Golden Air Fryer Doughnut Bites

When sweet cravings hit, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as warm, fluffy donuts. But who has time for deep-frying and all that mess? Enter these incredibly easy Air Fryer Donut Holes – a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and less messy dessert. These delightful bites are perfectly soft on the inside, with a slight crispness on the outside, and coated in a irresistible cinnamon-sugar mixture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers flexibility with both a simple method using store-bought biscuit dough and a slightly more involved homemade version, ensuring a delightful treat on your table in under 10 minutes!

The beauty of these air fryer donut holes lies in their incredible speed and simplicity. From prep to plate, you’re looking at just minutes, not hours. This makes them an ideal choice for impromptu gatherings, a last-minute dessert, or simply satisfying that sudden sugar craving without much fuss. My family constantly requests this treat, and it’s become a go-to for its convenience and universal appeal.

Planning a get-together? These donut holes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other easy air fryer desserts. Consider serving them alongside air fryer chocolate chip cookie bowls or air fryer chocolate cupcakes for an ultimate dessert spread. More delicious treats mean more happy faces, right?

🗒️ Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes

Crafting these delectable donut holes requires only a handful of common ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, offering options for both a super-simple version using store-bought dough and a delightful homemade alternative. For a complete list of measurements and additional tips for variations, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

For Super Simple Air Fryer Donut Holes (Biscuit Dough Version)

• Refrigerated Biscuits: This is your secret weapon for ultra-fast donut holes. For the best texture and structure, I highly recommend opting for Southern-style or buttermilk biscuits. Their robust nature holds up well in the air fryer, preventing them from falling apart, unlike flakier varieties. You can easily find pre-made biscuit dough in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.

For Easy Homemade Air Fryer Donut Holes (Baking Powder Version)

• Whole Milk: The fat content in whole milk is crucial here. It adds essential moisture and richness to the dough, contributing to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid using skim milk if possible.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to the dough, ensuring it complements the spiced coating without being overly sugary.
• Egg: A vital binding agent that helps hold the dough together, gives it structure, and adds richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Butter (Melted): Beyond adding flavor, melted butter helps to tenderize the dough by interfering with the gluten development, resulting in a softer crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile, adding a fragrant and comforting aroma that enhances the donut experience.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our donut dough. All-purpose flour has a moderate gluten level, which is perfect for creating a dough that’s pliable yet capable of trapping air for a lovely rise. Do not substitute with self-raising flour here.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent for this quick homemade version. It reacts when wet and heated to produce carbon dioxide, giving the donut holes their beautiful, airy rise without the need for yeast.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dough. It’s a small but mighty ingredient.
• Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that infuses the dough with warm, comforting notes, pairing perfectly with the sugar coating.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm, and slightly earthy dimension to the spice blend, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
• Ground Cloves: For a hint of warm, sweet, and slightly peppery spice that deepens the overall flavor complexity of the dough.

For Yeasted Homemade Donut Holes (Advanced Version)

If you prefer a truly authentic, bakery-style donut experience with a chewier, more elastic texture, you can substitute baking powder with yeast. All other ingredients for the homemade version remain the same. This method requires a bit more time for the dough to rise, but the result is a remarkably light and airy donut hole.

• Active Dry or Instant Yeast: This living organism is responsible for the classic fluffy, airy, and delightfully chewy texture found in traditional donuts. Its activation and subsequent fermentation create the gases that leaven the dough. Refer to the notes in the recipe card below for specific instructions on integrating yeast into your dough.

For the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Butter (Melted): The crucial element for creating a sticky surface on your warm donut holes, allowing the cinnamon-sugar mixture to adhere perfectly and form a rich, thick coating.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and a delightful granular texture that is synonymous with classic donut coatings.
• Ground Cinnamon: Combined with sugar, cinnamon delivers that iconic sweet and spicy punch that makes these donut holes so addictive.

👨‍🍳 Crafting Your Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes

This recipe offers a “choose-your-own-adventure” approach to making delicious donut holes, catering to different preferences and time constraints. Whether you’re after the ultimate convenience of pre-made biscuit dough, a quick homemade version using baking powder, or the classic fluffy texture achieved with yeast, you’ll find your ideal method here. Each variation is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a successful and tasty outcome. For comprehensive instructions and specific details on each variation, please consult the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Biscuit Dough Version (Quick & Effortless)

This method is perfect when time is of the essence and you need a sweet treat in a flash. It leverages the convenience of store-bought biscuit dough for minimal prep.

