Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

If you’ve ever craved donuts but didn’t want to deal with the mess and hassle of frying, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are your answer! These delightful little treats offer all the flavor and texture of traditional donuts but without the heavy oil, making them a healthier alternative that’s just as satisfying.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making these delicious bite-sized donuts in your air fryer, saving you time, effort, and calories. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a quick dessert, these donut holes are simple to prepare and cook in less than 15 minutes!

Why Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Are a Game-Changer

Quick and Easy

These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are made with just a few ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. In fact, they’re ready in less than 15 minutes, so you can enjoy them any time of the day, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a sweet treat after school.

Healthier Option

While traditional donuts are deep-fried and full of excess oil, these donut holes are air fried, which drastically reduces the amount of oil used. You still get the crispy exterior and fluffy interior, but with a lighter, healthier touch.

Perfect for Families

These cinnamon sugar donut holes are ideal for family breakfast or brunch. They’re easy to make in batches, and kids love helping with the cinnamon-sugar coating! Plus, they’re small and bite-sized, making them perfect for little hands and even better for portion control.

No Mess, No Fuss

Air fryers make cooking easier by eliminating the need for messy, hot oil. You can cook these donut holes with minimal clean-up, making them perfect for busy mornings or when you just want to avoid the extra hassle. All you need is an air fryer, a few ingredients, and a few minutes of prep time.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes requires very few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Canned Biscuits: The secret to making these donut holes quick and easy is refrigerated biscuit dough. While you could make your own dough from scratch, using canned biscuits saves time and gives you perfectly round donut holes every time. Jumbo biscuits work best, as they are the easiest to cut into quarters.
Granulated Sugar: This is the main ingredient for the sweet coating on your donut holes. It provides that satisfying sweetness we all crave in a donut.

Ground Cinnamon: Paired with sugar, cinnamon adds the warm, comforting flavor we all love in a classic cinnamon sugar coating.
Butter: For the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, we use melted butter to coat the donut holes before tossing them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It helps the coating stick and gives the donut holes a soft, rich texture.

Essential Tools for Making Air Fryer Donut Holes

Before getting started, make sure you have the following tools:

Air Fryer: The key to making these donut holes light and crispy without the use of excess oil. It’s essential to have a well-functioning air fryer to cook them evenly.

Small Bowl: For mixing the cinnamon and sugar together to create the perfect coating.
Large Ziplock Bag: This makes it easier to coat the donut holes in cinnamon sugar without making a mess. Simply toss the donut holes inside, add the sugar mixture, and shake until they are evenly coated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are incredibly easy to make, and the steps couldn’t be simpler. Follow this step-by-step guide to get perfectly golden, crispy, and delicious donut holes every time:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial to ensure that your donut holes cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Mix well to make sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cut the Biscuits

Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into four pieces. These small pieces will form the donut holes once they are cooked. Make sure the pieces are roughly equal in size so that they cook evenly.

Step 4: Air Fry the Biscuit Pieces

Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the biscuit pieces into the basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the biscuit pieces at 375°F (190°C) for about 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as air fryers can vary in cooking times.

Step 5: Coat the Donut Holes in Butter

While the donut holes are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once the donut holes are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately place them into a large bowl. Drizzle half of the melted butter over them and toss gently to coat each piece in butter.

Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon-Sugar

Transfer the butter-coated donut holes into a large ziplock bag. Add half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the bag, seal it, and shake gently to coat the donut holes evenly. Repeat the process for the remaining donut holes, using the rest of the butter and cinnamon-sugar.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the donut holes are coated in cinnamon sugar, serve them immediately while they’re still warm. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are best enjoyed fresh and are perfect with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

To ensure your donut holes turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips:

Tip 1: Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

For the best results, make sure the biscuit pieces are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can cause uneven cooking and result in doughy, undercooked parts. If necessary, cook the donut holes in two batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Tip 2: Keep an Eye on Cooking Time

Different air fryer models have slightly different cooking times, so it’s important to monitor your donut holes as they cook. Start checking at the 4-minute mark, and adjust the cooking time as needed. The donut holes should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Tip 3: Use a Ziplock Bag for Even Coating

Using a ziplock bag for the cinnamon-sugar coating ensures that each donut hole is evenly coated with no mess. It also helps distribute the sugar mixture quickly and efficiently.

Tip 4: Make It a Family Activity

This recipe is perfect for getting the kids involved. They can help cut the biscuits, coat the donut holes in butter and cinnamon sugar, and of course, enjoy the tasty results!

Variations of Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

While cinnamon sugar is a classic topping, you can customize your donut holes with various other coatings and flavors. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Powdered Sugar Donut Holes

For a lighter, sweeter option, skip the cinnamon and sugar and simply dust your donut holes with powdered sugar once they’re done cooking. It’s an easy alternative that still gives you that sweet, sugary finish.

Chocolate-Dipped Donut Holes

If you’re a chocolate lover, dip your warm donut holes in melted chocolate for a rich and indulgent treat. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate—whatever suits your taste!

Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

For a seasonal twist, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice. It’s a great way to bring a fall flavor to your donut holes. Just replace the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.

Glazed Donut Holes

For a more traditional donut experience, drizzle your donut holes with a simple powdered sugar glaze. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the donut holes just before serving for a glossy, sweet finish.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Though these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are best enjoyed fresh, you can easily store any leftovers and reheat them to enjoy later. Here’s how to store and reheat them without losing their delicious texture:

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep fresh for 2 to 3 days. If you live in a particularly humid environment, it’s best to store them in the fridge to help maintain their crispness for a slightly longer shelf life.

Reheating Donut Holes

Reheating these donut holes in the air fryer will bring back their crispiness:

Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until they’re warm and slightly crisp on the outside.
Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can reheat them in the oven. Place the donut holes on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method works well but may not restore the crispiness as well as the air fryer.

Freezing Donut Holes

If you want to store these donut holes for an extended period, you can freeze them! After they’ve cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat from frozen, just follow the air fryer instructions above, adding a minute or two of extra cook time.

Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

To make sure you’re getting the best results, here are a few additional tips:

1. Use Quality Biscuit Dough

For the best results, choose jumbo refrigerated biscuit dough. These biscuits are fluffier and will create the perfect texture for donut holes. Avoid using smaller biscuits, as they may not rise as well in the air fryer.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer

It’s tempting to toss as many donut holes in the basket as possible, but overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the donut holes from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if needed to ensure they get crispy all over.

3. Keep the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Fresh

The cinnamon-sugar coating tends to settle and lose its crispiness after sitting for a while. If you’re storing leftovers, try reheating the donut holes with a fresh dusting of cinnamon sugar for a perfect finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Can I make these donut holes without an air fryer?

While the air fryer gives these donut holes the best crispy texture, you can also bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the biscuit pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, follow the same steps for coating in butter and cinnamon sugar.

Can I use frozen biscuit dough for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen biscuit dough, but make sure to let the dough thaw completely before cutting it into quarters and air frying. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work.

How can I make these donut holes less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet donut hole, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon, or try swapping it with a sugar substitute like stevia.

Conclusion: Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are a delicious and healthier take on the classic donut. With minimal ingredients, easy steps, and an air fryer that does most of the work, you can have warm, crispy, cinnamon-sugar-covered donut holes in under 15 minutes. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack any time of the day.

Once you make these donut holes, they’ll likely become your new go-to recipe when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, with the option to customize with different coatings and toppings, you can easily make them your own. Whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging on your own, these donut holes are a treat everyone can enjoy.