Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Delightful Treat

Craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make? You’re in the right place! Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are soft, fluffy, and covered in sweet cinnamon sugar. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, from gathering ingredients to perfecting that golden brown finish. Whether you’re a novice or a skilled cook, these donut holes will become your new favorite snack. Let’s get started on making this delightful treat!
Ingredients
List of ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
To make these tasty donut holes, you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Measuring tips for accurate ingredient ratios
Using the right amounts of each ingredient is key. Here are some tips:
- Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Fill the cup and level it off with a knife.
- For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. Check the measurement at eye level.
- To measure sticky ingredients like butter, use a scale if you can. This gives the best results.
- Always sift dry ingredients if the recipe calls for it. Sifting helps to avoid lumps.
Ingredient substitutions
You can easily swap some ingredients if needed:
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- Milk: Almond milk or soy milk works well as a dairy-free option.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can replace the egg.
- Butter: Use coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option.
- Sugar: Substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
These options help you customize the donut holes to fit your tastes and needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the donut batter
To start, gather your ingredients. I use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. In a mixing bowl, whisk these dry ingredients together. Mix until everything is well combined.
Next, in another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Pour this wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if it has a few lumps. This means your donut holes will be soft and fluffy.
Preheating your air fryer
Now, let’s preheat the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating helps cook the donut holes evenly. It takes just a few minutes to reach the right temperature. This step is key for getting that perfect golden brown color.
Cooking the donut holes
After preheating, form the dough into small balls. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to make balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them in a greased air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each ball so they can rise and expand.
Next, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. This helps them brown nicely. Air fry the donut holes for about 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. They should look golden brown and cooked through.
Once they are done, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the warm donut holes in this mix. The heat helps the sugar stick well. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for achieving golden brown donut holes
To get that perfect golden brown color, you need to follow a few steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) before you start cooking. This warm air helps create a nice crust. Second, space the donut holes well in the air fryer basket. This allows the heat to move around them easily. Finally, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. This helps them brown evenly.
How to avoid overmixing the batter
Overmixing can make your donut holes tough. It’s best to mix the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. You want some lumps to stay. This makes the donut holes fluffy and soft. Use a gentle hand when stirring. If you see dry spots, fold the batter carefully without beating it too much.
Troubleshooting common issues
If your donut holes are not cooking evenly, check the spacing in the basket. If they touch each other, they may not cook well. For donut holes that are too dry, they might need a few more minutes in the fryer. Keep an eye on them. If they are too bland, try adding a pinch of salt or more cinnamon to the batter. Always taste your batter before cooking!
Variations
Flavor variations (e.g., chocolate, pumpkin spice)
You can easily change the flavor of your donut holes. For chocolate, use cocoa powder. Substitute 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder. This gives a rich, chocolatey taste. For pumpkin spice, add pumpkin puree and a mix of spices. Use 1/4 cup of puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice. These flavors make your donut holes exciting and fun!
Gluten-free version of donut holes
To make gluten-free donut holes, swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well for baking. You may also need to add a binding agent. A tablespoon of ground flaxseed or a bit of xanthan gum works great. This way, everyone can enjoy the delight of donut holes!
Alternative coatings (different sugars or toppings)
For different coatings, think outside the box! You can use powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar. Or try a mixture of brown sugar and nutmeg for a warm flavor. You can even roll them in toasted coconut or crushed nuts. These options add a fun twist to your donut holes. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures!
Storage Info
How to store leftover donut holes
To store leftover donut holes, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely first. This keeps them soft and fresh. You can also layer parchment paper between them. This prevents sticking and keeps them fluffy.
Best practices for reheating
Reheat your donut holes in the air fryer for a few minutes. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). This gives them a nice crisp outside again. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat them for about 10-15 seconds. But be careful, as they can get chewy.
Shelf life of cinnamon sugar donut holes
Cinnamon sugar donut holes last about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. However, fresh is always best!
FAQs
Can I bake cinnamon sugar donut holes instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake donut holes instead of using an air fryer. To bake them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or a donut hole pan. Fill each cavity with the donut dough, leaving some space for rising. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking time may vary. The donut holes should be golden brown when done.
How do I know when the donut holes are done cooking?
You can tell when donut holes are done by checking their color. They should be golden brown all over. You can also use a toothpick. Insert it into a donut hole; if it comes out clean, they are done. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
What can I serve with donut holes?
Donut holes taste great on their own, but you can serve them with fun dips. Try chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for a sweet touch. You can also serve them with coffee or milk for a delightful snack. If you want to be fancy, dust them with extra cinnamon sugar before serving. This makes them look even more inviting!
This article covered all you need to make tasty Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. You learned about the right ingredients and how to measure them. I shared steps for making the batter and cooking the donut holes. You also found clever tips to avoid common issues. Lastly, we explored fun flavors and storage tips.
Enjoy your delicious treats, and remember, baking is fun. Keep experimenting with new flavors!
