Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donut Holes
Pillsbury crescent dough transformed into crispy-outside, tender donut holes with a cinnamon sugar coating inspired by the breakfast cereal. The butter-brushed dough gets rolled, cut, and air-fried until golden, then coated with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon. Quick weeknight dessert or fun breakfast treat that feels indulgent but requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury crescent sheet doughpuff pastry sheets1:1vegan option
puff pastry works but texture differs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cerealHoney Nut Cheerios1:1cereal swap
different flavor profile
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Lightly flour a cutting board and unroll crescent roll dough.
- 2
Melt butter and whisk in vanilla extract. Brush mixture over dough top; reserve remainder.
- 3
Crush Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into small crumbs using food processor or ziplock bag.
- 4
Combine cereal crumbs with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- 5
Coat the top of dough with half of the cinnamon mixture.
- 6
Roll crescent dough tightly into a log, then form into a ball and press until seamless.
- 7
Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin.
- 8
Cut dough using a 1 1/2 inch biscuit cutter.
- 9
Tightly roll each dough circle into a ball.
- 10
Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- 11
Lightly spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- 12
Arrange donut holes in a single layer with spacing between each.
- 13
Cook for 8 minutes.
- 14
Remove donut holes and dip each into reserved butter, then toss in remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- 15
Plate and serve.
Tips
Rolling dough circles tightly into balls before cooking prevents uneven puffing and ensures uniform shape and texture throughout.
Dip warm donut holes in butter immediately after air frying to help the cinnamon sugar coating adhere properly.
Crush cereal into small, uniform crumbs rather than powder for better texture and visible cereal flecks in the coating.
Good to Know
Room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Not recommended for freezing due to texture degradation.
Prepare dough balls and refrigerate up to 8 hours before air frying. Make cinnamon sugar mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container.
Serve warm for best texture. Pairs well with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate. Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip sealing the dough ball seamlessly to avoid bursting or uneven cooking.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent uneven crisping; single layer with spacing is essential.
Do not wait too long to coat donut holes after air frying; butter adheres best to warm pastry.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
puff pastry works but texture differs
General Alternatives
different flavor profile
FAQ
Can I use regular crescent roll dough instead of sheet dough?
Yes, unroll and seal the perforations by pressing firmly. Sheet dough is easier because it comes as one piece, but crescent rolls work if you take time to create a seamless base before rolling and cutting.
What if my donut holes come out too dry or hard?
Reduce cook time to 7 minutes and check for doneness. Overcooking causes dryness. Ensure air fryer is not overcrowded and that pastry doesn't touch the heating element directly.
Can I freeze these donut holes before or after cooking?
Freeze uncooked dough balls on a tray before air frying, then cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes. Cooked donut holes don't freeze well as the pastry becomes tough when thawed.