These air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes are my quick and easy solution for satisfying donut cravings. This slightly, lightened-up version of classic cinnamon sugar donuts means I don’t miss a thing when I pop a few of these in my mouth. They’re just as good, if not better, than anything I’d get at a donut shop.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
When I’m headed to the donut shop, I often go for the cake donuts over the yeasted ones. Don’t get me wrong, I love the yeasted ones, but sometimes they’re not quite what I want. Remember, I am cake-obsessed.
So, when I came up with this recipe and tried it for the first time, it was love at first taste. These air fryer donut holes are so perfectly sweet (but not overly sweet), and the cinnamon sugar topping reminds me of fall, my absolute favorite time of year.
Of course, these little guys are perfect for a nice slow breakfast or as part of a large brunch spread. But I also like whipping them up at night and enjoying them with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. I mean… you really can’t go wrong.
Why I Love This Recipe
- This recipe is quick and convenient. It satisfies any sudden donut cravings I have! This is especially important in the evening when donut shops are usually closed.
- The dough is super easy to make. No resting or rising necessary!
- The versatility is real! I like that they can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or part of a breakfast/brunch meal.
- Using an air fryer means these donut holes a slightly healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. Every little bit helps!
If you want to make a complete breakfast meal in the air fryer, serve these donut holes alongside my air fryer cinnamon-raisin bagels and/or my air fryer French toast sticks. It’s the air fried breakfast bonanza you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- butter
- milk – use whole milk for the richest tasting donut holes, but any milk will work
- ground cinnamon
- cooking spray
How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes in the Air Fryer
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- All you’re going to do is combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder together in a bowl. Then, add the cold butter that you already cut into small cubes.
- I often use a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture, but sometimes I just use my hands. As long as you work fairly quickly, you won’t melt the butter too much. You’re basically just getting the butter to the point where it resembles tiny little pebbles.
- Once you have the right consistency, go ahead and add the milk and mix until it’s well combined. You can just use a wooden spoon to do this, no need to get the stand mixer out. Once it resembles dough, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes or until it is soft and elastic.
- Once your dough is ready, go ahead and break it up into 16 equally sized balls. Mine are usually about the size of a golf ball, maybe a little bit smaller.
- Now you’re going to spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the dough balls inside. Make sure you don’t overcrowd them. If your basket is on the smaller side, go ahead and work in batches to ensure that all of the sides get cooked evenly.
- Once you have the dough all positioned the way you want, set your air fryer to 350 degrees F and cook for 20 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a little shake to move the donut holes around for consistent browning.
- I like to actually check them at around the 15 minute mark to see how much extra time they need to be evenly cooked and golden. Sometimes, they’re done already and I get to enjoy them a whole five minutes earlier. That’s a big win for me!
- While the donut holes are cooking, go ahead and make your cinnamon sugar topping. It’s super easy. Just combine the two ingredients in a small to medium sized bowl.
- Once the donuts are out of the air fryer, you’ll just dip them into the cinnamon sugar or you can drop a few into the bowl and gently toss them around until they’re coated.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to check at the 15 minute mark to see how much extra time they need to be evenly cooked and golden. This is crucial!
- Make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket. If your basket is on the smaller side, work in batches to ensure an even air frying.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream if you’re making these for a late night indulgence.
Leftovers and Storage
- With any donuts, they taste best warm and immediately after they’re made, and these donut holes are no different.
- However, they are still amazing at room temperature and can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes if you prefer some crisp edges, or in the microwave for a softer donut.
- Store any leftovers on the counter, in an airtight container, for up to two days.
- While they can be frozen, thawed and enjoyed, they are just not the same as a fresh donut.
More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Chimichangas
- Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Chex Mix
- Air Fryer S’mores Egg Rolls
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Equipment
- pastry cutter optional
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsps. baking powder
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. cold butter, diced
- 3/4 cup milk
- cooking spray
For the coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the flour with the sugar and the baking powder. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands work into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsps. baking powder, 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. cold butter, diced
- Add the milk and mix until combined. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes or until the dough is soft and elastic.3/4 cup milk
- Break the dough into 16 balls, (They should be smaller than a golf ball.)
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and transfer the dough balls to the air fryer basket. Set on 350 degrees F for 20 minutes (no need to preheat). Halfway through air frying, shake the basket so the donut holes "fry" evenly.cooking spray
- While the donut holes are cooking, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Dip each donut hole in the mixture and toss to coat.1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
Notes
Nutrition
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Maryanne says
Made these this morning and they were such a hit! And I loved the simplicity of throwing them in the air fryer! The kids love helping too. They were fluffy, crunchy and deliocious!
Kristyn says
My kids ate these within minutes!! I can’t seem to make enough! Made 2 batches this morning. The air fryer makes them so quick & they come out perfectly!
Cathy Pollak says
Glad they loved them, they are so addictive.
Larry says
I was the hero of the weekend because I made these. They were so good.
Natasha says
These air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes satisfied my cravings for donuts! It’s my new fave donuts recipe because it’s super easy to make using the air fryer and it’s healthier too! Thank you for this amazing recipe!