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To make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, you need the following ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for batter) - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature) - 1 large egg (room temperature) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) Each ingredient plays an important role. The flour gives the donut holes structure. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and the coating. Baking powder and soda help them rise. Salt enhances flavors, while cinnamon adds warmth. Buttermilk keeps the texture moist. The egg binds everything. Melted butter adds richness, and vanilla brings a lovely aroma. The coating of sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet finish. Gather these ingredients before you start. The process is quick, and you will want everything ready! Enjoy the fun of mixing and tasting. First, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together these dry items: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Make sure everything blends well. This dry mix is the base of our donut holes. Now, take another bowl for the wet ingredients. Blend together: - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir these until they mix into a smooth blend. This mixture gives moisture to our donut holes. Pour the wet mix into the bowl with the dry mix. Gently fold them together with a spatula. Don't overmix; it’s okay to have some lumps. Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray. Use a small scoop to form the batter into balls about 1 inch wide. Place them in the basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry the donut holes for 8-10 minutes. They should turn golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. Cook in batches if needed. While they cook, mix the remaining: - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Once your donut holes are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mix while they are warm. This coating will make them extra tasty! Enjoy your warm, sweet donut holes right away. Mixing the batter gently is key. If you mix too much, your donut holes will not be fluffy. You want some lumps in the batter. This keeps them light and airy. Remember, a few lumps are okay! Spacing is important when cooking in the air fryer. Place the donut holes about an inch apart. This helps hot air circulate. Good airflow ensures they cook evenly. If they are too close, some may be undercooked. Coating the donut holes while they are warm is best. After you take them out, let them cool for a few minutes. Then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mix right away. This helps the sugar stick better. Make sure each donut hole gets a nice, sweet layer! {{image_4}} You can switch up the classic cinnamon sugar coating. Try some fun options! - Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips and dip the donut holes in it. - Powdered Sugar: Toss the warm donut holes in powdered sugar for a sweet touch. These options add a new flavor twist that makes every batch exciting. Want to change the taste? There are many ways to add flavor! - Pumpkin Spice: Mix in pumpkin spice for a cozy fall taste. - Nutmeg: Add a little nutmeg for a warm, rich flavor. These add-ins can take your donut holes to the next level! You can also make your donut holes a bit healthier. Here are some ideas: - Sugar Substitutes: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. - Whole Wheat Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for more fiber. These swaps keep the taste while adding a healthy twist! To store leftover donut holes, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want them warm, just reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. This will help them regain their soft texture. For long-term storage, freeze the donut holes. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. After that, place them in a freezer bag or container. They will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your donut holes, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method will keep them fluffy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some texture. If you use the microwave, heat them for 10-15 seconds at a time. Enjoy your tasty snack! Yes, you can! If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. This will help keep the texture light and fluffy. For whole wheat flour, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour. This adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber. Remember, whole wheat may make the donut holes denser, but they will still taste great! If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can make a quick substitute. Mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens. This will mimic buttermilk's tangy flavor. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream, thinning it with a bit of milk to reach the right consistency. Dipping sauces can make your donut holes even more fun! Here are some tasty options: - Chocolate sauce for a rich, sweet dip. - Creamy vanilla glaze adds sweetness and pairs well. - A simple vanilla yogurt dip offers a light touch. - Serve with coffee or milk for a classic match. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors! You now know how to make air-fried cinnamon sugar donut holes. We covered key steps, from mixing ingredients to ensuring they cook perfectly. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers too. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative, these treats will impress. Enjoy making them at home and share your tasty results!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Indulge in the sweetness of Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes with this easy recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can create fluffy, golden-brown treats coated in a delicious cinnamon-sugar mix. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these donut holes are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Click to explore step-by-step instructions and elevate your snacking game today! You won’t want to miss out on this delightful recipe!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

1 large egg (room temperature)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined. This dry mix forms the base of your donut holes.

    In a separate bowl, blend the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed and uniform in consistency.

      Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; it’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps remaining in the batter.

        Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, prepare a small cookie scoop or spoon for easy portioning of the donut batter.

          Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using the scoop, form the donut batter into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and carefully place them in the greased basket. Leave space in between each donut hole for even cooking.

            Air fry the donut holes for 8-10 minutes. They are ready when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

              While the donut holes are cooking, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl until well blended. This will be your delightful coating.

                Once the donut holes are done cooking, allow them to cool in the basket for a few minutes. Then, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm, ensuring they are well-coated and generously coated in the sweet mix.

                  Serve your warm cinnamon sugar donut holes immediately for the best experience! Enjoy the warm, fluffy texture and the delightful sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar coating.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: About 12 donut holes

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donut holes in a rustic bowl or on a platter. Dust with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an attractive finish and serve with a side of coffee or milk for dipping!