Donut Holes Recipe Air Fryer

So you’re craving something sweet, fluffy, and just a little bit naughty, but the thought of deep-frying makes you want to curl up and cry? Or, even worse, clean your kitchen? Girl, same. My air fryer has become my spirit animal for all things “I want it now and I don’t want a grease fire.” So, let’s make some glorious donut holes without the drama!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This recipe is awesome because it’s borderline magical. We’re talking fresh, warm donut holes without a vat of bubbling oil or the fear of burning down your house. It’s also super quick, meaning you can satisfy that sugar craving before your brain even fully registers what’s happening. Plus, it’s pretty much **idiot-proof**. If I can do it without a major kitchen disaster, you absolutely can too. Consider this your new go-to for instant happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my sweet-toothed companions! Here’s what you need for your glorious journey into air-fried deliciousness:

• 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough: The flaky kind, not the dense, sad ones. These are your donut hole building blocks. Don’t cheap out!
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, because everything is better with butter.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For that classic, sweet coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Because cinnamon + sugar = culinary soulmates.
• Optional toppings/glazes: Powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, sprinkles – you do you, boo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, we’re casual here), let’s get cooking! These steps are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.

1. First things first: **Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)**. Don’t skip this, it makes all the difference!
2. Pop open that can of biscuit dough. On a lightly floured surface, separate the biscuits. Now, for the fun part: use a small cookie cutter (or even a shot glass!) to cut holes out of the center of each biscuit. Keep those little centers! Those are your actual donut holes.
3. Next, gently roll each donut hole into a somewhat spherical shape. They don’t have to be perfect, embrace the rustic charm.
4. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. You might need to cook them in batches, and that’s totally okay. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they won’t cook evenly.
5. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up like tiny, happy clouds. **Flip them halfway through** for even browning.
6. While your donut holes are getting golden, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
7. Once the donut holes are done, immediately toss them in the melted butter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll them around until they’re gloriously coated.
8. Serve ’em up hot! Resist the urge to eat them all yourself, or don’t. I’m not here to judge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can avoid some rookie errors. Don’t be “that person” who messes up perfect donut holes:

• **Overcrowding the basket:** This isn’t a sardine can! Give those little guys space to breathe and crisp up. Cook in batches, patience is a virtue (especially when donuts are involved).
• **Forgetting to preheat:** Seriously, it’s like putting food in a cold oven. It just won’t be as good. **Always preheat your air fryer!**
• **Not flipping them:** You want even golden deliciousness, right? A quick flip ensures both sides get that perfect texture.
• **Walking away from the air fryer:** These cook fast! Blink and they might go from golden to burnt. Keep an eye on them, especially on your first batch.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you’re out of something vital? No sweat, we’ve got options:

• **Glaze it up!** Instead of cinnamon sugar, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk (or even lemon juice for a tang!), and a splash of vanilla extract for a simple glaze. Dip those warm donut holes right in.
• **Chocolate love:** Melt some chocolate chips and dip half your donut holes for a decadent treat. Sprinkles are highly encouraged.
• **Spiced sugar:** Want more zing? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mix. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
• **No biscuit dough?** You *could* try homemade dough, but for the “lazy but fancy” vibe we’re going for, stick with the canned biscuits, **IMO**, they’re perfect.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• **Can I use any kind of biscuit dough?** Stick to the flaky, layered kind for the best results. The dense, cake-like biscuits won’t give you that light, airy donut texture.
• **My donut holes are still doughy in the middle, what gives?** Chances are you either overcrowded the basket, didn’t preheat, or didn’t cook them long enough. Give them more time in smaller batches!
• **Can I make these ahead of time?** You *can*, but they’re honestly best eaten fresh and warm. Reheating in the air fryer for a minute or two can revive them, though!
• **Do I really need to use butter for the coating?** Yes! The butter helps the sugar stick and adds that crucial rich flavor. Don’t skip it, your taste buds will thank you.
• **How do I clean my air fryer after this?** Let the basket cool, then wash it with warm, soapy water. Easy peasy. FYI, some baskets are dishwasher safe, check your manual!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! Quick, easy, and ridiculously tasty air fryer donut holes that’ll make you feel like a culinary wizard without actually having to, you know, *work* like one. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!