Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

These air fryer Christmas donut holes bring festive cheer straight to your kitchen. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, they are the perfect bite-sized treat for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter afternoon. Lightly coated with cinnamon sugar and topped with colorful sprinkles, they capture the spirit of Christmas in every mouthful.

I discovered this recipe when I wanted a quick holiday dessert without heating the oven all day. Now my whole family looks forward to these as our seasonal snack.

Ingredients

• Two cups all-purpose flour: provides structure and a tender crumb for each donut hole
• Quarter cup granulated sugar: adds just enough sweetness to the dough use fine sugar for a smooth mix
• Two teaspoons baking powder: act as the leavening agent making the donut holes light and fluffy
• Half teaspoon ground cinnamon: brings a warm holiday spice note fresh cinnamon is best for flavor
• Quarter teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors
• Two thirds cup whole milk: adds moisture and richness avoid skim for better texture
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter melted: into the batter ensures soft dough and richer taste
• One large egg: binds the ingredients and adds a bit of richness
• One teaspoon vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor with its sweet aromatic tone
• Quarter cup unsalted butter melted for coating: ensures cinnamon sugar sticks well creating that classic shine
• Half cup granulated sugar mixed with one teaspoon ground cinnamon: gives the donut holes their signature sweet and spicy coating
• Two tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles: add a festive and fun finishing touch

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it is hot and ready to cook the donut holes evenly from the start.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the baking powder and cinnamon evenly throughout the flour to prevent clumps.

Prepare Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform without lumps.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined and a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing as that can make the donut holes tough.

Shape the Dough:

Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking. Pinch off portions of dough roughly a tablespoon each and roll into one-inch balls. Try to keep the size consistent for even cooking.

Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:

Place the donut holes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave space around each to allow hot air to circulate for even cooking.

Cook the Donut Holes:

Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The donut holes should be golden brown and cooked through when done.

Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:

While still warm, dip each donut hole into the melted butter. Then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Add Festive Sprinkles:

Sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles on top while the coating is still sticky to ensure they adhere well.

One of my favorite parts is the cinnamon sugar coating. It’s a classic touch that brings that fresh bakery feel right into your home. I remember making these with my kids while listening to Christmas carols—the sprinkles made the project extra fun.

Storage Tips

Store leftover donut holes at room temperature for up to two days inside a sealed container to maintain crispness. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them dry. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag after they harden. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh their crisp exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap whole milk for a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option but it may affect the richness slightly. Use melted coconut oil instead of butter if you prefer plant-based fats. Ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be added alongside cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Pair with a hot drink like spiced cider or cocoa for a cozy winter snack. These donut holes also look adorable in a festive bowl at holiday parties or as stocking stuffers in a small bag.

This recipe captures the joy of the holidays in every bite and is simple enough for a last-minute festive treat. Enjoy making memories with every batch you bake.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What temperature is best for cooking donut holes in an air fryer?

Set the air fryer to 350°F for even cooking and a golden exterior.

→ How do I prevent the donut holes from sticking in the air fryer?

Arrange donut holes in a single layer with space between to avoid sticking and ensure crispness.

→ Can I substitute whole milk in the dough?

Yes, but whole milk helps create a richer and softer texture.

→ What gives the donut holes their cinnamon sugar coating?

After cooking, dip each donut hole in melted butter then roll in a cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet coating.

→ Are the holiday sprinkles necessary?

Sprinkles add festive color and a slight crunch but can be omitted if preferred.