Get ready for a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible! Our Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are the perfect bite-sized snack or dessert for any occasion.
These little gems are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and generously coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Join us on a journey to donut heaven with this quick and delicious air fryer recipe. Your snack time just got a whole lot sweeter!
So, the next time you want a traditional deep-fried donut or want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a perfect choice.
Learn to Make These Easy, Homemade Air Fryer Donut Holes
Homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are a delightful treat that brings the joy of freshly baked donuts to your kitchen. These little round wonders are incredibly easy to make and boast a perfect balance of crispy exteriors and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interiors. They come together quickly, so you can satisfy your donut cravings in no time.
What sets these homemade air fryer donut holes apart is the convenience and healthiness of air frying. Instead of deep-frying in a vat of oil, the air fryer uses hot air circulation to achieve that coveted golden-brown crust, reducing the need for excess oil. Once they’re cooked to perfection, a generous roll in cinnamon sugar or your favorite glaze adds the finishing touch.
Whether you enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful snack, these homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are a delight you’ll want to savor repeatedly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
You’ll fall head over heels for our Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, and here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze, with only a few minutes of prep time. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm, freshly baked donut holes ready to enjoy—no need to wait in long lines at the bakery or drive-thru.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer delivers a fantastic combination of crispy exteriors and soft, tender interiors. Each bite is a delightful contrast of textures that’ll leave you craving more.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, aromatic blend of cinnamon and sugar provides a sweet coating to the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. It’s a timeless combination that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: While cinnamon sugar is a classic choice, you can customize your coatings for different flavor profiles. Some great options include powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or a maple syrup drizzle.
- Perfectly Portable: These bite-sized air fryer donut holes are ideal for on-the-go snacking. Whether enjoying them with your morning coffee or packing them as a sweet treat in lunchboxes, they’re convenient and mess-free.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. They make for a fun and interactive baking project with little ones and are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the mess of traditional donuts.
- Versatile Treat: While they’re excellent as a snack or dessert, air fryer donut holes also make charming additions to brunch spreads or special occasions. They’re a crowd-pleaser, no matter the setting.
Ingredients Needed
Indulge in the comforting aroma of freshly baked donuts with our Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. Crafting these delectable treats at home is a delightful experience, and it all starts with a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients that promise to deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients that transform your kitchen into a donut haven.
Remember the step-by-step directions, full recipe, and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base of the donut holes, providing structure and texture to the dough.
- Kosher Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the donuts.
- Ground Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the cinnamon and gives the donut holes a delightful flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon infuses the dough with a classic, comforting spice flavor characteristic of cinnamon sugar donuts.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, helping the donut holes rise and become light and airy.
- Large Egg: The egg contributes to the structure and moisture of the dough, ensuring the donut holes are soft and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the donut dough, providing that irresistible sweetness.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it tender and delicious.
- Whole milk: Whole milk provides moisture and helps create a soft, cohesive dough.
How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes in Air Fryer in 9 Steps
To make these irresistible Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, follow these simple steps:
Prepare the Donut Dough
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, melted butter, and whole milk until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. It should come together easily but don’t overmix.
Form Donut Holes
Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls to create donut holes. Place them on a baking sheet or a plate.
Prepare the Air Fryer
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the donut holes in a single layer in the preheated air fryer, leaving a little space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air Fry the Donut Holes
Cook the donut holes at 320 degrees F (160°C) for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times vary between air fryer models.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture coating
While the donut holes are still warm, brush them with melted butter using a pastry brush. In a separate small bowl, combine cinnamon and granulated sugar for the coating. Roll each warm donut hole in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s generously coated. Set them aside on a cooling rack or plate.
Enjoy
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are best enjoyed while still warm and freshly coated. Serve them as a delightful snack, dessert, or breakfast treat; the whole family will love this easy recipe!
If you have more dough, repeat the air frying and coating process until all your donut holes are ready. They’re irresistibly delicious, so get ready to savor every bite!
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Glazed Donut Holes: After air frying and coating with cinnamon-sugar, dip the donut holes in a rich chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate chips and a touch of butter.
- Jam-Filled Donut Holes: Fill the donut holes with your favorite fruit jam or preserves before air frying. Inject a small amount of jam into each dough ball using a pastry bag or a squeeze bottle.
- Maple-Glazed Donut Holes: Skip the cinnamon-sugar coating for a classic maple glaze. Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Sprinkled Donut Holes: Add a pop of color and fun by rolling your freshly air-fried donut holes in colorful sprinkles.
- Lemon Zest Donut Holes: Add lemon zest to the dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating for a zesty twist.
- Stuffed Nutella Donut Holes: Fill these donut holes with a small dollop of Nutella or your favorite hazelnut chocolate spread before air frying.
- Powdered Sugar Donut Holes: Instead of cinnamon sugar, roll your air-fried donut holes in powdered sugar for a classic and timeless treat.
- Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes: Incorporate pumpkin puree and blend fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the dough for a seasonal twist.
- Savory Donut Holes: Explore a savory option by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs, or bacon bits to the dough.
- Gluten-Free Donut Holes: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to create gluten-free donut holes.
Pro Tips to Get the Best Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Space Them Out: While placing the donut holes in the air fryer basket, make sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
- Lightly Grease the Basket: To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with a non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of oil before adding the donut holes.
- Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the cooking time, especially during the last few minutes.
- Brush with Butter While Warm: When the donut holes are cooked and warm, brush them with melted butter.
- Coat Generously: Be generous when rolling the warm donut holes in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different coatings, fillings, and flavors.
- Serve Warm: These donut holes are at their best when enjoyed warm.
FAQs
Let the air fryer donut holes cool to room temperature, and then place them into an airtight container or Ziploc bag; these delicious donuts will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
While all-purpose flour is traditionally used for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, you can experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends for dietary preferences or restrictions. Just be aware that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the air fryer donut holes, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to air fry. Just make sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out. Cook them when you’re ready to enjoy, as fresh donuts are the best.
If your donut holes aren’t as brown as you’d prefer after the recommended cooking time, you can cook them for a little longer. However, be cautious not to overcook the donut holes. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden brown to dark in an air fryer.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked and cooled donut holes for future enjoyment. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat the air fryer donut holes, simply air fry them again until warmed through.
Absolutely! You can get creative with coatings. Try powdered sugar, glazes, chocolate drizzles, or crushed nuts for a unique twist on your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes.
Yes, you can create filled donuts using this dough. After air frying and cooling, use a piping bag to inject your favorite filling (like jam, custard, or Nutella) into the center of the donut holes for a delightful surprise.
Air fryer models can vary, so following the recommended temperature and time in the recipe is essential. However, you can adjust slightly based on your specific air fryer’s performance. Just be cautious not to overcook the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY DONUTS
- EASY AIR FRYER CHINESE DONUTS
- AIR FRYER APPLE CIDER DONUTS
- AIR FRYER BISCUIT DONUT HOLES
Equipment Used and Recommended For Making Easy Air Fryer Donuts:
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and sugar.
- In another mixing bowl, mix the egg, melted butter, and milk.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Knead until the dough forms.
- Then grease your donut pan with olive oil.
- Fill your donut pan up, and then place the pan into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 320 degrees F, for 7-10 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then roll into melted butter and then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Donut Hole Pan
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
Leigh Carlee
How would I make this in my convection oven(temperature & time)? And could the doughnut holes be made on a baking sheet? Thanks, these look wonderful and I would love to make these for my family!