You know those mornings when you wake up craving something sweet, but don’t want to deal with frying oil or complicated recipes? That’s exactly how I discovered these magical Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy) – my go-to solution for instant homemade treats. I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up a batch on a lazy Sunday morning. The smell of cinnamon sugar filled my kitchen while the air fryer worked its magic, and in less time than it takes to brew coffee, I had warm, pillowy donut holes ready to devour. What I love most is how these little bites deliver all the satisfaction of bakery donuts without the mess or hassle – just simple ingredients transformed into something special with that air fryer crunch we all adore.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy)
These little bites of joy will become your new favorite quick-fix dessert – here’s why:
- Ready in minutes: From bowl to plate in under 15 minutes – faster than running to the bakery!
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: No fancy stuff needed – just basic baking staples you probably already have.
- Perfect texture: Crispy golden outsides with soft, pillowy centers that’ll make you do a happy dance.
- Endless fun flavors: Roll them in cinnamon sugar, dip in chocolate, or get creative with toppings – they’re your blank canvas!
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re dangerously easy to make and disappear even faster!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy)
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these irresistible treats – I promise it’s nothing fancy! The beauty of this recipe is how ordinary ingredients transform into something extraordinary in the air fryer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – don’t pack it!)
- 1 tbsp sugar (I use regular granulated, but brown sugar works too)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for maximum puff)
- 1/4 tsp salt (trust me, it balances the sweetness perfectly)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind works – I’ve used everything from whole to almond milk)
- 1 egg (room temperature blends smoother)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (salted or unsalted – your choice!)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff makes all the difference)
- Cooking spray (essential for that golden, non-stick finish)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (optional but HIGHLY recommended – my guilty pleasure)
See? Nothing complicated – just simple ingredients that come together magically in your air fryer. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these basics from your kitchen – nothing fancy required!
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works – just cook in batches if needed)
- One medium mixing bowl (I use my favorite chipped ceramic one)
- Measuring cups and spoons (eyeballing works in a pinch, but precise is better)
That’s it! No special tools needed for these little bites of happiness.
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy)
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning those simple ingredients into golden, irresistible donut holes! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I promise it’s foolproof if you follow these steps. You’ll be amazed how quickly they come together.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, grab your mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I like to sift mine through my fingers to break up any lumps – it makes such a difference! In another bowl (or just a measuring cup), whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Now comes the magic – pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. The batter should look like thick pancake batter – not too runny, not too stiff. Pro tip: Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine and will give you those perfect fluffy textures.
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
While you’re mixing, let your air fryer preheat to 350°F – this ensures even cooking from the start. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray (trust me, you don’t want to skip this!). Now, drop teaspoon-sized balls of dough into the basket, leaving space between them – I do about 6 at a time in my 5-quart fryer. They’ll puff up as they cook! Set the timer for 5-6 minutes, but here’s my secret: at the 3-minute mark, give the basket a gentle shake or use tongs to flip them. You’ll see them turning that perfect golden brown color that makes your mouth water.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch
The moment they come out piping hot from the air fryer is prime time for coating! Have your cinnamon sugar ready in a shallow bowl (I mix 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon). Working quickly, roll each warm donut hole in the mixture until fully coated – the heat helps the sugar stick beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze. But honestly? They’re heavenly just as they are – crispy on the outside, soft and warm inside, with that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy)
After making countless batches of these donut holes, I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfection every time:
- The toothpick test never lies: If you’re unsure about doneness, poke one – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Serve them warm: They’re good at room temperature, but absolutely magical fresh from the air fryer when the sugar coating is still slightly melty.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Cut the sugar in half if you prefer less sweet, or go wild with extra cinnamon sugar – your kitchen, your rules!
- Watch closely at the end: Air fryers vary, so check at 5 minutes – they can go from golden to overdone quickly!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be a donut hole pro in no time!
Variations for Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy)
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can dress it up! Try adding 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for bright, citrusy notes – perfect with a simple glaze. For chocolate lovers, dip the warm donut holes in melted chocolate and let them set. Feeling adventurous? Mix a pinch of cardamom into your cinnamon sugar for an exotic twist. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the joy of serving these warm donut holes! I love arranging them on a pretty plate with fresh berries for color contrast – the tart fruit balances the sweetness perfectly. For parties, I thread them onto wooden skewers (like mini donut kebabs!) alongside coffee or cold milk for dunking. My kids go wild when I serve them in little paper cones – makes breakfast feel like a carnival treat!
Storage and Reheating
Let’s be honest – these donut holes rarely last long enough to store! But if you do have leftovers (lucky you!), pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll lose some crispness, but here’s my trick: a quick 1-2 minute spin in the air fryer at 350°F brings back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic. Just watch them closely – they reheat in a flash!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do like knowing what’s going into my treats – especially when they disappear as fast as these donut holes do! Keep in mind these numbers are estimates based on the ingredients I use. Your exact counts might vary slightly depending on brands or if you tweak the recipe.
For every 3 donut holes (because let’s be real – who stops at just one?), you’re looking at:
- Calories: 120 (totally worth it for that warm, sugary bliss!)
- Sugar: 8g (mostly from that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating)
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g (thank you, melted butter for all that flavor!)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g (who knew donut holes could pack protein?)
Compared to traditional fried donuts, these air-fried beauties are definitely lighter – but trust me, they don’t skimp on flavor one bit. Everything in moderation, right? Now go enjoy your perfectly-portioned treat without the guilt!
FAQ About Air Fryer Donut Holes (Fancy)
I get asked about these donut holes all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):
Can I use gluten-free flour? Absolutely! I’ve had success with 1:1 gluten-free blends, though the texture might be slightly denser. My tip? Add an extra tablespoon of milk if the batter seems too thick. They won’t puff quite as much, but they’ll still taste delicious with that cinnamon sugar coating.
Can I freeze them? Honestly? I wouldn’t. While you technically can freeze them, they lose that magical crisp-tender texture when thawed. These are best enjoyed fresh – but hey, that just means you’ve got an excuse to make another batch! If you are interested in other quick air fryer desserts, check out my air fryer apple crumble cups recipe.
How do I prevent sticking? My golden rule? Don’t skimp on the cooking spray! I give my air fryer basket a good coating before each batch. If you’re still nervous, try the “toothpick test” – gently lift one edge after 2 minutes to make sure they’re not sticking. Once they start forming a crust, they’ll release easily. For more tips on using your appliance, you might want to read up on general air fryer best practices.
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Donut Holes Ready in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 11 mins
- Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and fluffy air fryer donut holes made with simple ingredients. A quick and easy treat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Drop teaspoon-sized balls of dough into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Check doneness with a toothpick before removing.
- Best eaten fresh.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 donut holes
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: air fryer donut holes, quick dessert, easy donut recipe