Donut Hole Recipe Air Fryer

So you’re craving something warm, sweet, and ridiculously easy to make, huh? Like, donut-level delicious, but without the whole deep-fryer drama and the lingering smell of oil in your hair? Yeah, me too. My air fryer is basically my kitchen’s unsung hero for exactly these moments. Get ready to have your mind (and tastebuds) blown with these ridiculously simple, ridiculously good air fryer donut holes. Trust me, your sweet tooth is about to send you a thank-you note.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. If I (a person who once almost set off the smoke alarm boiling water) can whip these up, you absolutely can too. This recipe is your new best friend because it’s:

• Stupid-simple: Seriously, we’re talking minimal ingredients, minimal effort. Your biggest challenge might be not eating all the dough.
• Air Fryer Magic: No messy oil splatters, no hovering over a hot stove, just set it and forget it (mostly). Plus, they’re “healthier” than deep-fried, which we can all agree is a totally valid excuse to eat more of them.
• Instant Gratification: From zero to warm, pillowy donut hole in what feels like minutes. Perfect for those sudden, intense “I need a treat NOW” emergencies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my fellow lazy gourmands! Here’s what you need to conquer these donut holes. No fancy stuff, promise.

• 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of all good things. Or, you know, just regular flour.
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to start the party.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: Our little lift-off agent, making them fluffy not flat.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Don’t skip it! It actually makes the sweet stuff taste sweeter. Magic, I tell ya.
• ½ cup Milk: Any kind works, but whole milk gives them a little extra lusciousness.
• 2 tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter: Because butter makes everything better, IMO.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: The secret handshake to flavor town.
• For the Coating (the BEST part):
  • ¼ cup Melted Unsalted Butter: More butter, because we’re not messing around.
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar: For that irresistible sugary crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon sugar is a classic for a reason, people!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, let’s be real), let’s make some magic!

1. Get Your Dry On: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good swirl so everything’s evenly distributed.
2. Wet It Up: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Forces: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy donut holes. Trust me on this.
4. Roll ‘Em Out: Lightly flour your hands (or don’t, if you like sticky adventures) and roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Think golf ball or slightly smaller. You should get around 16-20 little guys.
5. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Don’t skip this, or you’ll have sticky situations.
6. Air Fry Time! Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. You’ll probably need to do this in batches. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and puffy.
7. The Grand Finale (Coating): While your donut holes are chilling (but still warm!) in the air fryer, prepare your coating. In a shallow bowl, mix the ½ cup sugar and cinnamon. In another shallow bowl, melt your ¼ cup butter.
8. Dip & Roll: As soon as the donut holes come out of the air fryer, dunk each one quickly in the melted butter, then roll it around in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Repeat for all your delicious creations!
9. Devour: Serve these bad boys warm. They’re best enjoyed immediately, TBH.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Look, we all make mistakes. Learn from mine so your donut hole journey is smooth sailing!

• Overmixing the Dough: This is a cardinal sin. You’ll end up with tough, dense donut holes that could double as hockey pucks. Mix until just combined, a few lumps are okay, really!
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Don’t be greedy! Give those little guys space to breathe and get golden on all sides. An overcrowded basket leads to uneven cooking.
• Skipping the Preheat: Thinking you don’t need to preheat your air fryer? Rookie mistake! It helps cook them evenly and gives them that nice crust.
• Forgetting to Spray: Unless you want your donut holes permanently stuck to the basket, a light spray of oil is your friend.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling a little rebellious? Here are some ways to switch things up!

• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Easily swap out the dairy milk for any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) and use a vegan butter alternative. Easy peasy!
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to your dry ingredients for that classic donut shop vibe. Or a tiny bit of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy kick.
• Different Coatings: Not a cinnamon sugar fan? (Gasp! But okay, I guess.) Try powdered sugar for a classic look, or even a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk/vanilla. Chocolate drizzle? Go wild!
• Gluten-Free Flour: Yep, you can totally use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just know the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and maybe a little sarcasm).

1. Do I *have* to preheat my air fryer? Seriously? Yes! Unless you *like* unevenly cooked donuts and a longer cooking time. Just do it.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter just tastes better, period. But if that’s all you’ve got, go for it.
3. How long do these last? What do you mean “last”? Mine usually disappear within 5 minutes of being made. But, theoretically, in an airtight container at room temp, they’re good for a day or two. Though I doubt they’ll survive that long.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? You can! Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and air frying.
5. My donut holes aren’t browning evenly, what gives? You probably overcrowded the basket, my friend. Or your air fryer might have hot spots. Try shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking and ensuring good air circulation.
6. Can I deep fry them instead? Uh, yeah, you *could*. But then it wouldn’t be an *air fryer* recipe, would it? And way more mess. Stick to the magic!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Your new go-to for those “I need something sweet NOW” moments without all the fuss. These air fryer donut holes are proof that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated. Now go forth and conquer those cravings. Your tastebuds (and your lack of deep-fryer mess) will thank you. You’ve earned this, you culinary rockstar!