20-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
These fluffy air fryer donut holes deliver all the nostalgic sweetness of classic donuts with less oil and faster cooking. The tender, cake-like interior gets perfectly golden in the air fryer, then gets rolled in melted butter and coated with aromatic cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or dessert, these bite-sized delights cook in under 10 minutes. The combination of warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freeketogluten-free
slightly denser texture
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and sugar in a large bowl
- 2
Combine egg, melted butter, and milk in another bowl
- 3
Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients
- 4
Knead until dough forms
- 5
Grease donut pan with olive oil
- 6
Fill donut pan and place in air fryer basket
- 7
Cook at 320 degrees F for 7-10 minutes
- 8
Let cool slightly
- 9
Roll in melted butter then coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture
- 10
Plate and serve
Tips
Don't overmix the batter to keep donut holes tender and fluffy
Grease the pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal
Let donut holes cool slightly before coating to prevent melting the butter too quickly
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days
Dough can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated before shaping
Best served warm, can be reheated in air fryer for 1-2 minutes
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook to avoid dry, tough texture
Ensure pan is well-greased to prevent sticking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes, you can shape small balls by hand and place them directly in the air fryer basket, though the shape won't be as uniform.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a regular oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or deep fry in oil heated to 375°F for 2-3 minutes.
How long do these keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly before serving.