:

5-Ingredient Steak Salad with Avocado (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Juicy grilled steak paired with Southwestern-style salad kit, black beans, avocado, and bell peppers.

5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Mini farfalle pasta tossed with Caesar salad kit, salami, pepperoncini, red onion, and Parmesan-crouton topping.

5-Ingredient Asian-Inspired Kohlrabi & Cabbage Slaw (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Crisp kohlrabi and cabbage with a zesty chili-peanut dressing, lime, and cilantro — perfect for a refreshing side.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