Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Name: Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes You Must Try Today!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for dusting

Posted on December 6, 2025

DESSERT

Introduction to Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself searching for quick and delightful treats to share with family and friends. That’s where these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes come in! They’re not just easy to whip up; they also fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for busy moms like us, these little bites of joy are a festive way to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a holiday staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

These Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes are a game-changer for the holiday season! They’re incredibly easy to make, taking just 22 minutes from start to finish. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly golden and fluffy, without the guilt of deep frying. Plus, the delightful aroma will have your family gathering in the kitchen, eager to taste these festive treats. Who wouldn’t love a quick, delicious dessert that brings everyone together?

Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The base of our donut holes, providing structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
Baking powder: This leavening agent gives our donut holes that perfect rise.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, festive spice that screams holiday cheer.
Milk: Moistens the batter, making it rich and tender.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Melted butter: Infuses a buttery flavor and keeps the donut holes moist.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
Powdered sugar: For dusting, it gives a sweet finish and a festive touch.

Feel free to get creative! You can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option or use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of nutmeg or even some chocolate chips to the batter. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing!

How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delightful Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, fluffy treats in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until well mixed. This step is crucial because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your donut holes that perfect rise.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The wet ingredients bring moisture and flavor, making your donut holes irresistibly tender.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your donut holes light and fluffy, just the way we want them!

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for achieving that golden-brown exterior. While it’s heating up, you can prepare the batter, so you’re ready to go!

Step 5: Scoop the Batter

Using a small cookie scoop, drop the batter into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each donut hole. This allows the hot air to circulate, ensuring they cook evenly. Trust me, you don’t want them sticking together!

Step 6: Air Fry the Donut Holes

Air fry the donut holes for about 5-7 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once they’re done, carefully remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Then, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving. This final touch adds a sweet, festive flair that’s simply irresistible!

Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it’s better to cook in batches.
Check for doneness a minute early to avoid overcooking.
Let the donut holes cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for a better coating.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer: The star of the show! If you don’t have one, a conventional oven can work, but the texture won’t be the same.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients. Any size will do!
Whisk: Perfect for mixing wet ingredients. A fork can also work in a pinch.
Cookie scoop: For easy portioning. A tablespoon works too!
Cooling rack: Helps cool the donut holes evenly. A plate can substitute if needed.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Donut Holes: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Glazed Donut Holes: Instead of powdered sugar, dip the cooled donut holes in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Maple Flavor: Substitute vanilla extract with maple extract for a delightful twist on flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donut holes suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Spiced Pumpkin Donut Holes: Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Cocoa: Pair these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Festive Platter: Arrange them on a colorful platter with fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the powdered sugar for a cheerful look.

FAQs about Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to give it a good stir before scooping it into the air fryer. Freshly made is always best, but this tip can save you time on busy mornings!

How do I store leftover donut holes?

To keep your Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but they’ll still be delicious!

What can I serve with these donut holes?

These delightful treats pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a festive dessert platter. The options are endless!

Can I make these donut holes vegan?

Definitely! To make vegan Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk. They’ll still turn out fluffy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

Making these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes has been a delightful experience that fills my kitchen with warmth and joy. The simplicity of the recipe allows me to whip them up even on the busiest days, bringing smiles to my family’s faces. Each bite is a little piece of holiday magic, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer or at room temperature, these donut holes are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So, gather your ingredients and let the festive baking begin!