Air Fryer Donut Holes: Deliciously Easy Recipe for a Sweet Treat

Air Fryer Donut Holes are a delightful treat that brings the joy of freshly baked donuts right into your home with minimal fuss. As someone who has always had a sweet spot for donuts, I can confidently say that these little bites of heaven are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The air fryer method allows for a lighter version of the classic donut, giving you that crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior without the guilt of deep frying.

Historically, donut holes have been a beloved snack in various cultures, often enjoyed during celebrations or as a comforting indulgence. People love Air Fryer Donut Holes for their versatility; you can coat them in cinnamon sugar, glaze them, or even fill them with your favorite jam. The convenience of the air fryer means you can whip up a batch in no time, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday snack. Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Donut Holes, they will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Preparing the Dough

1. **Gather Your Ingredients**: First, I like to gather all my ingredients on the counter. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. 2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, I combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. I whisk them together until they are well blended. This step is crucial because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. 3. **Combine Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, I whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. I make sure the butter isn’t too hot, as I don’t want to scramble the egg. Mixing these wet ingredients separately helps to ensure that the egg is fully incorporated before adding it to the dry mix. 4. **Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures**: I pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, I gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes. 5. **Chill the Dough**: Once the dough is mixed, I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the donut holes maintain their shape while cooking.

Shaping the Donut Holes

6. **Prepare the Air Fryer**: While the dough is chilling, I preheat my air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for ensuring that the donut holes cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. 7. **Form the Donut Holes**: After the dough has chilled, I take it out of the refrigerator. I use a small cookie scoop or my hands to portion out the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. I find that wetting my hands slightly helps prevent the dough from sticking to my fingers. 8. **Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket**: I lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, I place the donut holes in a single layer in the basket, making sure to leave some space between each one for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cooking Process

9. **Air Fry the Donut Holes**: I set the air fryer to cook for 5-6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, I give the basket a gentle shake to ensure even cooking. The donut holes should be golden brown and cooked through when they’re done. 10. **Check for Doneness**: After 5-6 minutes, I check the donut holes for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! If not, I give them an additional minute or two. 11. **Remove and Cool**: Once cooked, I carefully remove the donut holes from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Coating the Donut Holes

12. **Prepare the Coating**: While the donut holes are cooling, I mix the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be the sweet coating that makes these donut holes irresistible. 13. **Coat the Donut Holes**: Once the donut holes are cool enough to handle but still warm, I toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. I find that doing this while they’re warm helps the coating stick better. I gently roll them around until they are fully coated. 14. **Serve and Enjoy**: After coating, I place the donut holes on a serving plate. They are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these Air Fryer Donut Holes are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet treat without the guilt of deep frying. The combination of fluffy dough and a delightful coating of cinnamon sugar makes these little bites of heaven irresistible. Plus, the air fryer ensures they come out perfectly cooked every time, with a light and airy texture that you simply can’t achieve with traditional frying methods. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these donut holes with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful breakfast or snack. You can also get creative with variations—try adding chocolate chips to the dough, or drizzling a simple glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different flavorings like vanilla or nutmeg to make them your own! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making your own Air Fryer Donut Holes at home. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creations. Let’s spread the love for these delightful treats together!

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