Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries In Air Fryer – Crispy Delicious!

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If you love quick and easy sweet treats, these Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries are about to become your new favorite! Made straight from frozen with no defrosting required, these delicious pastries are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside—just like a real donut. Topped with sweet icing and ready in just five minutes, this is the easiest way to enjoy toaster donuts without ever using a toaster!

Two Pillsbury toaster pastries cooked in an air fryer basket, showing how they look perfectly browned and ready to frost.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries

  • Super quick and easy to make. These toaster donut pastries go straight from the freezer to the air fryer—no defrosting or prep work required. They cook in just five minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks. You’ll love how effortless it is to enjoy a warm, sweet treat without any hassle. The air fryer does all the work, and you get all the deliciousness!

  • Crispy on the outside, soft and doughy inside. The air fryer gives these pastries the perfect texture—crispy and golden on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. They taste like a bakery-style donut with way less effort. Each bite is filled with that classic donut flavor in a fun pastry form. You won’t believe these came from the freezer!

  • Perfectly frosted for extra sweetness. The included frosting packet makes it so easy to add that finishing touch. Once the pastries are done, just drizzle the icing on top and you’ve got a picture-perfect dessert or breakfast treat. The frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the pastry. Kids and adults will both love them!

  • No toaster needed—just use your air fryer. If you don’t have a toaster or just don’t want to use one, this method is for you. The air fryer cooks these toaster donuts more evenly and makes them crispier than a traditional toaster. Plus, there’s no need to babysit them—just set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic. It’s a total game changer for toaster pastries!

  • Perfect for any time of day. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or an easy dessert, these toaster donut pastries are the perfect choice. You can enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a snack on their own. They’re great for kids’ snacks or a fun treat to share with friends. Once you try them in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to the toaster!

Box of Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries, showing the frosted flavor used for making easy air fryer toaster donuts.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries

  • Pillsbury Toaster Donuts (frozen) – These are ready-to-cook pastries that go straight from freezer to air fryer, giving you that delicious donut flavor in minutes.
  • Frosting (included in the package) – A sweet icing that adds the perfect finishing touch to the warm, crispy pastries.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Melanie Mendelson from melaniecooks.com holding a box of Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries in front of an air fryer, showing the product used to make easy air fryer toaster donuts.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries

  • Air fryer – Cooks the toaster donut pastries perfectly, making them crispy on the outside and soft inside.
  • Spatula – Helps safely remove the hot pastries from the air fryer without breaking them.

Two Pillsbury toaster donut pastries freshly cooked in an air fryer basket, showing how they look perfectly browned.

How To Make Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries

  • Take the Pillsbury Toaster Donuts out of the freezer—no need to thaw them first.
  • Place the frozen pastries in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
  • Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Once they’re done, carefully lift them out of the air fryer using a spatula.
  • Drizzle the included frosting over the warm pastries for a sweet, delicious finish.
  • Serve and enjoy while warm for the best taste and texture!

Two Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries cooked in an air fryer basket with the product box in the background, showing the finished result.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a cup of Turkish coffee or honey lemon tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat—these pastries pair perfectly with hot beverages.
  • Add fresh fruit on the side, like blueberries or sliced bananas, for a fun and colorful breakfast plate.
  • Turn them into a dessert plate by topping them with a scoop of chocolate banana ice cream and an extra drizzle of the included frosting or chocolate syrup.
  • Serve as a party treat—cut them into smaller pieces and arrange on a platter for an easy and unique party snack or brunch option.
  • Enjoy a homemade vanilla milkshake or chocolate milk for a kid-friendly snack that feels like a special treat but is so easy to make.

Two golden brown Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries sitting in an air fryer basket, freshly cooked.

Tips For Success

  • Cook straight from frozen. There’s no need to defrost the toaster donut pastries—just place them in the air fryer right out of the freezer. Cooking from frozen helps them hold their shape and get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. If thawed, they may become too sticky and lose that perfect texture.

  • Place in a single layer. Always lay the pastries in a single layer in the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate evenly. Avoid stacking or overlapping to ensure they cook all the way through and crisp up beautifully. If you want to make more than one batch, cook them in separate rounds.

  • Use the right temperature and time. Set your air fryer to 370°F and cook for 5 minutes. This is the ideal setting to get them crispy and golden brown. If your air fryer tends to cook hotter or cooler, adjust the time slightly—either a minute less or more—until you find the perfect timing for your specific air fryer.

  • Remove them gently. When the pastries are done, use a spatula to lift them out of the air fryer carefully. They will be soft on the inside and can break if handled roughly, so take your time when removing them.

  • Let them cool before frosting. Wait about a minute before drizzling on the included frosting. If you add it right away, it may melt too much and slide off. Giving them a short cooling period helps the frosting stick better and look great for serving.

Close-up of two golden brown Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries in an air fryer basket, showing their crispy texture right after cooking.

Variations And Substitutions

  • Try different flavors of toaster donuts. Pillsbury Toaster Donuts come in a variety of flavors, so you can easily switch it up based on what you’re craving. Chocolate, cinnamon, and strawberry flavors would all work great with this air fryer method. Using different flavors also makes it fun for kids to choose their favorite. You could even make a mix-and-match platter for a party or brunch.

  • Add extra toppings for more fun. After drizzling the included frosting, you can sprinkle on extras like rainbow sprinkles, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips. These simple toppings add color, texture, and extra sweetness. It’s a fun way to make them feel more like gourmet donuts, and kids love adding their own toppings. You could even set up a “decorate your own pastry” bar!

