Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Sweet Comfort Bakes

These fluffy, bite-sized donut holes are cooked in an air fryer for a quick holiday treat. A soft dough made from flour, cinnamon, and vanilla is shaped into small balls, air-fried until golden, then coated in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar with festive sprinkles. Ideal for a cozy family dessert or a festive snack, they deliver a crisp exterior and tender interior with rich buttery flavors.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:35:00 GMT
Air fryer Christmas donut holes: golden, sugared bites dusted with holiday sprinkles, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Air fryer Christmas donut holes: golden, sugared bites dusted with holiday sprinkles, ready to enjoy. | savoringli.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 holiday favorite in my home because it's fast to prepare and the kids love decorating them with sprinkles.

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
Warm air fryer Christmas donut holes, small and fluffy, are perfect for festive snacking. Save to Pinterest
Warm air fryer Christmas donut holes, small and fluffy, are perfect for festive snacking. | savoringli.com

This recipe always brings joy as the family gathers around the kitchen to decorate the donut holes and share stories.

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

Freshly made air fryer Christmas donut holes, coated in cinnamon sugar, offer holiday cheer. Save to Pinterest
Freshly made air fryer Christmas donut holes, coated in cinnamon sugar, offer holiday cheer. | savoringli.com

Enjoy these festive air fryer donut holes fresh for the best taste and texture

Recipe Questions & Answers

What temperature is best for air frying donut holes?

350°F (175°C) is ideal to ensure a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without burning.

Can I use a different coating instead of cinnamon sugar and sprinkles?

Yes, a dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze can be excellent alternatives for coating.

How long should the donut holes air fry?

Approximately 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Is it necessary to melt the butter before coating?

Melting the butter helps it evenly coat the donut holes, allowing the cinnamon sugar and sprinkles to stick better.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated briefly but should be shaped and cooked soon after for best texture.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Fluffy, golden-brown donut holes with cinnamon sugar and holiday sprinkles, made quickly in an air fryer.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
8 minutes
Overall Time
23 minutes
Created by savoringli Lila Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 24 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange in air fryer: Place donut holes in single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing evenly to allow air circulation.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Add festive sprinkles: Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Serves for general info – not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g