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Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

crispy air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes - featured image

Quick and easy donut holes made in an air fryer with a crispy exterior and tender inside, coated in a perfectly balanced cinnamon sugar mix. Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a sweet snack or brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Cinnamon sugar coating:
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter (about 3 minutes).
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix (about 2 minutes).
  4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of batter onto a parchment paper-lined surface (about 5 minutes).
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place donut holes in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp (about 8 minutes).
  7. While cooking, stir together sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once donut holes are done and still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar coating using tongs or a slotted spoon (about 3 minutes).
  8. Serve warm immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donut holes. Preheat the air fryer for best crispiness. Toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar while still warm for better coating adhesion. For a glossier finish, brush with melted butter before coating. Rotate or flip donut holes halfway through cooking if your air fryer cooks unevenly. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours and reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid refrigeration to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, donut holes, cinnamon sugar, quick dessert, easy snack, crispy donut, sweet treat