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature (typically 360°F or 180°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures even and consistent cooking from the start.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Carefully remove the biscuits from their can and separate them. Take each individual biscuit and cut it into four equal pieces.
3. Form the Donut Holes: Gently roll each of the biscuit pieces between your palms to form small, uniform dough balls, resembling miniature donut holes.
4. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donut holes are cooking, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Once the donut holes are cooked and still warm, immediately dip each one into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly covered.
7. Cool and Serve: Transfer the coated donut holes to a wire rack to cool slightly. They are best enjoyed warm!

Homemade Version (Fluffy & Flavorful)

For those who enjoy the satisfaction of baking from scratch, this homemade dough recipe yields tender and flavorful donut holes. It’s still incredibly easy and much quicker than traditional yeast donuts.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Ensure they are well combined.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, room temperature egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Knead and Cut: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for just a minute or two until it comes together. Then, cut the dough into 20-30 bite-sized pieces.
5. Roll into Balls: Roll each piece of dough into a smooth, round ball, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
6. Air Fry Until Golden: Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket, leaving ample space between them. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for approximately 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown.
7. Butter and Coat: As soon as the donut holes come out of the air fryer, dip each warm donut hole into the melted butter until fully coated. Immediately transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll until evenly covered.
8. Cool on a Rack: Place the finished donut holes on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the fresh, homemade goodness!

🤔 Creative Substitutions and Flavor Variations

While these air fryer donut holes are delicious as is, they also provide a fantastic canvas for creative customization. Experiment with these ideas to tailor them to your personal taste:

• Elevate with a Simple Glaze: For an added touch of moisture and sweetness, a quick homemade glaze is a wonderful addition. To prepare a delicious vanilla glaze, simply whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of whole milk (or any milk alternative) and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth. Dip your warm donut holes into this glaze for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Indulge in Chocolate Bliss: If you’re a true chocolate lover, consider serving your donut holes with a rich chocolate glaze or a decadent dipping sauce. Both white chocolate and dark chocolate options work beautifully and add an extra dimension of flavor. Simply melt your preferred chocolate with a touch of cream or coconut oil for a smooth sauce.
• Classic Powdered Sugar Dusting: If you prefer a less intense sweetness or a different texture, skip the cinnamon-sugar coating entirely and simply dust your warm air fryer donut bites generously with powdered sugar. This creates a beautifully delicate and traditional finish.
• Seasonal Spice Swaps: During the autumn months, embrace the flavors of the season by substituting the cinnamon in this recipe with an equal amount of pumpkin spice blend. This will infuse your donut holes with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, perfect for a fall treat.
• Citrus Zest Infusion: Add a bright, tangy note to your homemade dough by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon or orange zest. This subtle addition provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Maple Glaze Alternative: For a different kind of sweet glaze, replace the milk and vanilla in the simple glaze recipe with maple syrup and a tiny dash of maple extract for an autumnal twist.

⏱️ Storage and Reheating Tips for Air Fryer Donut Holes

While these air fryer donut holes are undeniably at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh and warm straight from the air fryer, it’s certainly possible to save any delightful leftovers for later. Here’s how to keep them delicious:

For optimal freshness and flavor, I highly recommend consuming these treats immediately after they’ve cooled enough to handle. The crisp exterior and soft interior are most pronounced at this stage.

If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To prevent them from drying out, you might want to add a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there are a couple of quick reheating methods:

• Microwave Method (Quickest): For a super-fast reheat, pop your donut holes into the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become chewy. This method is great for restoring a bit of warmth and softness.
• Air Fryer Method (Best for Texture): To bring back some of that desirable crispness, place the donut holes back in the air fryer. Reheat them at 360°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. This method will help revive their original texture beautifully.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🎁 Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Dessert

Whether you’re battling a persistent sugar craving, need a lightning-fast dessert for an unexpected guest, or simply want to treat your family to something special, these easy Air Fryer Donut Holes are truly a lifesaver. Their soft, warm interior and crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior offer a delightful texture and flavor contrast that’s hard to beat. The versatility of being able to choose between a quick biscuit dough base or a tender homemade version means you’re always just minutes away from a fantastic treat. Enjoy them plain, drizzle with a sweet glaze, or dunk them into your favorite chocolate sauce – the possibilities are as endless as they are delicious!

