Air Fryer Donut Holes

Delicious air fryer donut holes served on a plate.
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Air Fryer Donut Holes: A Cozy Fall Treat for Every Baker

As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the crisp scent of fall, there’s nothing quite like embracing the season than with homemade treats. Imagine the warmth of your kitchen, the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through the air, and a plate of fluffy, cinnamon-dusted donut holes waiting to be shared. Our Air Fryer Donut Holes recipe is not only a delightful seasonal treat; it’s a staple that has garnered a warm spot in the hearts of home bakers everywhere. With their pillowy texture and easy preparation, these donut holes make the perfect companion to your favorite fall beverages and cozy gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Donut Holes recipe is crowd-pleasing, simple, and brings together basic pantry ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a cozy gathering with friends, or just for a sweet snack while watching the leaves fall, these donut holes will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients for your Air Fryer Donut Holes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking of your donut holes, giving them that delicious, golden-brown exterior.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.

  4. Create the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix. The batter should be thick but pourable.

  5. Shape Your Donut Holes: Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray and take small amounts of the donut dough, rolling them into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 12-14 donut holes.

  6. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. You may need to work in batches if your air fryer is small.

  7. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for 8–10 minutes or until the donut holes are golden and cooked through. They should spring back when lightly pressed.

  8. Toss in Toppings: Once cooked, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra sweet treat!

Tips for Success

  • Do Not Over-Mix: Over-mixing can lead to tough donut holes. Mix until just combined!
  • Spacing is Key: Make sure your donut holes have space in the fryer to allow hot air to circulate evenly for the best texture.
  • Experiment with Spices: For a twist, consider adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the dough.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Lightly grease your air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Possible Variations

  • Gluten-Free Donut Holes: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version that doesn’t compromise on taste.

  • Streusel Topping: Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter to create a streusel topping; sprinkle it over the donut holes before cooking.

  • Add Some Zest: For a zesty kick, add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for an aromatic flavor boost.

Storage Recommendations

If you manage to have any Air Fryer Donut Holes leftover (which might be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 2 days, but you can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their fluffy texture!

Final Thoughts

Creating Air Fryer Donut Holes at home is not just about making a tasty treat; it’s about sharing warmth, joy, and love with friends and family. This simple yet delightful recipe captures the essence of the fall season, making it a must-try for every home baker. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into this heartwarming baking adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I make Air Fryer Donut Holes ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape and air fry when you’re ready to enjoy them.

  2. How do I know when the donut holes are done?
    Donut holes are done when they are golden brown and spring back slightly when pressed. You can also use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.

  3. Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil?
    Absolutely! You can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.

  4. What can I do if my donut holes are dry?
    If your donut holes are dry, it may be due to over-mixing or cooking for too long. Make sure to mix gently and check them at the minimum cooking time. You can also serve them warm with a drizzle of glaze for added moisture!

Dive into the cozy flavors of fall with this Air Fryer Donut Holes recipe – a heartwarming treat that’s sure to be a hit!

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Air Fryer Donut Holes 2026 04 18 193916 1

Air Fryer Donut Holes

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  • Author: mateo
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Delicious cinnamon-dusted donut holes made easily in the air fryer, perfect for any fall gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: mix milk, egg, oil, and vanilla until combined.
  4. Create the dough by adding wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
  5. Shape donut holes by rolling small amounts of dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  6. Arrange the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  7. Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. Toss cooked donut holes in sugar and cinnamon or dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Be careful not to over-mix the dough. Ensure spacing in the air fryer for even cooking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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