Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Snack Bang

These fluffy donut holes feature a tender dough blended from flour, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. Shaped bite-sized and cooked quickly in the air fryer to achieve a golden crust, then coated in melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and holiday sprinkles for a festive touch. Ideal as a warm, easy-to-make treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy moments. Nutmeg adds extra warmth, and they pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:51:00 GMT
Golden brown Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, dusted with cinnamon sugar and bright holiday sprinkles. Save
Golden brown Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, dusted with cinnamon sugar and bright holiday sprinkles. | ticktaste.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.

This recipe has become a favorite in our family during the holidays as it brings joy with every bite and is ready in under 30 minutes

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
Perfectly round and fluffy Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, ready for a warm bite of holiday deliciousness. Save
Perfectly round and fluffy Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, ready for a warm bite of holiday deliciousness. | ticktaste.com

Making these donut holes has become a joyous holiday ritual that gathers our family in the kitchen

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

Freshly made Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, perfect as a snack. Save
Freshly made Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, perfect as a snack. | ticktaste.com

These donut holes bring festive cheer and make holiday baking quick and fun

Recipe Questions

How do I shape the dough for even cooking?

Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls to ensure they cook evenly and have a consistent texture.

Can I use another sweet coating instead of cinnamon sugar?

Yes, powdered sugar or a dusting of cocoa powder offers a nice alternative to cinnamon sugar and complements the flavor well.

What temperature is best for air frying these donut holes?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to achieve a golden crust while keeping the interior soft and fluffy.

How can I add more festive flavor to the donut holes?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough or using holiday-themed sprinkles enhances the holiday vibe and flavor complexity.

Are these donut holes suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, these donut holes are vegetarian-friendly, containing ingredients like milk, butter, and eggs but no meat products.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Golden, bite-sized donut holes with cinnamon sugar and festive sprinkles, cooked quickly in an air fryer.

Setup time
15 min
Heat time
8 min
Complete duration
23 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Snack Bang

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background 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

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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each to allow even cooking.

Phase 07

Cook Donut Holes: Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the donut holes are golden and fully cooked.

Phase 08

Coat Donut Holes: While still warm, dip each donut hole in melted unsalted butter, then roll in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Phase 09

Add Sprinkles and Serve: Sprinkle 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 bowl for dipping butter

Allergy details

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

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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