Air Fryer Donut Holes are a delightful treat that you can whip up in no time, offering a healthier twist on traditional fried donuts. With their fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon coating, these donut holes are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, you’ll find these air-fried delights are both easy to make and utterly delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
Using an air fryer allows you to enjoy that classic donut flavor with a fraction of the oil and calories typically found in traditional frying methods. That means you can indulge in your favorite treats without the guilt. Moreover, these Air Fryer Donut Holes are incredibly simple and quick to prepare. The combination of refrigerated biscuits, sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, the kids can help out, making this a fun family bonding activity in the kitchen.
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes
Now, let’s dive right into making these scrumptious Air Fryer Donut Holes. Stick to this straightforward process, and you’ll have sweet, fluffy goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 can Refrigerated Biscuits (preferably Grand Biscuits)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp Butter (melted)
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply set it to 360 degrees F and let it run for about 5 minutes.
- Using a small cookie cutter, cut the donut holes from the biscuits. Make sure to do this gently to maintain the shape.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays as they may damage your air fryer’s surface.
- Place the donut holes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for 4 minutes, remembering to toss them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- While the donut holes are cooking, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a separate small bowl. You also want to melt the butter in another bowl.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the donut holes from the air fryer. Quickly dip each donut hole into the melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure you coat the bottoms and sides well.
- Serve your delightful Air Fryer Donut Holes immediately while they are still warm. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Success with Air Fryer Donut Holes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s important to give each donut hole space to cook evenly. Depending on your air fryer size, you might have to cook in batches.
- Opt for the quality biscuits: Using high-rising, fluffy biscuits like the Grand Biscuits can enhance the texture and flavor of your donut holes.
- Experiment with temperature: Not all air fryers cook the same, so check for doneness a minute or two before the end of the suggested cooking time.
- Ensure an even coating: When rolling in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, be sure to get all sides to enhance flavor uniformly.
- Revive leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, you can give them a quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer to restore warmth and crispiness.
- Try different cookie cutter sizes: The size of the donut holes can be customized based on your preference. Larger holes mean heartier bites; smaller ones are great for a quick treat.
Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Donut Holes
- Chocolate Glazed: Dip your donut holes in melted chocolate after rolling them in cinnamon sugar for a decadently sweet experience.
- Nutty Topping: Mix crushed nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the cinnamon-sugar coating for added crunch and flavor.
- Maple Sugar: Replace the cinnamon with maple sugar for a cozy flavor, bringing a bit of autumn to your kitchen all year round.
- Lemon Zest: Add fresh lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract to the melted butter for a zesty, refreshing twist.
- Matcha Coating: For a healthful and unique flavor, mix matcha powder into the sugar before rolling the donut holes.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Donut Holes
Air Fryer Donut Holes are versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat. They are also perfect for brunch gatherings or as a sweet snack for kids after school. Consider serving them alongside a warm chocolate dipping sauce or a drizzle of icing for an extra sweet touch. For a festive occasion, stacking them on a tiered stand can make a visually appealing dessert centerpiece.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Air Fryer Donut Holes
If you’ve made a large batch of Air Fryer Donut Holes, you might wonder how to store the leftovers. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, for longer storage, it’s best to freeze them. To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the air fryer for about 3 minutes before serving to regain their warmth and crispness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 280mg
FAQ About Air Fryer Donut Holes
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Absolutely! Using homemade biscuit dough can elevate the flavor and texture of your donut holes. Just ensure you have a similar consistency to the refrigerated version for optimal results.
How can I ensure my donut holes are cooked properly?
To ensure even cooking, shake or toss your donut holes halfway through the cooking time. It’s also a good idea to check for doneness a minute or two early, as air fryers can vary in temperature.
Can I use gluten-free biscuits for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free biscuits can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for any modifications, and keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly from traditional biscuit dough.
What should I do if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function?
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, setting it to the desired cooking temperature and letting it run for about 5 minutes should yield the same results.
Is it possible to make these donut holes vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan versions of Air Fryer Donut Holes by using plant-based butter and a dairy-free biscuit option. This will ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful treat!
Final Thoughts
Making Air Fryer Donut Holes at home is a fun and rewarding experience that results in a sweet treat everyone will love. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the ease of the air fryer makes it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these donut holes are a fantastic choice. So gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and start making these delicious little rounds of joy today!
Print
Air Fryer Donut Holes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully fluffy donut holes with a sweet cinnamon coating made healthier in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 can Refrigerated Biscuits (preferably Grand Biscuits)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for about 5 minutes.
- Using a small cookie cutter, cut the donut holes from the biscuits.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the donut holes into the air fryer basket without overcrowding; cook for 4 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- While the donut holes are cooking, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and melt the butter in another bowl.
- Once cooking is complete, dip each donut hole into melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking. Variations include dipping in chocolate or adding zest for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American