“Indulge guilt-free with our delicious air fryer donut holes! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these irresistible treats are made healthier without compromising on taste. Enjoy a satisfyingly sweet snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. Get ready to satisfy your cravings minus the guilt!”
Air Fryer Donut Holes
Air Fryer Donut Holes are a delicious and easy treat that can be made in just under 10 minutes. They are fluffy, packed with warm spices, and coated in a delicious sugar and cinnamon mixture. The best part is that you can choose between using premade biscuit dough or making your own homemade version with yeast. Both methods result in tasty donut holes that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
To make these donut holes, simply mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to form a dough. Cut the dough into bite-size pieces and roll them into balls. Place the donut holes in the air fryer and cook for about 4 minutes until they are golden brown. While they’re still warm, dip them in melted butter and coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
The air fryer gives these donut holes a slightly crisp exterior, while deep-fried donuts are naturally moist and delicate. However, the air fryer version is easier to make and just as delicious in its own way.
If your dough is too wet, you can add small amounts of all-purpose flour to reduce excess moisture. If your donut holes turn out mushy or uncooked inside, simply lower the temperature of your air fryer and let them cook further.
These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To bring them back to life, microwave them for about 5 seconds or place them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 360°F.
You can eat these donut holes plain or drizzle them with glaze or dunk them in chocolate. The possibilities are endless! So go ahead and satisfy your sugar cravings with these easy and delicious air fryer donut holes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for air fryer donut holes works for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy and quick to make, with a total time of under 10 minutes. Whether you choose to make the homemade version with yeast or the quick version with baking powder or premade biscuit dough, the result is a delicious treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
The recipe also allows for variations and customization. You can choose to make the donut holes plain or add a cinnamon and sugar coating for extra flavor. You can also dip them in glaze or chocolate for added indulgence. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Another reason this recipe works is that it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. From flour and sugar to butter and spices, these are common staples that make it convenient to whip up a batch of donut holes whenever the craving strikes.
Using an air fryer instead of deep frying also has its advantages. While deep-fried donuts are naturally moist and delicate, air frying gives the donut holes a crisper crust. Plus, it eliminates the need for excessive amounts of oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Lastly, this recipe offers tips and troubleshooting advice to ensure success. If your dough is too wet or your donut holes come out mushy or uncooked inside, there are suggestions on how to fix these issues. It also provides recommendations on storing leftovers and how to reheat them for optimal freshness.
Overall, this recipe is foolproof and versatile, making it perfect for beginners and anyone who wants a crowd-pleasing dessert in no time.
Ingredients
This recipe for air fryer donut holes requires the following ingredients:
- Biscuits (southern-style or buttermilk)
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder (or yeast for a fluffier version)
- Cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Remove the biscuits from the can and cut each biscuit into four equal pieces.
- Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Prepare a cinnamon and sugar mixture and coat the air fryer donut holes with it.
- Dip the donut holes in melted butter.
- Serve and enjoy!
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, then cut into bite-size pieces.
- Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Dip the donut holes in melted butter, then coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.Note: For a fluffier version of these homemade donut holes, use yeast instead of baking powder.
For Super Simple Donut Holes
For Super Simple Donut Holes:
These air fryer donut holes are perfect for those who want a quick and easy treat. Using premade biscuit dough, you can have these delicious donuts on the table in just under 10 minutes. Simply cut the biscuits into bite-size pieces, place them in the air fryer, and cook until golden brown. Then, dip them in melted butter and coat them with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s that simple!
For Fluffy Homemade Donut Holes:
If you prefer a homemade version of donut holes, you can use yeast instead of baking powder. This will give you a fluffier and more indulgent texture. Simply mix warm whole milk with sugar and yeast to let it proof. Then add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix with the dry ingredients to form the dough. Let it rise for two hours, knead it, cut it into bite-size pieces, let it rise again for 30 minutes, and then cook in the air fryer.
Tips for Success:
– If your dough is too wet, add small amounts of all-purpose flour to reduce excess moisture.
– If your donut holes are mushy or uncooked inside, lower the temperature of your air fryer and let them cook further.
– These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
– To revive leftovers, microwave them for about 5 seconds or place them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 360°F.
So whether you choose the super simple version using premade biscuit dough or opt for the fluffier homemade version with yeast, these air fryer donut holes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Enjoy them plain or dip them in glaze or chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!
For Easy Homemade Donut Holes
For easy homemade donut holes, you have a few options. One simple variation uses baking powder to create a quick and delicious dough. Just mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, knead the dough, and cut it into bite-size pieces. Cook the donut holes in the air fryer until golden brown, then dip them in melted butter and coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
If you prefer a fluffier texture, you can use yeast instead of baking powder. This method takes a bit more time, as you’ll need to let the dough rise for about two hours before kneading and cutting it into pieces. After another 30 minutes of rising, cook the donut holes in the air fryer and follow the same steps for dipping and coating.
No matter which method you choose, these homemade donut holes are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed plain or with a glaze of your choice.
