The Uncrustable Donut is the kind of snack that brings back nostalgic lunchbox memories, but with a fun and crispy twist. Using your favorite frozen peanut butter and jelly Uncrustables, this clever treat turns a simple sandwich into a golden-brown donut dusted in sweet cinnamon sugar. It’s an unexpected delight that takes less than 10 minutes to whip up, making it ideal for busy weekdays or spontaneous weekend cravings.
Whether you’re prepping an after-school surprise or want to serve something unique for a brunch spread, these air fryer Uncrustable Donuts are guaranteed to bring smiles. Plus, they require minimal ingredients and effort, which means more time to enjoy with your family. Customize them with different Uncrustable flavors or drizzles like chocolate or strawberry glaze for your own personal touch!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 frozen peanut butter & jelly Uncrustables (any flavor)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Use a round cookie cutter or bottle cap to cut a hole in the center of each frozen Uncrustable to create a donut shape.
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Place the donut-shaped Uncrustables in the preheated air fryer basket.
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Air fry for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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While the donuts cook, mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl.
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Once the donuts are done, brush each one with melted butter while still warm.
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Immediately toss the buttered donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 11 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Uncrustable Donuts: A Fun, Easy, and Kid-Approved Snack Hack
Uncrustables have been a staple in many households for years, known for their simplicity, convenience, and kid-friendly appeal. But what if you could turn this humble frozen sandwich into a warm, crispy, sugary treat that looks and tastes like a donut? Welcome to the world of Uncrustable Donuts, an easy air fryer hack that has taken the internet by storm and quickly earned its place among the most creative snack ideas.
These donut-style treats are a playful twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. By simply cutting out the center, tossing them into an air fryer, and finishing them with a brush of melted butter and a coating of cinnamon sugar, you’ve created a golden, crispy, sweet indulgence that’s equal parts nostalgic and exciting. What’s not to love?
In this post, we’ll explore why Uncrustable Donuts are the ultimate snack, how they came to popularity, ideas to customize the recipe, nutritional insights, serving suggestions, and more. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick after-school snack, a food enthusiast looking for trendy bites, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, you’re going to fall in love with this easy recipe.
Why Uncrustable Donuts Are So Popular
The rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other short-form video content has accelerated food trends faster than ever. Viral recipes that are creative, easy, and visually appealing spread like wildfire. That’s exactly how Uncrustable Donuts became an internet sensation. With just a few ingredients and a couple of steps, this snack hack hits all the right notes for the modern home cook:
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Minimal ingredients: All you need are frozen Uncrustables, butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
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Timesaving: Ready in under 10 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
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Kid-approved: Combines flavors and textures that kids already love.
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Budget-friendly: No fancy ingredients or expensive tools needed.
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Customizable: Try different Uncrustable flavors or coatings like powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or maple glaze.
It’s also a fun and interactive snack idea that gets kids excited about food. They can help with the cutting, coating, or choosing flavors, making snack time a bonding activity.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
Let’s dive into the simple ingredients used in this recipe and how you can tweak them to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
1. Uncrustables
These pre-made, sealed sandwiches come in a variety of flavors including:
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Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly
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Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jelly
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Chocolate Hazelnut
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Reduced Sugar Options
For a nut-free version, you can use sunflower seed butter varieties or try other sandwich snacks like ham and cheese or cream cheese and jelly to create a savory or breakfast-appropriate twist.
2. Butter
Brushing the donuts with melted butter is what allows the cinnamon sugar to adhere. You can also use:
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Coconut oil (for a dairy-free version)
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Ghee (for a rich, nutty flavor)
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Vegan butter alternatives
3. Cinnamon Sugar
A classic sweet combination that gives these donuts their signature donut-shop flavor. You can play around with this element too:
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Add pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.
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Use brown sugar for a more molasses-rich flavor.
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Dip them in powdered sugar for a “fair food” feel.
How to Serve Uncrustable Donuts
These air fryer donuts are best served warm, straight from the fryer, when the outside is crispy, the sugar is still melting, and the filling is gooey. Here are some fun ways to present or enhance them:
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Drizzle with glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or vanilla and drizzle over the top.
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Dip in chocolate: Melt milk or dark chocolate and dunk half the donut in it for a gourmet look.
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Serve with fruit: Fresh strawberries, banana slices, or raspberries pair beautifully with the peanut butter and jelly flavors.
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Top with whipped cream or ice cream: Turn your snack into a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
This makes the donuts suitable not only as a snack but also as a fun dessert for sleepovers, parties, or brunches.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While these are best eaten fresh, you can store leftover Uncrustable Donuts:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
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Freezer: If you’ve already fried them and want to freeze extras, let them cool completely, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes.
Pro tip: Don’t coat with sugar until reheated for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition Snapshot
While Uncrustable Donuts are not exactly health food, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general idea of what you’re consuming per donut (based on a peanut butter & jelly Uncrustable with butter and sugar coating):
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Calories: Approx. 210–240 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 25–30g
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Sugar: 10–12g
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Protein: 4–6g
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Fat: 10–14g
You can reduce calories by using less butter or a light sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to experiment? Here are a few ideas to change it up:
1. S’mores Uncrustables Donuts
Use chocolate Uncrustables and sprinkle the donuts with crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
2. Apple Pie Style
Use apple cinnamon Uncrustables (or make your own) and add a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar. Drizzle with caramel.
3. Maple Bacon Version
Top the finished donuts with a drizzle of maple syrup and sprinkle with crumbled cooked bacon. Sweet, salty, and indulgent!
4. Savory Twist
Skip the sugar. Use savory Uncrustables or ham & cheese sandwiches, fry as usual, and dip in ranch or marinara sauce for a lunchtime twist.
5. Fruity Dessert
Serve alongside a yogurt dip and a bowl of fresh berries for a light dessert option.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Families
What truly sets Uncrustable Donuts apart is their universal appeal. Children love the flavor and novelty, while adults appreciate the minimal prep and mess. This recipe is especially great for:
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Back-to-school snacks
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Birthday party treats
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Weekend brunch additions
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Rainy day kitchen activities
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Holiday dessert bars
It also introduces kids to basic kitchen tools like the air fryer and allows them to safely participate in cooking, encouraging independence and confidence.
Conclusion
Uncrustable Donuts prove that you don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps to create something memorable in the kitchen. By reimagining a frozen staple into a crispy, sugary donut, you’ve unlocked a snack hack that’s fast, fun, and delicious. With just a few tweaks, this easy recipe can be tailored to suit nearly every flavor preference, occasion, or dietary need.
So, whether you’re making an afternoon snack for your kids, looking to impress at brunch, or just want a cozy little treat while binge-watching your favorite show, give these Uncrustable Donuts a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can bring so much joy. 🍩