Air Fryer Donut Holes

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating) - Optional: cinnamon sugar mixture For making these tasty air fryer donut holes, you need simple ingredients. First, gather all-purpose flour for the base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder helps them rise. Baking soda and salt enhance the flavors. Buttermilk brings moisture. If you don’t have any, mix milk with lemon juice. A large egg binds everything together. Melted butter gives richness, and vanilla extract adds a nice aroma. Finally, you’ll need powdered sugar for coating. If you like, mix sugar with cinnamon for a warm twist. With these ingredients ready, you are one step closer to making delightful donut holes! {{ingredient_image_2}} In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything blends well. This step is key for even flavors. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Add 1/4 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mix is smooth. This creates a rich base for your batter. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It's okay if the batter has small lumps. Overmixing can make your donut holes tough, so be careful here. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it warm for about 5 minutes. This step helps cook the donut holes evenly. While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. This makes it easy to transfer them to the air fryer. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the basket. They should not touch each other. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes. Check for a golden brown color. They should be fully cooked through. Once the donut holes are done, toss them in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Use a large bowl for even coating. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! To make fluffy donut holes, avoid overmixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Some small lumps are fine. If you mix too much, the donuts can become tough. Also, measure your flour correctly. Use the spoon and level method to avoid too much flour. This helps keep the donut holes light. For the best air frying results, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes. This helps cook the donut holes evenly. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Don’t let them touch. This allows hot air to circulate well and cook them properly. Donut holes are great warm and fresh. You can toss them in powdered sugar for sweetness. For a fun twist, try cinnamon sugar. Just mix sugar with ground cinnamon before coating. Serve with dipping sauces, like chocolate or caramel. This adds a tasty touch and makes them even better! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and buttermilk to ensure the best rise and flavor in your donut holes. Donut Hole Size: Aim for uniform size when scooping the dough to ensure even cooking throughout. Cooling Time: Let the donut holes cool on a wire rack after coating; this helps maintain their crispy exterior. Experiment with Flavors: Customize your donut holes by adding spices like nutmeg or extracts like almond for a unique twist! {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your donut holes easily. Try adding different extracts or spices to the dough. For example, swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty taste. You can also mix in ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices will add warmth and depth to your donut holes. You might even enjoy a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist! If you want a healthier option, consider substituting some ingredients. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for extra fiber. You can replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. This swap adds sweetness while cutting refined sugar. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk. These changes can make your treat a bit lighter and still delicious. Coating your donut holes can be fun and creative! While powdered sugar is classic, think outside the box. Try a mix of crushed nuts and sugar for a crunchy texture. You can also use a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a shiny finish. Another idea is to roll them in toasted coconut or a mix of cocoa powder and sugar. Each coating option gives a new taste and look! To keep your leftover donut holes fresh, place them in an airtight container. Use a container that seals well to keep air out. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They can stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. Just remember, refrigerating may change their texture a bit. To reheat your donut holes, the air fryer works best. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the donut holes in for about 3-4 minutes. This will make them warm and restore their crispness. You can also use a microwave. Heat for about 10-15 seconds, but this may make them soft. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. First, let the donut holes cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After they freeze, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can! You can bake donut holes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a mini muffin pan to shape the donut holes. Fill each cup with the batter and bake for about 10-12 minutes. They will puff up and be fluffy. You can also fry them in oil if you prefer a traditional method. Look for a nice golden brown color on the outside. You can also poke one with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The donut holes should feel firm, not soft or gooey. Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour. Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for the best results. Keep in mind that the texture may change a bit. The donut holes might be slightly denser but still tasty! The best way is to toss them right after cooking. While they are warm, place them in a bowl with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Roll them gently to coat evenly. You can also drizzle melted chocolate for a fun twist! You learned how to make delightful air fryer donut holes. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can also explore fun variations and storage methods. Making these treats is easy and fun for everyone. Don’t forget to customize your flavors and coatings to match your taste. Enjoy sharing your homemade donut holes with friends or family. The joy of baking can bring everyone together! Happy cooking!$

Air Fryer Donut Holes

Delicious and fluffy donut holes made in an air fryer, coated in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1.33 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 cup powdered sugar
0.25 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is evenly blended.
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's acceptable for the batter to have a few small lumps.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray for easy transfer.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other for optimal air circulation.
Air fry the donut holes for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
As soon as they come out of the air fryer, toss the warm donut holes in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar in a large bowl until they are evenly coated.
Let the donut holes cool slightly on a wire rack before serving; they are best enjoyed warm!

Notes

Best enjoyed warm. Can substitute buttermilk with milk and lemon juice.

Keyword air fryer, dessert, donut holes