💬 Share Your Experience!

I absolutely love hearing from you! If you tried this recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. How did your Air Fryer Donut Holes turn out? Did you try any fun variations? Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on your favorite social platform. Be sure to tag me at @alicensetogrill and use the hashtag #alicensetogrill so I can see your wonderful creations!

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5 from 6 votes

Air Fryer Donut Holes

By
Joshua Boquist

These drool-worthy air fryer donut holes are super easy to make and will leave you wishing you had more! With two versions of the recipe, you can choose to use store-bought biscuit dough or elect to make them from scratch. Either way, the result is a delicious dessert perfect for when that sweet tooth craving hits, and you need a fix quickly!

For the homemade donut holes, the recipe calls for baking soda for an easy and quick dough. If you prefer to use yeast, read the notes below for an easy substitute.

Course:
Desserts

Cuisine:
American

Prep:

5
mins

Cook:

4
mins

Total:

9
mins

Servings:

8
servings

Print
Pin
Review Recipe

Equipment

• John Boos Maple Butcher Block
• COSORI Dual Blaze Air Fryer
• OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Silicone Spatula Set
• OXO Stainless Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

For Super Easy Donut Holes

• 1
  can
  biscuits

For Easy Homemade Donut Holes

• ½
  cup
  whole milk
• 4
  tablespoons
  granulated sugar
• 1
  egg,
  room temp
• 4
  tablespoons
  butter,
  melted
• 1
  teaspoon
  vanilla extract
• 2
  cups
  all-purpose flour
• 1½
  tablespoons
  baking powder,
  *see notes for yeast substitute
• 1
  teaspoon
  salt
• 1
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon
• ½
  teaspoon
  ground nutmeg
• ¼
  teaspoon
  ground cloves

For The Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 4
  tablespoons
  butter,
  melted
• ½
  cup
  granulated sugar
• 1
  tablespoon
  ground cinnamon

Instructions

For Easy Biscuit Donut Holes

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Remove the biscuits from the can and separate them. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces and form each one into a small ball.
3. Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket, ensuring plenty of space between them. Cook for 4 minutes at 360°F (180°C), tossing or flipping halfway through.
4. Remove the donut holes from the air fryer. Dip them into the melted butter. In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar, then roll the butter-coated donut holes in the mixture until fully covered.
5. Place the donut holes on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

For Homemade Donut Holes (Baking Powder)

1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) in a large bowl and whisk well to combine.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and quickly knead for about a minute.
4. Cut the dough into 20-30 equal bite-sized pieces and roll them into smooth balls.
5. Place the donut holes in your preheated air fryer basket, spaced out. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 4 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until golden brown.
6. Remove the donut holes from the air fryer. Dip them into the melted butter. In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar, then roll the butter-coated donut holes in the mixture until fully covered.
7. Place the donut holes on a wire rack to cool.

Notes

• For Fluffier Yeasted Donut Holes: For an even lighter and chewier donut hole, replace the baking powder in the homemade recipe with 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast or instant yeast. Warm the whole milk to about 100-110°F (38-43°C) and combine it with the granulated sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast) to proof. Then, add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix. Pour the wet mixture into a separate bowl with all of the dry ingredients and mix to form the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about two hours, or until doubled in size. Gently knead the risen dough on a lightly floured surface, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and roll into balls. Let these balls rise again for another 30 minutes before air frying as instructed.
• Biscuit Dough Selection: When using canned biscuits, opt for Southern-style or buttermilk biscuits. The flaky layer biscuits tend to separate and can give an undesirable texture in the air fryer.

For a Glaze

• To make a simple vanilla glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of whole milk and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth. For a citrus twist, replace the milk and vanilla with 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g

,

Calories:
520
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
73
g

,

Protein:
8
g

,

Fat:
22
g

,

Saturated Fat:
9
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
7
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.5
g

,

Cholesterol:
53
mg

,

Sodium:
1178
mg

,

Potassium:
205
mg

,

Fiber:
2
g

,

Sugar:
21
g

,

Vitamin A:
409
IU

,

Vitamin C:
0.1
mg

,

Calcium:
204
mg

,

Iron:
4
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

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