There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon sugar pastries drifting through the kitchen on a lazy morning. These Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes deliver all the nostalgic flavor of traditional deep-fried bakery treats without the heavy grease, messy oil splatters, or excess calories. By utilizing the power of your air fryer, you achieve a wonderfully golden exterior with a soft, fluffy interior in a fraction of the time. Whether you are treating your family to a cozy weekend breakfast or putting together a quick sweet snack for an afternoon gathering, this recipe comes together seamlessly from scratch using everyday pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large Egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick baking spray or line it with a perforated parchment paper sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together just until a thick, cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, drop rounded 1-inch portions of the dough into the prepared air fryer basket. Leave a small space (about half an inch) between each piece.
- Cook the donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides turn an even golden brown.
- While the donut holes are cooking, mix the 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Place the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter in a separate small bowl.
- As soon as the hot donut holes come out of the air fryer, brush them lightly with the melted butter, then immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are thoroughly coated on all sides. Repeat with the remaining batches.
Notes
Do Not Crowd the Basket: Air fryers rely on proper airflow. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and pale, soggy spots on your treats. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature to help the batter emulsify smoothly and bake up light and tender. Serve Fresh: These donut holes taste absolute best when served warm right after tossing in the cinnamon sugar coating.
