Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Ginger Desserts

Enjoy fluffy, bite-sized donut holes cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer. The dough combines flour, cinnamon, and vanilla, shaped into small balls and air fried until light and tender. Coated in melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and festive sprinkles, these sweet treats offer a delightful holiday experience. Ready in under 25 minutes, they make a cozy snack ideal for gatherings or a quick indulgence during festive times.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:40:00 GMT
Golden, air fryer Christmas donut holes, sprinkled with festive cheer; a perfect holiday dessert. Save
Golden, air fryer Christmas donut holes, sprinkled with festive cheer; a perfect holiday dessert. | gingertaste.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 first made these air fryer donut holes for a Christmas party and everyone loved how light and flavorful they were.

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

Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
Shape Dough:
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Arrange in Air Fryer:
Place donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Cook:
Air fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Coat:
While still warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Add Sprinkles:
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
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| gingertaste.com

These donut holes quickly became a family tradition bringing smiles and warmth every holiday season.

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 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 2 g per donut hole

Warm, fluffy air fryer Christmas donut holes, coated in cinnamon sugar, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Warm, fluffy air fryer Christmas donut holes, coated in cinnamon sugar, ready to be enjoyed. | gingertaste.com

Enjoy these festive donut holes fresh out of the air fryer for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What temperature is best for air frying the donut holes?

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for golden, evenly cooked donut holes.

How do I achieve a fluffy texture in these donut holes?

Using baking powder and mixing wet and dry ingredients just until combined helps create a light and fluffy texture.

Can I substitute the sprinkles with another coating?

Yes, you can replace sprinkles with powdered sugar or extra cinnamon sugar for a classic finish.

Is there a way to add extra warmth to the flavor?

A pinch of nutmeg added to the dough enhances the festive spices and warmth.

What is the best way to coat the donut holes evenly?

Dipping each warm donut hole in melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar and sprinkles ensures even coating.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Fluffy, golden donut holes coated with cinnamon sugar and festive sprinkles for a quick holiday treat.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat application time
8 min
Complete duration
23 min
Created by Olivia Harper

Classification Ginger Desserts

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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

For 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)

Preparation steps

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 flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.

Phase 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until homogeneous.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Shape donut holes: Dust your hands lightly with flour and roll dough into 1-inch balls, approximately one tablespoon each.

Phase 06

Arrange in air fryer: Place the shaped dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between them.

Phase 07

Air fry donut holes: Cook in the air fryer for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning, until golden and cooked through.

Phase 08

Coat and garnish: While still warm, dip each donut hole into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Finish by sprinkling festive sprinkles on top.

Necessary tools

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

Potential allergens

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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