Air-Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Donut holes began as the playful cut-out centers of classic American ring doughnuts, soon becoming carnival favorites on their own. This air-fryer version keeps a soft, nutmeg-kissed crumb and a warm cinnamon-sugar coat without a deep fryer.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 12 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 385 cal
• 7g protein
• 58g carbs
• 14g fat

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• as needed cooking spray
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for tossing

Instructions

1. 1In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until evenly combined and no lumps remain.
2. 2In a separate bowl whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and fully blended.
3. 3Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms; do not overmix.
4. 4Lightly flour your hands, pinch off tablespoon-size portions of dough, and roll each into a smooth ball about 1 inch across; you should get roughly 24 holes.
5. 5Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with cooking spray.
6. 6Arrange half the dough balls in a single layer with a little space between them so air can circulate. Air-fry for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the holes are puffed, golden, and spring back when lightly pressed.
7. 7While the first batch cooks, stir the coating sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Melt the remaining butter in a small dish.
8. 8Transfer the hot donut holes to a plate, brush or toss them quickly in the melted butter, then roll thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar so every surface is coated. Repeat air-frying and coating with the second batch.
9. 9Serve warm while the sugar coating is still slightly crisp and the interiors are soft and cake-like. Leftovers reheat nicely in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 minutes.