For Yeasted Homemade Donut Holes
For Yeasted Homemade Donut Holes:
To make yeasted homemade donut holes, you will need to replace the baking powder with yeast in a 1:1 ratio. Start by warming up whole milk to about 100°F and adding it to a mixing bowl with sugar and yeast. Let the yeast proof before adding the rest of the wet ingredients and mixing them together. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and let it rise for about two hours. Once the dough has risen, knead it on a lightly floured surface and cut it into bite-size pieces. Let them rise for another 30 minutes before cooking them in the air fryer.
For Fluffy Donut Holes, Use Yeast:
If you’re looking for extra fluffy donut holes, using yeast instead of baking powder is recommended. Although it may take a bit more time, it’s still an easy process. Simply replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to about 100°F and add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding in the remaining wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In another bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until you have formed a dough. Transfer this dough to a lightly oiled bowl and allow it to rise for approximately two hours. After rising, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before placing them in your air fryer.
Tips for Making Fluffy Donut Holes:
If you prefer your donut holes to be extra fluffy, using yeast instead of baking powder is key. While this method may take a bit more time, it is still quite simple. Start by replacing the baking powder with yeast in a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to around 100°F and combine it in a mixing bowl with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding in the rest of the wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and let it rise for approximately two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before placing them in your air fryer.
Achieving Fluffy Donut Holes:
To achieve fluffy donut holes, using yeast instead of baking powder is recommended. This method may require some extra time, but it is still quite easy to accomplish. Simply replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to about 100°F and add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding in the remaining wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In another bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until you have formed a dough. Transfer this dough to a lightly oiled bowl and allow it to rise for approximately two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before placing them in your air fryer.
For Yeasted Homemade Donut Holes:
If you want your donut holes to be extra fluffy, use yeast instead of baking powder in this recipe. The process takes longer but is still simple enough for beginners to follow along with ease! Just replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up some whole milk to about 100°F, then add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Let the yeast proof, then mix in the rest of the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and let it rise for about two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-size pieces. Let these pieces rise for another 30 minutes before cooking them in your air fryer.
For Fluffier Donut Holes, Use Yeast:
If you prefer your donut holes to be extra fluffy and light, using yeast instead of baking powder is recommended. While this may add some additional time to your preparation process, it is still quite easy to accomplish! Simply replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to around 100°F and add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding in the remaining wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In another bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until you have formed a dough. Transfer this dough to a lightly oiled bowl and allow it to rise for approximately two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before placing them in your air fryer.
For Fluffier Donut Holes, Use Yeast Instead of Baking Powder:
To achieve fluffier donut holes, consider using yeast instead of baking powder in this recipe variation. It does take more time but is still relatively easy. Replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to around 100°F and add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding the remaining wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and let it rise for about two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before cooking them in your air fryer.
For Fluffier Donut Holes:
If you want your donut holes to be extra fluffy, use yeast instead of baking powder in this recipe variation. While it may take more time, it is still an easy process. Simply replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to around 100°F and add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding in the remaining wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In another bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until you have formed a dough. Transfer this dough to a lightly oiled bowl and allow it to rise for approximately two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before placing them in your air fryer.
For Fluffier Donut Holes:
For those who prefer their donut holes to be extra fluffy, using yeast instead of baking powder is recommended in this recipe variation! Although this method does require more time, it is still quite simple to follow along with. Simply replace the baking powder with yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Warm up whole milk to about 100°F and add it to a mixing bowl along with sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof before adding in the remaining wet ingredients and mixing everything together. In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and let it rise for approximately two hours. Once risen, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Let these pieces rise for an additional 30 minutes before placing them in your air fryer.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
To create the delicious cinnamon sugar coating for these air fryer donut holes, you will need a few simple ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your donut holes a sweet and spicy punch.
Once your donut holes are cooked and slightly cooled, dip each one into melted butter to coat it completely. Then, roll the butter-coated donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it is fully coated. The combination of the warm spices and sweet sugar creates a delectable coating that adds tons of flavor to these fluffy treats.
If you prefer a glaze instead of a cinnamon sugar coating, you can easily make one by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1-½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. This glaze can be drizzled over the donut holes for an extra touch of sweetness.
No matter which coating option you choose, these air fryer donut holes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!
How To MakeIt
To make these easy air fryer donut holes, start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, such as all-purpose flour, baking powder (or yeast for a fluffier version), sugar, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients, including whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Next, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before cutting it into bite-size pieces. Roll each piece into a ball shape. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer with enough space between them. Cook for about 4 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through if necessary.
While the donut holes are cooking, prepare the cinnamon and sugar coating by combining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once cooked, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and dip them in melted butter to coat them evenly. Then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Let the donut holes cool on a wire rack before serving. These delicious treats are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers that need reheating, you can either microwave them for about 5 seconds or place them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 360°F to regain some freshness.
Remember to adjust any variations or substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy these easy air fryer donut holes plain or try dipping them in glaze or chocolate for extra indulgence!
In conclusion, air fryer donut holes offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions without compromising on taste. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these guilt-free treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, indulge in the deliciousness of homemade donut holes using an air fryer and enjoy a tasty snack with fewer calories and less oil.
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