Desserts

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Name: Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar or glaze for topping

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These air fryer Christmas donut holes are quick, festive, and soft inside with a light, golden crust. They smell warm with cinnamon and nutmeg. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze for a sweet holiday finish. They make a cozy treat for parties, morning coffee, or last-minute guests.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (total for batches)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 (about 10 small donut holes)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 110 kcal (approximate)
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 110 mg

Why Make This Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

These donut holes are fast and feel special. The air fryer gives a light, slightly crisp outside and a tender, fluffy inside. The spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—make them smell like the holidays. They require simple pantry ingredients and little hands-on time. Make them when you want warm, bite-sized treats without deep frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

You will mix dry and wet ingredients, form small dough balls, then air fry until golden. Work in small batches so the donut holes cook evenly. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling a quick glaze. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar or glaze for topping

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking. Line a small plate with parchment to hold finished donut holes.

Step 2: Mixing

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.

Step 3: Cooking

Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough into small balls (about 1 to 1 1/4 inches). Place the dough balls into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so hot air circulates. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Cook in batches if needed; total cook time for all batches is about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on the parchment-lined plate. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm for the best texture and aroma.

How to Serve Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Serve these warm on a platter for holiday parties. Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled cider. For a party, arrange them with festive sprinkles or small bowls of glaze, chocolate sauce, and cinnamon-sugar for dipping. They also work well in small paper cups for gifting.

How to Store Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in a single layer or separate layers with parchment.
In the refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh.
Freezing: Freeze cooled donut holes on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F for 4–6 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Measure flour properly: Spoon and level the flour to avoid dry batter.
Don’t overmix: Overworking gives dense donut holes. Mix until just combined.
Size consistency: Use a small cookie scoop for even cooking.
Space them out: Leave gaps in the basket so hot air can circulate.
One quick flip: If your air fryer browns unevenly, flip halfway through cooking.
Test one: Cook one test donut hole first to check time since air fryer models vary.
Warm serving: Reheat briefly before serving for the best soft center.
Topping tip: Dust powdered sugar just before serving so it doesn’t melt.

Delicious Variations

Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm donut holes in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar.
Chocolate Glaze: Dip in a simple glaze of cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk.
Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest to the batter and glaze with a citrus icing.
Stuffed Centers: Press a small amount of jam or chocolate into the dough before air frying (seal well).
Festive Sprinkles: After glazing, add red and green sprinkles for a holiday look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s scoopable. Don’t add too much or the donut holes will be dense.

Q: Can I use non-dairy milk?
A: Yes. Almond, oat, or soy milk work well. Use the same amount.

Q: How many donut holes does this recipe make?
A: About 10 small donut holes, depending on scoop size. Adjust servings if you make larger or smaller balls.

Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?
A: Yes. Fry in hot oil at 350°F for 1–2 minutes per side until golden, or bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Baking gives a lighter crust than frying.

Q: How do I keep them soft the next day?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave to soften.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
A: Small chips work, but add sparingly so the dough still holds together. Fold them in gently.

Q: Why didn’t they brown evenly?
A: Air fryer circulation differs by model. Try flipping halfway through or reducing the batch size so air flows better.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes are quick, cozy, and perfect for holiday mornings or last-minute treats. They bake up soft and fluffy with a warm spice aroma and a sweet finish. For another simple air fryer donut hole idea and extra tips, see this helpful guide: Air Fryer Donut Holes – Finding Zest. Give them a try—warm, spiced bites are a holiday win.