  • Make them dairy-free or gluten-free. If you’re avoiding dairy or gluten, check your grocery store for similar toaster pastries that meet those needs. While Pillsbury Toaster Donuts are a popular option, there are also other brands with gluten-free or dairy-free versions. You can use the exact same air fryer method to cook them—just check the package for any unique instructions.

  • Use different frostings. If you want to change up the flavor, you don’t have to stick with the frosting that comes in the package. Try using chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or even cream cheese frosting for a twist. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

  • Serve with dipping sauces. Instead of frosting, you can serve these pastries with small bowls of dipping sauces like melted chocolate, vanilla glaze, or fruit preserves. It’s a creative way to turn them into a fun snack for sharing. Plus, guests can choose their favorite dips for a personalized treat.

Two frosted Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries on a white plate, freshly cooked and ready to enjoy as a quick air fryer dessert or snack.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storing leftovers: If you have any leftover Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • Reheating in the air fryer: To bring back that fresh, crispy texture, place the pastries back in the air fryer. Heat them at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps them crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.

  • Microwave option: You can also reheat them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Place one pastry on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind they may not be as crispy as when reheated in the air fryer, but they’ll still taste great.

  • Freezing after cooking: If you want to freeze the cooked pastries, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Melanie Mendelson from melaniecooks.com is holding a frosted Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastry above the product box, showing the finished air fryer pastry next to its packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries in the air fryer without defrosting them?

Yes! These toaster donut pastries are meant to be cooked straight from frozen. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. In fact, cooking them frozen helps them hold their shape and develop that delicious crispy texture. Just pop them right into the air fryer, and they’ll be ready in minutes.

Hand of Melanie Mendelson from melaniecooks.com holding a golden brown Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastry with icing, showing the crispy texture and frosted top.

How long do I cook Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries in the air fryer?

You should cook them at 370°F for 5 minutes. This gives them just the right amount of crispiness on the outside while keeping them soft and doughy inside. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can add an additional minute, but 5 minutes is perfect for most air fryers. Keep an eye on them near the end to make sure they don’t overcook.

Close-up of a frosted Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastry, showing the crispy, golden texture and sweet icing from this quick air fryer treat.

Do I need to flip the toaster donuts while they are cooking in the air fryer?

No, flipping is not necessary. The air fryer circulates hot air all around the pastries, so they cook evenly on both sides without needing to be turned over. This makes the process super easy—just set the time and let the air fryer do its thing.

Hand of Melanie Mendelson from melaniecooks.com holding a frosted Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastry with a bite taken out, showing the crispy outside and soft inside of this easy air fryer pastry.

Can I add extra toppings to the toaster donut pastries?

Absolutely! After adding the included frosting, you can sprinkle on extras like colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts. You can even drizzle additional sauces like caramel or chocolate syrup for more flavor. Adding toppings is a fun way to personalize each pastry, especially if serving them at a party or for kids.

What should I do if I want to make a larger batch?

Since the toaster donut pastries need space to cook evenly, it’s best to cook them in batches if you want to make a larger quantity. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Once the first batch is done, you can quickly cook the next batch using the same temperature and time settings.

Can I store and reheat leftover toaster donut pastries?

Yes! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds, though they won’t be as crisp.

Do I have to use the included frosting?

No, the frosting is optional. You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet pastry, or swap it out for other toppings like powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a cream cheese glaze. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like chocolate or jam for a fun twist.

What if my air fryer cooks faster or slower?

Every air fryer is a little different, so it’s a good idea to check on the pastries the first time you make them. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly. If they’re not crisp enough after 5 minutes, you can add an extra minute or two. Once you know how your air fryer cooks them, it will be easy to get perfect results every time.

Other Easy Pillsbury Recipes

Pillsbury Grands Biscuit Donuts in Air Fryer – These fluffy donuts made from Pillsbury Grands Biscuits are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer and topped with sweet glaze.

Frozen Pillsbury Grands Biscuits Air Fryer Recipe – Make perfectly soft and flaky Pillsbury Grands Biscuits straight from frozen using the air fryer—no thawing needed!

Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies in Air Fryer – These warm and gooey Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies bake up fast in the air fryer for an easy homemade dessert.

Canned Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer (Pillsbury Recipe) – Air fryer canned cinnamon rolls come out soft, fluffy, and topped with melty icing for a delicious breakfast or treat.

Frozen Pillsbury Toaster Strudel in Air Fryer – Cook frozen Pillsbury Toaster Strudel in the air fryer for a crispy, flaky pastry filled with sweet fruit and topped with icing.

Other Easy Donut Recipes

Air Fryer Biscuit Dough Donut Holes – These easy air fryer donut holes made from biscuit dough are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping in glaze or cinnamon sugar.

Gluten-Free Keto Cinnamon Donuts – These soft, baked cinnamon donuts are gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly—perfect for a healthy sweet treat!

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Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries

These Air Fryer Pillsbury Toaster Donut Pastries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with sweet frosting. Made straight from frozen, they cook to perfection in just five minutes—no toaster needed! This quick and easy treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you crave something sweet.
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time6 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer breakfast, air fryer toaster donuts, easy air fryer dessert, Pillsbury toaster pastries
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 package Pillsbury Toaster Donuts frozen
  • Frosting included in the package

Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)

Instructions

  • Remove the frozen toaster donuts from the package. No need to defrost.
  • Place them in the air fryer in a single layer.
  • Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Once done, remove the pastries using a spatula.
  • Drizzle the included frosting on top.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary.
  • Let the pastries cool for a minute before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting too much.
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