Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making air fryer donut holes yet, you’re in for a delightful treat! Trust me, these little bites are not only deliciously easy to whip up, but they also fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of fresh donuts. I remember the first time I made them; it was a rainy Sunday morning, and I just had the urge to create something sweet without all the fuss of deep frying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I was able to create these fluffy, golden donut holes in under 20 minutes! They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a sweet treat after dinner. Seriously, once you try this air fryer donut holes recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever thought donuts had to be complicated!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Holes Recipe
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
How to Prepare Air Fryer Donut Holes
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the donut holes cook evenly and gives them that perfect golden-brown color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is well mixed. This little step is key because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which means your donut holes will rise beautifully!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until it’s all blended and smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to our donut holes, making them irresistibly fluffy. Just make sure not to overmix; we want a nice, tender dough.
Form the Dough Balls
Now, it’s time to form your donut holes! Grab a spoon and scoop out small amounts of dough, rolling them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little variation is totally fine! Just make sure to leave some space in the air fryer basket so they can puff up nicely without sticking together.
Air Fry the Donut Holes
Once your donut holes are shaped and ready to go, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on them! You can give one a gentle poke; if it springs back, they’re done!
Coat with Powdered Sugar
After you take them out of the air fryer, let them cool for just a couple of minutes. This is important, so you don’t burn your fingers! Once they’ve cooled slightly, toss them in a bowl of powdered sugar until they’re all coated in sweet, snowy goodness. This step adds that classic donut flair and makes them even more delightful!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note here! The nutritional values for these air fryer donut holes can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Generally speaking, each serving of two donut holes has around 120 calories, with about 4 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find approximately 10 grams of sugar and 18 grams of carbohydrates. But don’t worry too much about the numbers—focus on enjoying these deliciously easy treats! It’s all about balance and savoring the moment, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just 18 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Delightful Flavor: Each bite is fluffy and sweet, with that classic donut taste you crave.
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying means less oil and fewer calories compared to traditional frying, so you can indulge without the guilt.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create these delicious treats anytime.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins, glazes, or toppings to suit your mood!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert; everyone will love these little delights!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer donut holes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips for success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give those little donut holes some room to breathe! Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and you might end up with some doughy spots. Trust me, they’ll puff up beautifully if you let them have their space!
- Check for Doneness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your donut holes as they cook. If they’re not golden brown after 8 minutes, give them a little extra time but check every minute to avoid overcooking.
- Serve Them Warm: These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer! The warm, fluffy texture combined with that sweet powdered sugar coating is simply irresistible. If you can, get them to the table right after coating!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice kick. You can also mix in chocolate chips or switch up the vanilla with almond extract for a fun twist!
- Keep an Eye on the Powdered Sugar: After coating them, if you want an extra layer of sweetness, double-dip them in powdered sugar! Just toss them again right before serving for that perfect sugary finish.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some amazing donut holes that will wow your family and friends. Enjoy the process, and happy frying!
Variations on Air Fryer Donut Holes Recipe
Now, let’s talk about how to jazz up these air fryer donut holes! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility—there are so many fun variations you can try to keep things exciting. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping the donut holes. The melted chocolate will add a rich flavor and a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of just powdered sugar, mix some granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon. After frying, roll the donut holes in this mixture for a classic cinnamon sugar treat that’s just heavenly!
- Maple Glaze: For a sweet twist, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup and a little milk until you achieve a drizzle-able consistency. Dip the warm donut holes in the glaze for a deliciously sweet finish!
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle some on top after coating with sugar for an extra touch!
- Fruit Infusion: Try incorporating some finely chopped fruit, like blueberries or strawberries, into the batter. They’ll add a burst of flavor and a lovely color to your donut holes!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to your dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings when you want something comforting and delicious.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to get creative with your air fryer donut holes. Happy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these scrumptious air fryer donut holes, let’s talk about how to make your experience even more delightful! Serving these warm, fluffy treats with the right accompaniments can truly elevate the moment. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Coffee: There’s nothing quite like enjoying a fresh donut hole with a steaming cup of coffee. The rich flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the donut holes, creating a cozy morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Milk: If you’re looking for that classic childhood vibe, serve your donut holes with a tall glass of cold milk. It’s a match made in heaven, and the creamy texture of milk balances the sweetness just right!
- Hot Chocolate: For those chilly days, why not indulge in a cup of hot chocolate? The warm, chocolaty goodness complements the fluffy donut holes beautifully, making it a delightful snack for any time of day.
- Fruit Compote: Drizzle some homemade fruit compote on top of your donut holes for a fruity twist! Whether it’s raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry, the tartness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the donuts.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can make these treats feel extra special. You can even add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a little flair!
- Ice Cream: Want to take it to the next level? Serve your warm donut holes with a scoop of ice cream! Vanilla, chocolate, or even caramel would be divine, creating a delicious dessert experience.
Whatever you choose to serve alongside your air fryer donut holes, just remember to enjoy every bite! These treats are all about creating sweet moments, so get cozy, sip your drink, and dive into that delightful goodness. Happy indulging!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made a batch of these delightful air fryer donut holes and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for later. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! To store your leftover donut holes, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about 1-2 days. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them up quickly!
If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours until they’re frozen solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They should stay fresh for about a month. This way, you can have a sweet treat ready to go whenever the craving strikes!
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy those frozen donut holes, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you want to reheat them, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh, delightful warmth and fluffiness! Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. Trust me, you’ll love biting into that warm, sugary goodness once again!
For more information on healthy cooking methods, you can check out this Healthline article that compares air frying to traditional frying methods.
If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to visit our contact page!
Print
Air fryer donut holes recipe: 7 deliciously easy treats
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe makes deliciously easy air fryer donut holes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Form small balls of dough and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and cool slightly, then coat in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 donut holes
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: air fryer donut holes recipe, deliciously easy treats
