If you’ve ever wished for a quick, delightful treat that feels decadent yet comes together effortlessly, this Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is your new best friend. Picture bite-sized, pillowy soft donut holes with a golden crust, lovingly coated in a warm blend of cinnamon and sugar. Made with simple pantry staples like Greek yogurt and flour, these donut holes have a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, all cooked perfectly crisp using the air fryer. It’s an irresistible snack or dessert that brings cozy vibes without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy with this recipe. Each one plays an important role in making your Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe come alive with perfect texture, balanced sweetness, and that gorgeous cinnamon finish.
- Greek yogurt (120 ml / 1/2 cup): Full-fat is best for richness and moisture in the dough.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour (120 g / 1 cup): The essential base that holds everything together with just the right lightness.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the donut holes puff up lightly and become tender.
- Unsalted butter (60 g / 2.1 oz): Melted for a subtle buttery flavor and a moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar (75 g / 1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough and provides a nice contrast against the cinnamon coating.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice that adds warmth and depth to the sugar coating.
- Neutral oil: For greasing your hands and the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the Greek yogurt, flour, and baking powder into a mixing bowl. You can use your hands or a spoon, but either way, mix gently until everything just comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. This step takes only a minute, but it sets the foundation for those perfectly tender donut holes.
Step 2: Shape the Donut Holes
Next, divide the dough into 12 even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Lightly grease your hands with a little oil to keep the dough from sticking, then roll each piece into a smooth ball. This simple tip makes shaping so much easier and keeps the donut holes looking neat.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Whether you use cooking spray or brush on some oil, greasing the air fryer basket is essential to prevent the donut holes from sticking and to help them get that enticing golden crust. Spread the oil evenly before placing the dough balls inside.
Step 4: Air Fry the Donut Holes
Arrange the balls in the basket with a little space between each one so they have room to expand slightly as they cook. Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 8 to 9 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake to keep the donut holes from sticking and to ensure even browning all around.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings
While the donut holes are cooking, melt your butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. These bowls will be your stations for coating once the donut holes come out of the air fryer, so have them nearby and ready.
Step 6: Coat the Donut Holes in Cinnamon Sugar
When the donut holes are fresh out of the air fryer and still warm, drop one into the melted butter and swirl it around completely. Then transfer it to the cinnamon sugar bowl and roll it until every inch is coated with that irresistible cinnamon sweetness. Place the finished donut hole on your serving plate and repeat the process for the rest.
How to Serve Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of indulgence, consider dusting your donut holes with powdered sugar or drizzling a little honey or caramel on the plate. A pinch of flaky sea salt over the cinnamon sugar can also elevate the flavors beautifully, creating a delightful balance of sweet and salty.
Side Dishes
These donut holes pair beautifully with warm beverages like coffee, chai, or hot chocolate, making any breakfast or snack moment extra special. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe in a decorative bowl lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe or pile them high on a tiered cake stand when entertaining guests. You can also skewer them and dip in melted chocolate or your favorite glaze for a fun party treat that everyone will love to grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover donut holes (which might not happen!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps their texture tender while maintaining that delicious cinnamon sugar coating.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, perfect for stashing away for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, pop frozen or refrigerated donut holes back in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for about 3-4 minutes. This restores their crisp edges and freshness beautifully without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt in this recipe?
While you can experiment with flavored yogurts, plain full-fat Greek yogurt is ideal to maintain the balance of flavors and texture. Flavored yogurts may add extra sweetness or tanginess that could alter the classic cinnamon sugar taste.
Do I have to use an air fryer, or can I bake these donut holes in the oven?
The air fryer is perfect for achieving a crispy outer crust quickly, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the donut holes at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have cinnamon? Is there a good substitute?
If you’re out of cinnamon, try substituting with pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist. Each will add warmth, though cinnamon remains a classic for this recipe.
How do I prevent the donut holes from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Coating the basket generously with oil or cooking spray and shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps keep the donut holes from sticking. Also, lightly oiling your hands when shaping the dough prevents stickiness during preparation.
Are these donut holes suitable for kids?
Absolutely! These donut holes are soft, sweet, and fun-sized, making them a fantastic snack or dessert for kids and adults alike. Just be mindful of the cinnamon sugar coating for younger children who may be sensitive to spices.
Final Thoughts
Making these Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen moments where simplicity meets delight. They come together with minimal effort, use everyday ingredients, and provide maximum cozy satisfaction. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a quick snack, give this recipe a try and watch as these tiny, golden treasures disappear bite by bite!
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Air Fryer Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes
Description
These Air Fryer Donut Holes are a quick and easy sweet treat made with Greek yogurt and all-purpose flour. Lightly fried in the air fryer for a healthier twist, then coated with cinnamon sugar, they offer a deliciously soft and fluffy bite-sized delight perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Donut Holes
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt (full-fat is best)
- 120 g (1 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 60 g (2.1 oz, approx. half a stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for greasing air fryer basket and hands
Coating
- 75 g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Place the Greek yogurt, flour, and baking powder in a bowl. Mix together using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are combined, which should take only a minute or two.
- Form Donut Holes: Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll each into a ball. To prevent sticking, grease your hands lightly with neutral oil before shaping.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Grease the inside of the air fryer basket using spray oil or by brushing a small amount of oil.
- Arrange Dough Balls: Add the donut balls into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for spreading during cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 8-9 minutes until lightly browned. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coatings: While donut holes cook, place melted butter in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
- Coat Donut Holes: Once cooked, dip each donut hole into the melted butter to coat fully, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to cover completely.
- Serve: Transfer the coated donut holes to a serving plate and repeat the coating process with all donut holes.
Notes
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best texture and flavor.
- Greasing hands and basket helps prevent sticking and makes shaping easier.
- Ensure donut holes have space in the air fryer basket for even cooking and spreading.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to avoid donut holes sticking together.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
