This batch of Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes has been my go-to sweet treat for holiday mornings and last-minute parties. I first developed the recipe one December when I needed something fast, oven-free, and child-friendly to serve at a neighborhood cookie swap. The end result was light, fluffy bite-sized rounds with a subtle cinnamon note inside and a warm, sugary exterior that melted into the perfect contrast of soft center and slightly crisp outside. My niece declared them "the best donut holes ever," and they’ve been on the rotation for seasonal breakfasts and classroom parties ever since.

What makes these donut holes special is how straightforward they are: simple pantry ingredients, an air fryer that gives a golden exterior without deep-frying, and a festive finish with red, green, and white sprinkles that feel celebratory. I love that they come together in under 30 minutes, so they’re ideal for hectic holiday mornings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to fuss. The dough is forgiving, and you’ll find the texture reminiscent of bakery-style cake donut holes — tender inside, slightly chewy on the outside, with a sweet coating that clings to every nook.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups. Choose a good-quality brand such as King Arthur or Gold Medal for consistent results. Sift or spoon into the cup for accurate measurement; flour contributes to the tender, cake-like crumb.
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup in the batter plus 1/2 cup for coating. White sugar keeps the crumbs light and helps the cinnamon-sugar coating caramelize slightly on contact.
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons. This is the leavening that gives the little rounds their lift; make sure it’s fresh for maximum rise.
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon in the batter and 1 teaspoon in the coating. Cinnamon provides warm aromatic notes that feel seasonal without overpowering.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. A small amount sharpens the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Whole milk: 2/3 cup. Milk adds moisture and tenderness; whole milk gives the best flavor, but 2% works if needed.
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted in the batter plus 1/4 cup melted for coating. Use a quality brand like Land O Lakes or Kerrygold for a richer finish.
• Egg: 1 large. Binds the dough and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. A splash of vanilla elevates the overall aroma and sweetness.
• Holiday sprinkles: 2 tablespoons red, green, and white nonpareils. Add right after coating while the butter is still tacky so they adhere.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to come to temperature for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures an immediate sizzle on the dough and encourages even browning. If your air fryer has rack levels, use the middle level for the most even airflow. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until uniformly blended. Whisking aerates the mixture slightly, which helps create a lighter texture. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Use room-temperature egg and milk so the melted butter doesn’t seize when combined. Form the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Avoid overmixing; stir just until no large streaks of flour remain to keep the crumb tender. Shape into balls: Lightly flour your hands and scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into approximately 1-inch balls. You should get about 20 to 28 donut holes depending on exact sizing. If the dough is sticky, chill 10 minutes to firm up for easier shaping. Air fry in batches: Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation. Air fry at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the balls halfway through to ensure even color. They are done when golden and springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Coat and decorate: While still warm, dip each donut hole in 1/4 cup melted butter then roll in a bowl of 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Immediately sprinkle 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles on top so they adhere to the buttery surface. Serve warm for best texture.

Storage Tips

Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container. At room temperature they keep well for a day; beyond that, refrigerate for up to 72 hours. To maintain the sugar coating, place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture. For longer storage, freeze them on a single layer tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 3 to 5 minutes from thawed, or 4 to 6 minutes from frozen, to regain a fresh-baked texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap ingredients, here are reliable options: substitute 2% milk for whole milk for slightly less richness; use melted coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free variation, though the flavor and coating adhesion will differ; replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version, noting texture will be slightly denser. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if the blend lacks structure.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on a festive platter with paper doilies for holiday gatherings. Offer a small bowl of chocolate sauce, warm caramel, or vanilla glaze for dipping. Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or warm apple cider. For breakfast, present alongside scrambled eggs and fruit to balance sweet and savory. Garnish with extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Cultural Background

Donut holes trace their lineage to cake-style and fried donuts found across European and American baking traditions. The modern donut hole concept grew popular in the United States as bakers looked for efficient, bite-sized treats. Using an air fryer to achieve a similar texture without deep-frying is a contemporary adaptation that preserves the beloved qualities of classic donut holes while aligning with home cooks’ desire for speed and ease.

Seasonal Adaptations

Customize the flavor across seasons: swap the cinnamon in the coating for pumpkin pie spice in autumn, or lemon zest and powdered sugar glaze for spring. For Valentine’s Day, use pink sprinkles and a light strawberry glaze. For a winter twist, fold a pinch of nutmeg into the dough and top with white chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candies.

Meal Prep Tips

For meal prep, shape the dough into balls and lay them on a parchment-lined tray; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. This makes morning service effortless. Cooked donut holes can be portioned into single-serve containers for grab-and-go breakfasts or after-school snacks. Reheat a few minutes in the air fryer to refresh texture before serving.

These Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes are simple, satisfying, and versatile. Whether you make a small batch for a family breakfast or a larger tray for holiday guests, they offer a warm, nostalgic treat with minimal fuss. Enjoy making them your own and happy baking!