Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

There is something so festive about whipping up a fresh batch of air fryer Christmas donut holes when winter rolls in. These little treats let you enjoy the magic of homemade donuts without the fuss or oil splatter of deep frying. With hints of cinnamon and a snowy coating of sugar and holiday sprinkles, they are sure to make your home smell like a holiday bakery.

I started making these when my daughter first wanted to bake on her own and now it is a tradition we look forward to every December. Even if you are new to dough, this recipe is truly forgiving.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: brings the structure choose unbleached for fluffier results
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and delivers that classic donut flavor use fine white sugar for smoother texture
• Baking powder: lifts the dough and gives that signature tender crumb check freshness for the best rise
• Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and coziness always use freshly ground if you can
• Salt: highlights every other flavor choose sea salt for best purity
• Whole milk: creates a rich dough full fat works best
• Unsalted butter: melted for added moisture and flavor use quality real butter for the classic bakery taste
• Large egg: binds everything together choose the freshest eggs for best texture
• Vanilla extract: rounds out sweetness and brings a bakery aroma pure vanilla is best
• Unsalted butter: melted for coating helps the sugar stick do not substitute with oil
• Granulated sugar: for coating gives each bite sparkle and crunch use superfine sugar if possible
• Ground cinnamon: for coating deepens the holiday spirit double check for freshness
• Holiday themed sprinkles: make them look as magical as they taste red green and white for the season try nonpareils for extra crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl whisk flour sugar baking powder cinnamon and salt together for at least one minute This ensures all dry ingredients blend evenly

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl blend milk melted butter egg and vanilla extract until you see no streaks I like to use a hand whisk for a really smooth mix

Combine Ingredients:

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl Stir gently with a spatula just until a soft dough forms Overmixing can toughen the donut holes

Shape the Donut Holes:

Lightly flour your hands and pinch off dough portions about the size of a tablespoon Roll each into a 1 inch ball Try to keep them uniform for even cooking

Air Fry the Donut Holes:

Arrange the balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket with a little space around each Cook at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for seven to eight minutes Shake the basket gently halfway through to ensure even browning

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:

While still warm dip each donut hole into melted butter so they are fully coated Roll in a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar until covered

Decorate and Serve:

Sprinkle donut holes with festive red green and white sprinkles Serve warm for that fresh out of the fryer joy

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One of my favorite moments from making these is letting my kids go wild with the sprinkles They pile them high and giggle when the colors start to melt into the cinnamon sugar You simply cannot have a bad day when there are fresh donut holes in the house

Storage Tips

Let donut holes cool completely before storing them to avoid sogginess Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If you want to enjoy them longer freeze in a zip top bag and warm them up in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap whole milk for any non dairy milk if needed but full fat will give the most classic bite If you run out of butter try coconut oil for a holiday twist For gluten free friends a trusted cup for cup flour blend works fine just watch the texture and add a splash more milk if the dough seems dry

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Serving Suggestions

Pile them on a platter with extra sprinkles and a mug of hot cocoa for a festive breakfast Let everyone dip their donut holes in a caramel or chocolate sauce for a party Golden brown donut holes make a sweet edible centerpiece for your holiday dessert table

The Story Behind the Donut Holes

Donuts have been around in one form or another for centuries but the idea of the little donut hole is distinctly American Originally made to avoid wasting dough taken from the center of larger donuts the bite size version has become a holiday favorite in many homes Now with air frying you can easily skip the oily mess and enjoy the same treat in a lighter way

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?

Yes, you may use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, but texture may vary slightly from the original version.

→ Should I preheat the air fryer for donut holes?

Preheating helps ensure even cooking, giving your donut holes a consistent, golden finish throughout.

→ How do I store leftover donut holes?

Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for best freshness.

→ Can these be made in advance?

Yes, the dough can be prepared ahead and chilled. Air fry and coat just before serving for best taste and texture.

→ What is the best coating for these donut holes?

The classic mix of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar delivers rich flavor and the perfect festive touch with sprinkles.