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Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes - featured image

These crispy air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes are a quick, nostalgic treat with a golden, crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for brunch, snacks, or dessert and can be easily customized for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine sour cream, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll lightly between palms to smooth. You should get 16-18 donut holes.
  6. Arrange donut holes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
  7. While donut holes cook, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt butter separately.
  8. Let donut holes cool for 1 minute. Brush or roll each donut hole in melted butter, then immediately roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
  9. Set coated donut holes on a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour, milk, butter, and egg as needed. Cooling on a wire rack keeps donut holes crisp. Batter can be prepped ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom to the coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, donut holes, cinnamon sugar, easy dessert, quick snack, brunch, kid-friendly, comfort food