If you have a soft spot for nostalgic cereals and a craving for something sweet, the Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This delightful recipe takes fluffy buttermilk biscuits and transforms them into irresistible donuts using an air fryer for a light, perfectly golden crust. What really sets these apart is the magical marshmallow glaze made from melted mini marshmallows and adorned with colorful Lucky Charms marshmallow bits. It’s a fun, quick, and utterly delicious way to bring a little whimsy to your breakfast or dessert table that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the soft buttermilk biscuits that form the donut base to the gooey marshmallow glaze that gives these donuts their signature sweetness, it is simple yet thoughtfully crafted.
- Buttermilk biscuits (1 can, jumbo size): These provide the soft, pillowy donut structure that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Cooking spray: To ensure the donuts don’t stick and achieve a light, golden exterior.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and is essential for melting into the marshmallow glaze.
- Mini marshmallows (7 cups): The star ingredient in the glaze that creates a smooth, sweet coating.
- Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for easy dipping.
- Lucky Charms marshmallows (for topping): Adds color, crunch, and classic charm to the finished donuts.
- Gold sparkle sprinkles (optional): For a touch of extra shimmer and festive fun.
How to Make Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the heat is just right to give your donuts that gorgeous golden color and soft interior without overcooking them.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuits
While the air fryer heats, grab your jumbo buttermilk biscuits and use a 1-inch round cutter or the large end of a piping tip to cut a small hole in the center of each biscuit, creating that iconic donut shape. Feel free to set aside or discard the little holes you cut out.
Step 3: Set Up Cooling Station
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a cooling rack on top. This setup will catch any icing drips as your donuts cool and glaze, keeping your kitchen tidy.
Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the prepared biscuits flat in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and continue air frying for another 2 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden brown. Times can vary by model, so keep an eye on them. Transfer cooked donuts to the cooling rack.
Step 5: Make the Marshmallow Glaze
In a medium-large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, reduce heat to low and stir in the mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until completely melted and smooth with no lumps remaining. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Blend in Powdered Sugar and Milk
Gradually sift the powdered sugar into the marshmallow mixture, stirring to combine, then slowly add about ⅛ cup of milk to thin the glaze and help remove any powdered sugar stuck on the sides. Continue blending until the glaze is smooth and has an ice-cream like consistency perfect for dipping.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate Your Donuts
Using tongs, dip each donut into the warm glaze, coating only the top surface. Let the excess drip off over the cooling rack. Before the glaze sets, press Lucky Charms marshmallows onto the tops and sprinkle with gold sparkle sprinkles if you’re feeling fancy. Let cool and set for at least 15 minutes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
The colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows on top naturally make these donuts feel festive and fun, but you can add a little extra by sprinkling edible glitter, crushed cereal bits for crunch, or a drizzle of white chocolate for a decadent twist. These garnishes make each donut feel like a mini celebration.
Side Dishes
For a breakfast feast, serve these donuts alongside fresh fruit or a simple berry compote to cut through the sweetness. A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly, balancing the rich glaze with refreshing or robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your donuts on a tiered cake stand for a whimsical centerpiece, or serve them individually in colorful cupcake liners to make them easier to grab at parties or brunches. You can also package them in clear boxes tied with ribbon for charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Because of the marshmallow glaze, refrigeration isn’t ideal as it can harden the icing and alter the texture.
Freezing
If you want to save the magic for later, freeze unglazed air-fried donuts in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature, then prepare and apply the glaze fresh for best results.
Reheating
To revive stored donuts, gently warm them in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes just to refresh the softness without melting the glaze. If glazed after reheating, enjoy the contrast of warm donuts with cool, sweet topping.
FAQs
Can I use regular biscuits instead of jumbo?
Yes, regular biscuits work, but your donuts will be smaller, and cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the donuts to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows for the glaze?
Mini marshmallows melt more smoothly, but you can chop large marshmallows into small pieces to mimic the effect. Just be patient while stirring to prevent lumps.
Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting prevents lumps in the glaze, making it smoother and easier to dip donuts into, so it’s highly recommended for the best texture.
Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
While the air fryer gives a perfect light crust, you can bake the biscuits in a standard oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
How long do these donuts stay fresh?
Because of the marshmallow glaze, it’s best to enjoy these donuts within 1-2 days for optimal softness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully joyful about the Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser, whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack. It’s quick, fun, and packed with the nostalgic flavors of Lucky Charms that bring smiles with every bite. So why wait? Grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this magical donut experience today!
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Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts are a delightful and whimsical treat featuring fluffy buttermilk biscuits air fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a luscious marshmallow glaze made from melted butter, mini marshmallows, and powdered sugar. Topped with colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows and optional gold sparkle sprinkles, these donuts are perfect for a fun breakfast or playful dessert in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 Can buttermilk biscuits (16 Ounces, jumbo size)
- Cooking spray (as needed)
Marshmallow Glaze
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 Cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 Cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1/8 Cup milk
Toppings
- Lucky Charms marshmallows (for topping)
- Sprinkles (gold sparkle, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 325 degrees F to get it ready for baking the donuts.
- Prepare the biscuit holes: Using a 1 inch round biscuit cutter or the large end of a piping tip, cut out a small 1 inch round hole in the center of each biscuit. Discard the donut holes.
- Set up cooling rack: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top; this will catch excess glaze later.
- Air fry the biscuits: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cut biscuits into the basket and cook for 3 minutes. Flip them and air fry for another 2 minutes or until they turn slightly golden brown. Repeat until all donuts are cooked.
- Cool the donuts: Transfer the golden brown donuts onto the prepared cooling rack to cool before glazing.
- Melt butter for glaze: In a medium-large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter gently.
- Add marshmallows: Reduce heat to low and add 7 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter.
- Combine marshmallows and butter: Stir continuously until the mini marshmallows have melted fully and the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Remove from heat.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually blend in 1 ½ cups of sifted powdered sugar into the marshmallow mixture, mixing thoroughly. Some sugar may stick to the sides of the pan.
- Thin the glaze: Slowly add 1/8 cup of milk to thin the glaze and help incorporate remaining sugar on the sides, stirring until the glaze is smooth and has an ice-like texture.
- Glaze the donuts: Using tongs, dip the tops of each donut into the warm marshmallow glaze carefully, then set them back on the cooling rack allowing excess glaze to drip off.
- Decorate: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle Lucky Charms marshmallows on top of each donut. Add gold sparkle sprinkles if desired.
- Set the glaze: Allow the donuts to cool and let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The air frying time may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer; keep an eye to prevent overcooking.
- Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment and use a cooling rack to catch glaze drips and avoid mess.
- Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smoother glaze without lumps.
- Use jumbo size buttermilk biscuits for best donut size and texture.
- If you don’t have Lucky Charms marshmallows, regular mini marshmallows or colorful sprinkles work as alternative toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
