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!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to air fry, making it a perfect last-minute treat.
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces the oil needed, giving you a delicious donut hole without the guilt.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily switch up the spices or add toppings, so every batch can be a new flavor adventure.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Rolling the donut holes in cinnamon sugar is a fun activity for kids, making it a great family cooking project.
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!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your milk and egg to room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes, so a few lumps are perfectly okay!
- Check for Doneness: Since air fryers can vary in cooking time, check the donut holes a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent overcooking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor twist!
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!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the donut dough and place them on a greased air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to expand while cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of the donut holes with cooking spray to help with browning.
Air fry the donut holes for about 7-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
Once the donut holes are cooked, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm to ensure the coating sticks well.
Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes | Servings: 12 donut holes
– Presentation Tips: Serve donut holes in a decorative bowl, dusted lightly with extra cinnamon sugar, and accompany them with a side of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for a delightful treat.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the donut dough and place them on a greased air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to expand while cooking.
- Lightly spray the tops of the donut holes with cooking spray to help with browning.
- Air fry the donut holes for about 7-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
- Once the donut holes are cooked, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes | Servings: 12 donut holes
- - Presentation Tips: Serve donut holes in a decorative bowl, dusted lightly with extra cinnamon sugar, and accompany them with a side of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for a delightful treat.

![- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar Pumpkin puree brings a rich flavor and moistness to the donut holes. You can use canned or fresh pumpkin. All-purpose flour gives the right texture, making the donut holes soft and fluffy. The granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a lovely crust. - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel. Baking powder and soda help the donut holes rise. Ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give that warm, fall flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating) The coating is the best part! Mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon creates a sweet, spicy layer. It adds flavor and makes the donut holes look so appealing. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. You can also line it with paper liners for easy removal. 1. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. This includes flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix well to ensure all flavors blend. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. You will need pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and one egg. Make sure this mixture is smooth. 1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Gently fold them together until just combined. Remember, a few lumps are okay. Do not overmix. 2. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, fill each cavity of the muffin tin about 3/4 full with the batter. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. 4. Once baked, remove the donut holes from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. 5. While they cool, make the cinnamon sugar coating. Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. 6. Carefully remove the donut holes from the tin. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while warm. Make sure each donut hole is fully coated. 7. Place them on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy these tasty treats! To make your donut holes soft and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. It’s okay to have some lumps! Overmixing can make your donut holes tough. Using fresh spices is key too. Ground spices lose flavor over time. Check the dates on your jars. Freshly ground spices can give your donut holes a vibrant taste. These donut holes are best enjoyed warm. Fresh out of the oven, they melt in your mouth. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a sweet crunch. You can also pair them with coffee or tea. The flavors mix nicely, making for a perfect snack. For this recipe, I recommend using a mini muffin tin. It creates the right size for donut holes. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular muffin tin but adjust the baking time. Some useful baking tools include a whisk for mixing and a cookie scoop for filling the tin. These tools help make the process easy and fun. For the full recipe, follow the link. {{image_2}} You can make your cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes even more fun. Adding chocolate chips gives them a sweet twist. Just fold in about a half cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before baking. You will love the rich chocolate taste with the warm pumpkin flavor. Incorporating nuts also adds a great crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. Mix in about a quarter cup of nuts. They add texture and a nutty flavor to each bite. If you need gluten-free options, swap out the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it has a good rise and texture. This will keep your donut holes light and fluffy. For vegan options, you can replace the egg with a flax egg. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free treat. Drizzling your donut holes with icing can make them extra special. A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk adds a sweet touch. You can also serve them with dipping sauces. A warm caramel sauce or a sweet cream cheese dip works great. This adds more fun and flavor to your treats. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! To keep your donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a warm area, it’s best to refrigerate them. In the fridge, they stay good for about a week. Just remember, they taste best when fresh! You can freeze these donut holes for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They will last for about three months. When you crave them, just take out a few and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back their warmth and texture. To keep your donut holes from getting soggy, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Use parchment paper between layers if needed. For the best flavor, don’t coat them in sugar until you are ready to serve. This keeps that lovely crunch intact. Enjoying them fresh is the key to their delightful taste! You can check if the donut holes are done by using a toothpick. Simply insert the toothpick into the center of a donut hole. If it comes out clean, the donut holes are ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. To make pumpkin puree, start with a sugar pumpkin. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Once it's soft, scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth. This fresh puree can add a nice flavor to your donut holes. If you want to make these donut holes vegan, you can use substitutes for eggs. Common options include: - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup mashed banana - 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (let it sit for 5 minutes) Each option binds the ingredients well and keeps your donut holes moist. Yes, you can make these donut holes ahead of time. Bake them, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving. This keeps them soft and tasty. This blog post covered how to make delicious pumpkin donut holes. We discussed key ingredients like pumpkin puree and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and fun flavor variations. You can store, freeze, and even adapt the recipe for dietary needs. Enjoy freshly baked donut holes warm with coffee or tea. With my tips, you can easily create a tasty treat. Embrace your creativity, and share with friends for a cozy treat everyone will love!](https://dailydishlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6bf46502-25aa-4a93-ab30-19677b03b5ac-768x768.webp)




