Air Fryer Donut Holes: 7 Fluffy Bites of Joy

Name: Air Fryer Donut Holes: 7 Fluffy Bites of Joy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 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 nutmeg; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 17, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something truly magical about making air fryer donut holes, isn’t there? I mean, who wouldn’t want to whip up a batch of warm, fluffy donut holes in just about 20 minutes? These little bites of joy are not only super easy to make, but they also come out perfectly golden and delightful every time. With the air fryer, you get that light, airy texture without all the oil, which makes them feel a bit lighter and guilt-free—trust me, they won’t last long in your house! Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these air fryer donut holes are sure to become a favorite. So, let’s dive in and get ready to indulge in some deliciousness!

Ingredients List

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 nutmeg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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 crucial because it helps your donut holes cook evenly and get that lovely golden color we all crave. Trust me; you don’t want to skip this step! It only takes a few minutes, and it sets the stage for deliciousness.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, grab your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. This is super important because it ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your donut holes rise perfectly. You’ll want to feel a bit of that nutmeg—it’s a game-changer for flavor!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now let’s move to the wet ingredients! In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Take your time here; you want to whisk them thoroughly until everything is well blended. The melted butter should be cool enough not to cook the egg, but still liquidy. When you pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, it’ll create a lovely batter that’s just begging to be baked!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

It’s time to bring those two mixtures together! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and gently mix them until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay. Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes, and we’re going for tender and fluffy, right? So, stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour anymore.

Fill the Donut Hole Mold

Now for the fun part—filling the donut hole mold! Grab a spoon or a piping bag if you want to get fancy. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full; this allows the donut holes to rise without overflowing. If you overfill, you’ll have a bit of a messy situation, so trust me—less is more here!

Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the filled mold in your preheated air fryer and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! Every air fryer is a bit different, so you might need to adjust the time slightly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, that smell wafting through your kitchen? It’s heavenly!

Cool and Serve

Once they’re done, carefully remove the mold from the air fryer and let the donut holes cool in the mold for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is essential to maintain that fluffy texture. Once they’re cool enough to handle, you can serve them as-is or dust them with powdered sugar or a delicious glaze. Feel free to get creative with toppings—cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts! Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why these air fryer donut holes are going to become your new go-to treat!

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh donut holes ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something sweet without the wait!
Healthier Option: Cooking these little delights in the air fryer means less oil and fewer calories, so you can indulge without the guilt. They’re light and fluffy, making them a great snack or breakfast treat.
Endless Customization: Want to get fancy? You can glaze them, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or even dip them in chocolate! The options are endless, so you’ll never get bored.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a brunch with friends, or a sweet surprise for the kids, these donut holes fit right in.

Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these tasty treats in your life!

Tips for Success

Before you dive into making these delightful air fryer donut holes, here are some handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

Measure Accurately: Baking is all about precision! Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for flour, as it can be easily packed down.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, let your buttermilk and egg sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Remember, a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes, and we want them to be fluffy and light.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try rolling them in cinnamon sugar, drizzling with chocolate, or even adding sprinkles for a fun twist.
Adjust Cooking Time: Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your donut holes during cooking. Check them a minute or two early to avoid overcooking!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your delicious donut holes!

Nutritional Information

As with any recipe, it’s important to remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I can provide some estimated values for these delightful air fryer donut holes, please keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and may differ slightly based on your choices.

On average, each donut hole contains about 70 calories, with 3g of sugar and 3g of fat. They also have around 50mg of sodium, 20mg of cholesterol, and 1g of protein. These little treats are a relatively low-calorie option, making them a great choice for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard!

Ultimately, enjoy these air fryer donut holes as a fun treat while keeping an eye on your overall dietary needs. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delightful air fryer donut holes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works beautifully, you can try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture.

Q2: How do I store leftover donut holes?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them and pop them in the air fryer for a quick reheat!

Q3: Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the batter ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, give it a little stir and fill your molds. Freshly made donut holes are always the best!

Q4: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!

Q5: Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as extra ingredients may alter the baking process slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these delightful air fryer donut holes, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. The warm, fluffy donut holes complement those drinks perfectly, creating a delightful experience!

If you’re feeling a little fancy, consider serving them alongside a fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet twist. A sprinkle of fresh berries can add a refreshing contrast that elevates your treat. For brunch gatherings, arrange them on a platter and offer various toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a homemade glaze to let your guests customize their donut holes.

Don’t forget, they’re also fantastic on their own—just a light dusting of powdered sugar can make them feel extra special. Enjoy every delicious bite!