These air fryer doughnut holes are quick, tender, and lightly crisp on the outside with a soft, cakey center. They smell warm and cinnamon-sweet as they cook, and they finish with a golden brown color that begs to be rolled in extra sugar. If you like quick air fryer treats, try this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe for a savory option to serve alongside sweet bites at a party.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: about 12 doughnut holes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (1 doughnut hole):
- Calories per serving: 83 kcal
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 1.0 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Why Make This Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
These doughnut holes are fast and fuss-free. The air fryer gives them a lightly crisp exterior without deep frying, so they feel lighter and cleaner to make. They take about 20 minutes from start to finish, so they work for breakfast, snacks, or a last-minute dessert. The cinnamon gives a warm flavor, and rolling them in sugar adds a sparkling, sweet finish. Kids and adults love popping them warm; they’re soft inside, slightly chewy at the edges, and smell comforting.
How to Make Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and one bowl. Mix the batter, shape small balls, and air fry in batches until golden. The result is small, bite-sized doughnuts with a tender crumb and a pleasant cinnamon note.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup yogurt or buttermilk, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, Oil spray for air frying
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Gather all ingredients and preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil so the doughnut holes won’t stick. Have a plate or tray ready for the shaped dough.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yogurt (or buttermilk), baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until a soft dough forms. Use a spoon or spatula; the dough should be moist but hold together. Scoop out small pieces of dough and roll them between your palms into roughly 1-inch balls.
Step 3: Cooking
Place the dough balls in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space so they aren’t touching. Lightly spray the tops with oil spray. Cook for about 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), turning halfway if your air fryer recommends it, until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the doughnut holes and let them cool slightly for a minute or two. While warm, roll them in additional sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
Serve warm on a platter with coffee or milk. For a party, offer small bowls of cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or fruit jam for dipping. They also pair nicely with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert plate. For breakfast, serve with yogurt and sliced fruit.
How to Store Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. They taste best the first day.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to refresh the crisp outside.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes, checking often.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
- Use room-temperature yogurt or buttermilk for a smoother dough and even cooking.
- Don’t overfill the basket; cook in batches so each hole gets hot air around it.
- If dough is sticky, wet your hands slightly to roll balls more easily.
- Adjust cook time by air fryer model—watch for a golden color rather than only time.
- For extra shine, brush lightly with melted butter and then roll in sugar.
Delicious Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and roll the warm holes in it.
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the warm holes.
- Cocoa Dusting: Toss warm holes in a mix of powdered sugar and a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa for a chocolate touch.
- Filled: Use a piping tip to fill cooled holes with jam or chocolate ganache.
- Spiced: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy seasonal flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose with baking powder and soda?
A: You can use self-rising flour but omit the baking powder and baking soda. Self-rising flour already contains leavening, so the dough may rise differently. Expect a slightly different texture.
Q: What type of yogurt works best?
A: Plain whole-milk yogurt gives the richest texture. Low-fat or nonfat yogurt works too but can make the dough slightly less tender. Buttermilk is a great substitute and gives a mild tang.
Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?
A: Yes. Fry them in oil (deep or shallow) until golden, or bake at 375°F (190°C) on a greased sheet for about 10–12 minutes, turning once. Baking gives a softer exterior than air frying.
Q: My doughnut holes are raw in the center but brown outside. What went wrong?
A: Your air fryer was likely too hot or the balls were too large. Lower the temperature by 10–25°F and check for doneness. Make smaller balls and extend cook time a minute or two if needed.
Q: How do I prevent them from sticking to the basket?
A: Lightly spray the basket and the dough balls with oil. Don’t overcrowd the basket; leaving space helps them release easily.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
A: Yes—mini chocolate chips work best so they melt evenly. Fold in a small handful to the dough before shaping.
Q: Are these suitable for kids and picky eaters?
A: Absolutely. They’re bite-sized, not too sweet, and mild in flavor. Let kids roll the balls or choose their own coatings to make it fun.
Conclusion
Air fryer doughnut holes are a simple, fast treat with a warm cinnamon aroma and a soft, tender bite. They come together with everyday ingredients and require minimal hands-on time. Try variations, serve them warm with dipping sauces, and enjoy a homemade sweet that feels special without the fuss. Give them a go—you’ll likely be surprised how easy and satisfying they are to make.
Print
Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and tender doughnut holes that are lightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup yogurt or buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Mix together the flour, sugar, yogurt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop out small pieces of dough and roll them into roughly 1-inch balls.
- Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, lightly spray the tops with oil, and cook for about 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and let them cool slightly, then roll in additional sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired.
Notes
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut hole
- Calories: 83
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
