How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes

When you’re craving a warm, delicious, and easy-to-make treat, air fryer donut holes are the answer! These donut holes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re a great breakfast, snack, or even a special dessert. Thanks to the air fryer, you can make these donuts with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create perfect air fryer donut holes using simple ingredients like canned biscuits, cinnamon, and sugar. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick breakfast or someone who loves making treats for special occasions, this recipe has you covered.

Why Choose Air Fryer Donut Holes?

You might wonder why you should opt for air fryer donut holes instead of traditional deep-fried donuts. Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Healthier Option: Air frying uses little to no oil, reducing the overall fat and calorie content of your donut holes.

• Quick and Easy: Using canned biscuits means no complicated dough-making or rising time.

• Crispy and Flaky: The air fryer creates a golden-brown, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

• Versatile: You can customize the flavor by adding different spices, toppings, or glazes to suit your taste.

In this article, we’ll break down the process into simple steps, offer some helpful tips, and even suggest different ways to enjoy your donut holes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make air fryer donut holes, you don’t need many ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet tasty recipe:

• Canned Biscuits: The base of this recipe is canned biscuit dough, which you can find in most grocery stores. For the best results, choose a flaky or buttery biscuit variety, such as Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers. You can also use the Southern Homestyle version if you prefer a thicker texture.

• Sugar: A staple ingredient to sweeten your donut holes.

• Cinnamon: The classic spice for donut holes. You can also use other spices like nutmeg or apple pie spice for a different twist.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar coating stick to your donut holes. You can use either salted or unsalted butter based on your preference.

 

How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes

Making air fryer donut holes is quick and simple, and the results are nothing short of delicious! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare these crispy, sweet bites that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before starting, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your donut holes cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color on the outside. This step only takes a few minutes, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Take a can of your favorite canned biscuit dough (Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers work great!) and open it up. Separate the biscuits and cut each one into quarters. You can use a mini round cutter to make donut holes if you prefer, but cutting the biscuits into quarters works perfectly and helps with efficiency.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Stir the mixture until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. If you want to experiment, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the mix for a fun twist on the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor.

Step 4: Air Fry the Biscuit Pieces

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the cut biscuit pieces in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded or overlapping—this will help them cook evenly.

Tip: If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the donut holes in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air fry the biscuit pieces at 350°F for 3 minutes. After the initial 3 minutes, flip each donut hole and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar

Once the donut holes are cooked, immediately brush them with melted butter. You want the butter to cover each donut hole completely so the cinnamon-sugar coating will stick. After buttering them, toss the donut holes into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and gently shake or stir to coat them evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once coated in cinnamon-sugar, place the donut holes on a serving dish. Serve them warm and enjoy them as is, or drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel, or your favorite toppings for an extra treat!

Pro Tip: For a fun twist, serve your air fryer donut holes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of whipped cream for a sweet dessert!

The Best Air Fryer for Donut Holes

One of the key factors in achieving perfect air fryer donut holes is the air fryer itself. Not all air fryers are created equal, and certain models perform better when making baked goods like donut holes. Here’s what to look for in a good air fryer for making this recipe:

• Size of the Basket: The size of the basket is crucial for making sure your donut holes cook evenly. A larger basket allows you to cook more donut holes at once, but make sure they aren’t overcrowded. A model with a basket around 5 to 6 quarts will work well for most home recipes.

• Temperature Control: You want an air fryer with precise temperature control. The ability to set the temperature to exactly 350°F is essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy.

• Nonstick Surface: A nonstick coating on the basket makes cleaning up much easier, especially when working with sticky ingredients like butter and cinnamon-sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making air fryer donut holes is pretty simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overcrowding the Basket: If you place too many donut holes in the air fryer at once, they won’t cook evenly. It’s better to air fry in batches to ensure they have room for air circulation.

2. Skipping Preheating: Don’t skip preheating the air fryer! Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that the donut holes cook properly from the moment they go in.

3. Not Flipping the Donut Holes: Be sure to flip the donut holes halfway through cooking. This will help them cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.

4. Not Coating Immediately After Cooking: Cinnamon-sugar sticks best when the donut holes are still warm and buttery. If you let them cool too long before coating, the sugar won’t stick as well.

How to Store Air Fryer Donut Holes

If you happen to have any leftover donut holes (though we doubt that will happen!), here’s how to store them:

• At Room Temperature: Store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll still taste delicious, though the texture may soften slightly.

• In the Freezer: To store them for longer, place the donut holes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 2 hours. After that, transfer them to a resealable bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a minute or two to crisp them up again.

Pro Tip: If you store them in the freezer, don’t coat them in cinnamon-sugar until you’re ready to eat them. Doing so will prevent the sugar from getting soggy when frozen.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Donut Holes

Air fryer donut holes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for turning these simple donut holes into a breakfast spread, dessert, or party snack:

1. Breakfast Pairings: Serve your donut holes alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday breakfast.

2. Dessert Option: Drizzle warm caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or raspberry coulis over the donut holes. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

3. Party Snack: Air fryer donut holes are great for parties and gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or even a tangy cream cheese dip for variety.

4. Stuffed Donut Holes: Want to take these to the next level? Stuff them with Nutella, chocolate chips, or even fruit preserves before air frying. The possibilities are endless!

 

FAQs On Air Fryer Donut Holes

How do you make donut holes in the air fryer?

Making donut holes in the air fryer is easy and quick. Start by using canned biscuit dough or homemade dough, and cut them into small pieces or quarters. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the dough pieces in a single layer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once golden brown and crispy, coat the donut holes with melted butter and cinnamon-sugar for the perfect treat.

Can you do donuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely make donuts in an air fryer! Air frying gives donuts a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Whether you’re using canned biscuit dough, crescent rolls, or homemade dough, the air fryer is a great tool for making healthier, oil-free donuts. Simply prepare the dough, air fry at 350°F for a few minutes, and enjoy warm, homemade donuts with your favorite toppings.

How long to cook 2 ingredient rolls in an air fryer?

Cooking 2-ingredient rolls in the air fryer typically takes about 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You can make these rolls using a simple dough mixture like self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, or another two-ingredient combination. Check the rolls after 8 minutes and adjust the time based on the size of the rolls and your air fryer model. They should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through.

Can you put a glazed donut in the air fryer?

Yes, you can put a glazed donut in the air fryer! However, it’s best to air fry plain donuts first and then glaze them afterward. If you put a glazed donut in the air fryer, the glaze may melt or get soggy due to the heat. To avoid this, air fry the donuts, then dip or drizzle with your favorite glaze once they are cooked and slightly cooled.

Do things bake faster in an air fryer?

Yes, things often bake faster in an air fryer than in a traditional oven. The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation, which cooks food more evenly and efficiently. As a result, food typically cooks about 20-30% faster than in a conventional oven. However, the exact time can vary depending on the food and the air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check your dish a few minutes before the suggested time is up.

Recipe Card: Air Fryer Donut Holes

Ingredients

• 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits (or your preferred canned biscuit variety)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• Cooking spray for air fryer basket

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

2. Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Cut each biscuit into quarters.

3. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon until well combined.

4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the biscuit pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.

5. Air fry the biscuit pieces for 3 minutes at 350°F. After 3 minutes, flip the pieces and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Remove the donut holes from the air fryer and brush them immediately with the melted butter.

7. Drop the buttered donut holes into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

8. Serve warm and enjoy! Optional: Serve with chocolate sauce, caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Notes

• You can use different biscuit flavors like honey butter or buttermilk for variety.

• If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a sweet drizzle.

• To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They last at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

• For a richer flavor, you can also add nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Method: Air frying

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 8

• Calories per serving: 270