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👇     

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – Easy & Irresistible!

Crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy! These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Ready in minutes with a golden, crunchy crust.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – Easy & Irresistible!

If you love a good sandwich for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, you’re going to adore this one. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are golden, crunchy, and topped with melty mozzarella and tangy marinara—all in under 30 minutes. The air fryer makes getting perfectly crispy chicken a breeze, without the mess of deep frying.

We’re big fans of easy chicken sandwiches here, and if you’re craving more, you can also check out my Air Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich and Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches—both just as simple and full of flavor. This Parmesan sandwich is a fast, satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite any night of the week.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy sandwiches. I’ve skipped the measurements here so you can get a feel for the ingredients first.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, the perfect base for our crispy cutlets.

• Eggs – Help the coating stick beautifully to the chicken.

• All-purpose flour – Creates the first layer of coating so the crumbs hold tight.

• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor right in the dredge.

• Italian seasoning – A quick blend of herbs to give the chicken extra flavor.

• Black pepper – Just enough kick to balance the richness.

• Crushed corn flakes – Our crispy coating! They stay light, golden, and crunchy in the air fryer.

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray – Helps the coating turn crisp and golden without extra oil.

• Marinara sauce – Tangy and flavorful, the classic Chicken Parmesan partner.

• Fresh mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection over the chicken.

• Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns – Soft and toasty, the perfect way to serve it up.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy swaps and flavor twists:

• Chicken: Try turkey cutlets or even thin pork chops for a different spin.

• Corn flakes: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers work if that’s what you have on hand.

• Cheese: Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella for a different melty vibe.

• Sauce: Swap marinara with a spicy arrabbiata for extra kick.

• Rolls: Use ciabatta rolls, focaccia, or even garlic bread for an indulgent upgrade.

• Healthier twist: Serve the cutlets open-faced over a salad instead of on a roll.

Kitchen Tips

• Parmesan Placement: Since crushed corn flakes are lighter and less dense than traditional breadcrumbs, mixing the Parmesan with the flour during the dredging step helps it stick to the chicken evenly instead of falling to the bottom.

• For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top of the marinara just before adding the mozzarella.

• Make sure cutlets are evenly pounded for consistent cooking and crispiness.

• Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Air-Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich – Crunchy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!

Golden, air-fried chicken cutlets meet gooey mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil—all piled onto toasted sandwich buns. This Tuscan-inspired sandwich is everything: crispy, cheesy, fresh, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend lunch. 

Air-Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich – Crunchy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!

Sunshine, a light breeze, and the sound of dinner sizzling in the air fryer—this is our idea of the perfect mealtime moment. This Air-Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich has become a go-to for casual patio lunches and breezy summer dinners. It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it always feels like a little escape to the Italian countryside (even if we’re just steps away from the kitchen).

Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken turns out incredibly juicy inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside—no deep frying required. Each bite is layered with melted mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and torn basil, tucked into a toasted bun that soaks up every drop of flavor. The best part? It’s on the table fast, without a lot of fuss. This is one of those recipes that feels special, but is simple enough to whip up on any given Tuesday—and that’s why we keep coming back to it.

Enjoy!

Tuscan Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

🛒 Shopping List

Produce

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil

Meat & Dairy

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Mozzarella cheese slices

Pantry

• All-purpose flour
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Corn flakes (or panko breadcrumbs)
• Salt

Bread

• Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• No Corn Flakes?:  Swap with panko breadcrumbs for a similar crispy texture. You can also use crushed Ritz crackers or plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for added crunch.

• Mozzarella Cheese Options:  Use provolone, fontina, or even sliced Havarti for a delicious melt. Fresh mozzarella is great, too—just slice it thinly so it melts evenly.

• Tomatoes Not in Season?:  Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil make a flavorful substitute. Just chop them finely and mix with a bit of fresh basil.

Variations

• Tuscan Chicken Caprese Sandwich:  Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the tomato-basil topping for a caprese-inspired upgrade.

• Spicy Tuscan Twist:  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or stir some Calabrian chili paste into the tomato salad for a bit of heat.

• Tuscan Chicken Wraps:  Wrap the crispy chicken, cheese, and tomato-basil salad in a warm flatbread or tortilla for a fresh take on lunch.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Pounding Chicken Evenly:  Place the chicken between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap before pounding to keep things tidy and help it cook evenly.

