Deep-Fried Donuts

Uncrustable Donuts Recipe nights happen at my house when everyone wants something sweet, warm, and fun, but nobody wants a big baking project or a sink full of dishes. You know those evenings when you are craving a donut, but you are not craving the whole deep fry setup? Same. This little hack is my go to because it uses a freezer staple and turns it into a treat that feels fresh from a bakery. It is cozy, quick, and honestly kind of addictive. Let me show you exactly how I make them so they turn out golden, soft, and melty in the middle every time.

How to Make Uncrustable Donuts

This is the part where you realize you are about 10 minutes away from warm donut goodness. The key is letting the sandwich thaw just enough so it is not icy in the center, then cooking it fast so the outside gets toasty while the filling gets gooey.

Step by step directions

• Thaw: Take Uncrustables out of the freezer and let them sit at room temp for 20 to 30 minutes. They should feel soft but still cool.
• Flatten (optional but I do it): Gently press each one with your palm to make it a little thinner. This helps it cook evenly.
• Cut the donut hole: Use a small round cutter (or the cap of a bottle) to cut a hole in the center. Save the little middle pieces because they cook up like mini donut bites.
• Cook: Air fry or pan fry until golden and warm. Details are below, but think 3 to 6 minutes total depending on method.
• Coat: Brush with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Or dust with powdered sugar if you want less mess.
• Serve: Eat them warm. That is when the filling is at its best.

Little side note, if you like quick snacky recipes like this, you might also enjoy scrolling through all recipes when you are bored and hungry like I always am.

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Ingredients for Uncrustable Donuts

You do not need much, which is part of the charm. I keep these ingredients around so I can make this whenever a sweet craving hits, especially on weekends.

What you will need

• 4 Uncrustables sandwiches (PB and grape is classic, but any flavor works)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 third cup granulated sugar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (add more if you love that warm spice vibe)
• Optional: powdered sugar, honey, chocolate sauce, or a simple glaze

If you want a little drink to go with these, a cozy mug situation is perfect. I have been making this chai tea latte recipe a lot lately, and it tastes so good with cinnamon sugar anything.

A quick flavor tip: if you are using the strawberry Uncrustables, try adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the sugar plus a little lemon zest if you have it. It makes the fruity filling pop in a really nice way.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Uncrustable Donuts

You have options here, and I love that. I use the air fryer most often because it is quick and less oily, but I have tried the other ways too when I am at a friend’s house or traveling.

Air fryer method (my favorite):
Preheat to 350 F if your model needs it. Lightly spray the basket or rub it with a little oil. Air fry the donut shapes for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway. The mini donut holes usually need 2 to 3 minutes. You want them golden, not crunchy.

Skillet method (best for extra crisp edges):
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a thin layer of oil. Cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely because the sugar filling can heat fast. This method gives you that toasty outside that feels most like a real donut shop texture.

Oven method (good for a bigger batch):
Bake at 375 F on a parchment lined sheet. Flip halfway through. They usually take around 8 to 10 minutes total. They will be a bit more like a soft toasted pastry than a fried donut, but still very snackable.

Microwave method (only if you are desperate):
I am going to be honest, this is not my favorite. It warms the filling but does not give the outside any of that donut feel. If you must, microwave for 10 to 15 seconds and then toss in cinnamon sugar, but it is a different experience.

After you make these once, you will start thinking of other quick party foods too. This baked salami appetizer recipe is one of those easy wins when people come over and you need something savory to balance out all the sweet stuff.

Tips for Making the Best Uncrustable Donuts

I have made these enough times to learn what matters and what does not. Here are the simple tips that keep them from turning soggy or splitting open.

Do not cook them from frozen. If you do, the outside browns before the middle warms, and you end up with a weird hot and cold situation.

Cut the hole after they thaw. If you try to cut while they are stiff, the edges can crack and you lose that sealed pocket that keeps the filling inside.

Use a light hand with butter. You need enough to help the cinnamon sugar stick, but too much makes them greasy and heavy. I brush, I do not dunk.

Keep the heat medium. High heat can make the outside too dark before the inside loosens up. Medium heat gives you control.

Work in small batches. Especially in the air fryer, do not crowd them. If air cannot move around, they steam and get soft in a sad way.

Try fun coatings. Cinnamon sugar is the classic, but powdered sugar is super easy. A quick glaze made from powdered sugar plus a splash of milk is also great. And if you are a chocolate person, a drizzle on top is never a bad idea.

One more random thing I do: if I am serving these after dinner, I like to make something comforting earlier in the day so dessert feels like a reward. This ginger garlic chicken noodle soup is a total comfort bowl, then these donuts show up and everybody is happy.

Recipe Reviews and User Feedback

I have made this for family, friends, and yes, sleepy teenagers who suddenly appear in the kitchen like they sensed sugar in the air. The overall vibe is always the same: surprise at how good it tastes for how easy it is.

Here is what people usually say when they try this Uncrustable Donuts Recipe:

They love: the warm gooey center, the crispy edges, and that cinnamon sugar smell that makes the kitchen feel like a weekend morning.

They learn: thawing matters, and flipping halfway through cooking makes a big difference.

They request: extra donut holes because somehow the little bites disappear first.

“I thought it was going to taste like a toasted sandwich, but it actually tastes like a real dessert. The cinnamon sugar coating makes it. I ate two and I am not sorry.”

If you try it, tell me what flavor of Uncrustables you used. I am always curious what people pick, because the peanut butter ones feel classic, but the hazelnut or strawberry versions can be really fun too.

Common Questions

1) Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cut and shape them after thawing, then store them in the fridge for a few hours. Cook right before serving for the best texture.

2) Why did my donut split open?
Usually they were still a little frozen inside, or the heat was too high. Thaw fully and cook at medium heat so the seal stays intact.

3) What is the best Uncrustables flavor for this?
PB and grape is the most donut like to me, but strawberry is also great. If you like richer desserts, anything chocolate leaning is a win.

4) Can I skip cutting a hole and keep them as rounds?
Absolutely. They will be more like donut puffs. Just cook a bit longer and flip so both sides brown evenly.

5) How do I store leftovers?
They are best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in a container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to bring back the crisp.

A sweet little send off (and a nudge to try it)

This Uncrustable Donuts Recipe is the kind of kitchen shortcut that feels almost too easy, but it totally delivers when you want something warm and sweet fast. Once you get the thaw and cook timing down, you can make them whenever a craving hits and dress them up however you like. If you want more ideas and visuals, check out How to Make Uncrustable Donuts Dipped in Cinnamon Sugar and also Uncrustables Donuts (TikTok Recipe) – Sugar and Soul for extra variations. Now go grab a box from the freezer aisle and have fun with it, because you deserve a low effort treat that tastes like a real one.