Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Sweet & Toasty Treats

These fluffy, bite-sized donut holes combine a soft cinnamon-scented dough with a crisp outer layer, achieved by air frying at 350°F for 7-8 minutes. After cooking, they’re dipped in melted butter and rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating, then finished with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a quick and delightful sweet treat perfect for sharing during the festive season.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:44:00 GMT
Golden air fryer Christmas donut holes topped with colorful holiday sprinkles, ready to enjoy. Save
Golden air fryer Christmas donut holes topped with colorful holiday sprinkles, ready to enjoy. | toastytongs.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 serving these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes during the holidays because they bring joy and warmth to our 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 gathers every year to make these donut holes together, creating cherished holiday memories.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. Substitute sprinkles with powdered sugar for a classic finish. Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

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.

Warm, fluffy Christmas donut holes, cooked in the air fryer, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Save
Warm, fluffy Christmas donut holes, cooked in the air fryer, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. | toastytongs.com

These donut holes are the perfect combination of crispy outside and fluffy inside, ideal for festive celebrations.

Recipe FAQ

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal golden and even cooking.

How do I ensure the donut holes are cooked through?

Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and thorough cooking.

Can I substitute the sprinkles with another topping?

Yes, powdered sugar can be used as a classic alternative to festive sprinkles for coating.

What ingredients give the donut holes their fluffy texture?

A combination of baking powder for leavening and milk with egg for moisture ensures a soft, fluffy interior.

Are there any suggestions to enhance the flavor?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough adds warm spice and depth to the flavor profile.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Bite-sized, fluffy donut holes with cinnamon sugar and holiday sprinkles, cooked to golden perfection.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
23 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

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)

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to reach temperature.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly blended.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Phase 04

Form Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.

Phase 05

Shape Donut Holes: Lightly flour hands and roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls, using about 1 tablespoon of dough each.

Phase 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the dough balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring spacing between each to allow air circulation.

Phase 07

Air Fry: Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning, until golden and fully cooked.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Add Sprinkles and Serve: Finish by sprinkling festive holiday sprinkles over the coated donut holes and serve warm.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg.
  • Check labels for potential allergens before use.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g