These Air Fryer Donut Holes are soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, just like classic donuts but lighter and easier! Ready in under 30 minutes with no deep-frying needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these soft, cinnamon-sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the donut holes, gives them structure and a soft, tender crumb.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the edges brown nicely in the air fryer.
Baking Powder: Makes the donut holes rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavour and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy flavour to both the batter and the coating.
Milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth, any kind works!
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
Butter (melted): Adds moisture and a buttery flavour to the donut holes.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavour.
For the Coating:
Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives that bakery-style finish.
Sugar + Cinnamon: The perfect sweet, spiced coating that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes (Step by Step)
Step 1 – Whisk the dry ingredients:
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This forms the base of your batter.
Step 2 – Mix the wet ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3 – Combine wet and dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it keeps the donut holes soft and fluffy.
Step 4 – Chill the batter:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Chilling makes the batter easier to shape into balls.
Step 5 – Form the donut holes:
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to shape the batter into 1-inch balls.
Step 6 – Preheat the air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 7 – Air fry the donut holes:
Place the donut holes in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until golden brown.
Step 8 – Prepare the coating:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the warm donut holes lightly with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
Step 9 – Serve and enjoy:
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and lightly reheated in the air fryer.
Easy Donut Holes in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Chill batter in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Place donut holes in the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Coat warm donut holes lightly in butter. Then, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
- Batter: Don’t overmix the batter, this keeps the donut holes soft and fluffy.
- Chill: Chilling the batter helps it firm up, making shaping easier.
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Storage:
Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.