Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

These fluffy, bite-sized donut holes are cooked in an air fryer for a quick, golden finish with a soft interior. Infused with subtle cinnamon and vanilla notes, they’re coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with festive sprinkles. Perfect as a warm holiday treat, they combine a tender dough made from simple pantry ingredients and air frying to achieve a light, delightful texture. Serve fresh with hot cocoa or coffee for cozy enjoyment.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:48:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, dusted in cinnamon sugar and covered in sprinkles for the holidays. Save
Golden, crispy Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, dusted in cinnamon sugar and covered in sprinkles for the holidays. | fireandbites.com

Fluffy, bite-sized donut holes with festive sprinkles, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. A quick and delightful holiday treat for the whole family.

I love making these donut holes during the holidays because they bring joy and festive spirit to my family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3:
In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 5:
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Step 6:
Place donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Step 7:
Air fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Step 8:
While still warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Step 9:
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
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My family loves gathering around to enjoy these donut holes with hot cocoa during chilly winter evenings.

Required Tools

Air fryer, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small brush or dipping bowl for butter

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 90 per donut hole, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 2 g

Warm, freshly air fried Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, perfect for a cozy Christmas morning with cocoa. Save
Warm, freshly air fried Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, perfect for a cozy Christmas morning with cocoa. | fireandbites.com

Enjoy these delightful donut holes fresh and warm for the ultimate holiday treat.

Common Questions

What makes these donut holes fluffy?

The combination of baking powder and careful mixing creates a light, airy dough, complemented by the quick air frying that puffs them up beautifully.

Can I substitute the sprinkles?

Yes, powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar can be used instead to give a classic sweet coating.

How do I ensure even cooking in the air fryer?

Arrange the donut holes in a single layer with space between each and shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning.

Can I add other spices to the dough?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg or extra cinnamon enhances the flavor, giving a warm holiday touch to the donut holes.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients include no meat products, making them suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Golden, bite-sized donut holes with holiday sprinkles, air fried to fluffy perfection in minutes.

Setup Duration
15 min
Time at Heat
8 min
Complete Duration
23 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type Sweet Heat Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 24 Portion Count

Special Diet Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2/3 cup whole milk
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 1 large egg
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 2 tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)

Method Steps

Phase 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Phase 04

Form Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until a soft dough forms.

Phase 05

Shape Donut Holes: Lightly flour hands and shape dough into 1-inch balls, about 1 tablespoon each.

Phase 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece.

Phase 07

Air Fry Donut Holes: Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Phase 08

Coat Donut Holes: While warm, dip each donut hole into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Phase 09

Add Sprinkles and Serve: Sprinkle the coated donut holes with festive sprinkles and serve warm.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl or brush for dipping butter

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg.
  • Verify ingredient labels to confirm absence of other allergens.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g