Fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Donut Holes Recipe in 20 Minutes

If you’ve ever craved warm, fluffy donut holes but didn’t want to deal with hot oil or long prep times, this Fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Donut Holes recipe is about to become your best friend. Imagine biting into a light, pillowy donut coated in cinnamon sugar—sounds amazing, right? These treats come together in just 20 minutes, and the air fryer makes them golden and perfect without the mess of frying. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen smell like pure joy!

The Story Behind Air Fryer Cinnamon Donut Holes

Donut holes have always had a special place in my heart. Growing up, they were my go-to treat for celebrations or lazy Sunday mornings. But, you know, frying can be a hassle—plus, let’s be honest, it’s not the healthiest option. Enter the air fryer! It’s a game-changer, creating the same fluffy texture and crispy exterior you’d expect from deep-fried donuts, but with less grease and guilt.

This particular recipe was born out of a moment of inspiration during a holiday baking marathon. I wanted something quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing, and these cinnamon-coated gems fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they’re customizable—you can make them festive with sprinkles, drizzle them with chocolate, or even fill them with jam. The possibilities are endless!

Another thing I love about this recipe is its versatility throughout the year. While cinnamon sugar screams cozy fall vibes, these donut holes work just as well for spring brunches or summer picnics. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your home.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups / 240g): The base for our fluffy donut holes. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap this for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons / 25g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness. Coconut sugar works as a substitute.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the donut holes a lovely rise and airy texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Milk (3/4 cup / 180ml): Preferably whole milk for richness, but almond milk or oat milk work well for a dairy-free option.
• Egg (1 large): Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons / 28g, melted): For softness and flavor. Coconut oil is a great alternative.
• Cinnamon sugar: A mix of 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for coating.

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for last-minute cravings. Pro tip: Use fresh cinnamon for the coating—it makes all the difference!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe—just a few basics:

• Air fryer: The star of the show! If you don’t have one, you can bake these in the oven (more on that later).
• Mixing bowls: One for the dry ingredients, another for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To combine the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: For evenly portioning the dough.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping the donut holes halfway through cooking.

If you’re new to air fryers, don’t worry—they’re super easy to use. Just give your basket a light spray of cooking oil before adding the dough to prevent sticking.

How to Make Fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Donut Holes

1. Prepare your air fryer: Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
4. Form the dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—it should be slightly sticky but not runny.
5. Shape the donut holes: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out small balls of dough, about 1 tablespoon each.
6. Cook in the air fryer: Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
7. Coat in cinnamon sugar: While the donut holes are warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

And that’s it! You’ll have a batch of irresistible donut holes ready to devour. If they’re not cooking evenly, shake the air fryer basket gently for better airflow.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your donut holes turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: It’s tempting to cook them all at once, but leaving space ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the dough mix more evenly and creates a better texture.
• Adjust cooking time: Every air fryer is slightly different, so keep an eye on them after 8 minutes. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
• Don’t skip flipping: Turning them halfway through ensures both sides cook evenly.

Trust me, with these tips, you’ll nail it every single time!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
• Chocolate lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the donut holes or add cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Seasonal twist: For fall, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the dough. In summer, sprinkle lemon zest into the sugar coating.
• Fillings: Pipe jam, Nutella, or cream cheese into the donut holes for an extra surprise.

My personal favorite? A touch of orange zest in the dough for a citrusy kick—it’s so refreshing!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These donut holes are best served warm, but here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Serving: Arrange them on a platter with extra cinnamon sugar on the side for dipping. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Fun fact: The cinnamon flavor intensifies as they sit overnight, making them even more delicious the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these donut holes are definitely a treat, they’re lighter than their deep-fried counterparts:

• Calories: Approximately 80 calories per donut hole.
• Fat: Lower fat content thanks to air frying.
• Health benefits: Cinnamon is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you’re watching sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute for the coating—it’ll still taste amazing!

Conclusion

This Fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Donut Holes recipe is proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy perfect donuts. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them a hit with family and friends. Honestly, I love how they bring people together—there’s just something about sharing warm, sugary treats that feels special.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your variations in the comments, or post a picture on social media—I’d love to see your creations. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make these donut holes without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I freeze these donut holes?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.

What’s the best way to prevent sticking in the air fryer?

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before adding the dough.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour will create a denser texture, but it can work. You may need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly.

How can I make these vegan?

Use a plant-based milk, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), and swap butter for coconut oil.

Print