• Make Ahead Tip:  You can prep and bread the chicken in advance—just store it covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours before air frying.

• Toasting the Buns:  Toast the sandwich buns in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.

• Leftover Chicken:  Leftover cutlets are great on salads, sliced over pasta, or even turned into crispy chicken parmesan the next day!

     ITEMS YOU MAY NEED     

Air Fryer - I use this one and it is essential to getting juicy, crispy chicken breasts!

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Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches – Crunch Meets Creamy Cool

These Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate summer bite—juicy, golden chicken meets crunchy veggies and cool, creamy tzatziki. A healthy, flavor-packed air fryer recipe you’ll crave all season! 

Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches – Crunch Meets Creamy Cool

Some sandwiches are just... satisfying. The kind you bite into and instantly know you’ll be making again and again. These Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches are that kind of sandwich. With a golden, ultra-crunchy cornflake crust and a tender, juicy center (thanks, air fryer!), each bite is a flavor-packed celebration of summer. The cool, garlicky tzatziki and crisp cucumber-tomato salad bring just the right contrast—refreshing, tangy, and full of Mediterranean sunshine.  Want a bonus bite? Whip up extra cucumber and tomato mix to serve on the side—it makes a light and zesty salad.

As someone who can’t resist Greek flavors, this combo hits every note I love: herb-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and that dreamy tzatziki drizzle. And the best part? It all comes together without turning on the oven. The air fryer makes this so easy—just press a button, flip once, and you’re rewarded with chicken that’s just as juicy and crispy as the deep-fried kind, but so much lighter.

Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, need a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, or just want a sandwich that’s actually exciting, this one’s for you. Toast those buns, pile on the toppings, and prepare to fall in love with your new summer favorite.

Enjoy!

Equipment you may need

• Air Fryer - I use this one for the larger capacity and it's consistent even cooking. (It's on sale with prime right now!)

What Ingredients will I need?

Produce

• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes

Meat & Dairy

• Chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Tzatziki or tzatziki salad dressing

Bakery

• Hamburger buns

Pantry

• Greek seasoning - I recently purchased this one and it is very good.  It's an herb blend and they use good clean ingredients.  This one is my standard Greek seasoning and is nice as well.  
• All-purpose flour
• Corn flakes
• Red wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Cooking spray

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Want to make this recipe with what you have on hand? Here are some easy ingredient substitutions to keep things flexible and delicious:

• Chicken breasts → Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option

• Corn flakes → Use panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed tortilla chips for a different kind of crunch.

• Tzatziki → Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic, dill, and cucumber makes a quick homemade version.

• Buns → Swap in pita, naan, or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb or Mediterranean-style twist.

• Red wine vinegar → White wine vinegar or lemon juice works great in a pinch.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches for different tastes, occasions, or dietary needs:

• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne to the cornflake coating or spread a layer of harissa or spicy hummus on the bun.

• Mediterranean Bowl Style – Skip the bun and serve the crispy chicken over a bed of greens, rice, or quinoa with the cucumber-tomato salad and tzatziki on top.

• Grilled Chicken Option – Skip the coating and air frying—just season and grill the chicken for a lighter, lower-carb version.

• Add Cheese – Feta crumbles or a slice of provolone or mozzarella can add a rich, creamy bite.

• Veggie Boost – Add baby spinach, arugula, or roasted red peppers to layer in even more flavor and color.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

A few helpful tips to make your Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches come out perfectly every time:

• Even Thickness = Even Cooking
  Lightly pounding the chicken ensures each piece cooks at the same rate—no dry edges or underdone centers.

• Crush Corn Flakes Finely
  Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Finer crumbs help the coating stick better and give a more even crunch.

• Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray
  A light mist of cooking spray over the chicken helps the air fryer create that golden, crispy crust without any excess oil.

• Preheat the Air Fryer
  Just like an oven, a preheated air fryer gives you better texture and even browning right from the start.

• Toast the Buns
  A quick toast brings out flavor and keeps them from soaking up too much moisture from the tzatziki and veggies.

Bonus Tips

• How to Toast the Buns Like a Pro
  Lightly butter the cut sides of your sandwich buns and toast them in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. This adds flavor and helps keep the bun from getting soggy once layered with juicy chicken and tzatziki.

• Storing Leftovers
  Store leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to revive the crunch. Keep the cucumber-tomato salad and buns separate to maintain freshness and texture.

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