Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Golden Cookies & Treats

This delightful treat features fluffy, golden donut holes infused with warm cinnamon and coated in a cinnamon sugar blend. Cooked quickly in the air fryer for a light texture, they’re finished with vibrant holiday sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfectly sized for snacking, they pair wonderfully with warm drinks and add a festive flair to any gathering.

The preparation involves mixing dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt—with wet components including milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. The dough is shaped into bite-sized balls, air fried until golden brown, and then dipped in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar before adding sprinkles. This method ensures a tender crumb with a crisp outer layer, ready in under 25 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:28:00 GMT
Golden-brown air fryer Christmas donut holes dusted in cinnamon sugar, ready for a festive snack. Save
Golden-brown air fryer Christmas donut holes dusted in cinnamon sugar, ready for a festive snack. | coraloven.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 my go-to for holiday breakfasts; my family eagerly waits for these donut holes every year.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Dry ingredient
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Dry ingredient
  • 2 tsp baking powder: Dry ingredient
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Dry ingredient
  • 1/4 tsp salt: Dry ingredient
  • 2/3 cup whole milk: Wet ingredient
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted: Wet ingredient
  • 1 large egg: Wet ingredient
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Wet ingredient
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted: For coating
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For coating
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon: For coating
  • 2 tbsp holiday-themed sprinkles (red green white): For coating

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
Mix Dry:
In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder cinnamon and salt
Mix Wet:
In another bowl mix milk melted butter egg and vanilla extract until well combined
Combine:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms
Shape:
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each)
Arrange:
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
Sprinkle:
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles Serve warm
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Making these donut holes brings the family together each holiday morning sharing warm treats and joy.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough 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

Nutritional Information

Each donut hole contains 90 calories 4 g total fat 13 g carbohydrates and 2 g protein

Warm, bite-sized Christmas donut holes from the air fryer, coated in colorful holiday sprinkles. Save
Warm, bite-sized Christmas donut holes from the air fryer, coated in colorful holiday sprinkles. | coraloven.com

These donut holes are perfect for any holiday gathering and are sure to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQs

How does the air fryer affect the texture of the donut holes?

The air fryer crisps the exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, offering a lighter alternative to traditional frying.

What can enhance the flavor of these donut holes?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough introduces a warm spice note that complements the cinnamon and vanilla well.

Are there alternatives to the festive sprinkles for coating?

Yes, rolling the donut holes in powdered sugar after coating with butter provides a classic, sweet finish.

What is the best way to shape the dough for uniform cooking?

Lightly flour your hands and form the dough into 1-inch balls to ensure even cooking and consistent size.

How should these donut holes be served?

Serve them warm alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy, festive treat that’s easy to enjoy.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Fluffy, bite-sized donut holes with cinnamon sugar and festive sprinkles, baked to golden perfection.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
8 minutes
Time Required
23 minutes
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Dietary details Meatless

What You Need

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)

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Air fry donut holes: Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 08

Coat donut holes: While still warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 09

Add festive sprinkles: Sprinkle the coated donut holes with holiday-themed sprinkles. Serve warm.

Needed utensils

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

Allergy details

Check components for allergens, and get advice from a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for informational purposes, not medical use.
  • Kilocalories: 90
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g