Name: Air Fryer Donut Holes (No Yeast) — Cinnamon Sugar, Tender Inside, Ready Fast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp fine salt; ¾ cup milk; 1 large egg; 3 tbsp butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon + pinch of nutmeg; 3 tbsp butter (melted (for brushing)); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt (optional)

Aller à la recette / Jump to recipe

If you want the “fresh donut” vibe without making yeast dough or heating a pot of oil, these air fryer donut holes are the move. They’re small, fluffy, lightly crisp on the outside, and they’re done fast—perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy winter snack, or an easy dessert any time of year.

Definition: Air fryer donut holes are bite-size doughnuts made from a quick, no-yeast batter/dough and cookedியம் with circulating hot air instead of deep-frying. This version is designed to be quick, lightly crisp, and tender, with a classic cinnamon-sugar finish you can swap for glaze if you want.

On my site, some desserts are rich and creamy (like a spoonable pudding) and some are baked cakes. These donut holes sit in a totally different lane: quick, snacky, and warm-from-the-air-fryer, with a simple dough you can make in minutes—no proofing, no stand mixer, no hot oil.

If you’re craving something cozy and chocolatey instead, try Chocolate chip cookies (easy recipe). If you want a true cake texture, go for Red velvet cake (moist, easy, classic).

What you need

Equipment

Air fryer (basket or oven style)
Mixing bowl + whisk
Small scoop or tablespoon
Parchment liner (optional) or lightly oiled basket

Key idea

Because air fryers vary, we’ll use a moderate temperature and keep the donut holes small so the centers cook through before the outside gets too dark.

Step-by-step: Air Fryer Donut Holes (No Yeast)

1) Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

flour
sugar
baking powder
salt
Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a classic donut aroma.

2) Mix the wet ingredients

In a second bowl (or a measuring jug), whisk:

milk
egg
melted butter
vanilla

3) Make the dough (don’t overmix)

Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Stir just until no dry flour pockets remain. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but still scoopable.
If it feels runny like pancake batter, add 1–2 tablespoons flour. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon milk.

4) Shape the donut holes

Lightly oil your hands or a spoon. Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon) and roll quickly into balls. Keep them small—this is the easiest way to get a tender center without overbrowning.

5) Air fry

Preheat the air fryer (if your model benefits from it).
Arrange donut holes in a single layer with space between them (they need airflow).

Temperature: 350°F
Time: 6–8 minutes total
Shake the basket once around the halfway point.

They’re done when they look golden and spring back lightly when touched. If you’re unsure, pull one and break it open: the center should look set, not gummy.

6) Coat while warm

You have two easy finishes:

Cinnamon sugar (classic):

Brush warm donut holes with melted butter
Toss in cinnamon sugar until fully coated

Simple glaze (fast):

Whisk powdered sugar + a splash of milk + a few drops vanilla
Dip or drizzle once donut holes are just warm (not piping hot)

Cinnamon sugar vs glaze: when to use which

Cinnamon sugar = best “donut shop” vibe and stays great for snacking.
Glaze = a little sweeter, more dessert-like, great with coffee.

For a cozy drink pairing, this is excellent beside Creamy banana hot chocolate (especially in winter), or keep it classic brunch-style with something savory on the side.

Nutrition / “lighter” context (no diet talk)

These donut holes are not deep-fried, so you skip the heavy oil absorption you get with classic frying. They’re still a sweet treat, but the cooking method is lighter-feeling and less messy—great when you want a warm dessert without committing to a full batch of yeast donuts.

Troubleshooting (the stuff that makes or breaks air fryer donuts)

They’re pale and dry: Temperature too low or cooked too long. Use 350°F and start checking at 6 minutes.

They’re browned outside but raw inside: Pieces are too big or temperature too high. Make smaller balls and stay around 350°F.

They’re dense: Overmixed dough or expired baking powder. Mix just until combined.

They stick to the basket: Lightly oil the basket or use parchment made for air fryers (with holes).

Substitutions

Milk: Use dairy or unsweetened oat/almond milk.
Butter: Neutral oil works (same amount), but butter tastes more “donut shop.”
Sugar: White sugar is classic; light brown sugar gives a subtle caramel note.
Spices: Cinnamon + a tiny pinch of nutmeg feels the most traditional.
Gluten-free: A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can work, but texture varies by brand—expect slightly more tender/crumbly donut holes.

If you’re into building flavor from scratch, having a homemade spice mix on hand is useful for a lot more than dessert—my Cajun spice mix (homemade) is a great example of a base recipe that makes weeknight cooking faster.

FAQ

Can I make these donut holes without eggs?
Yes, but texture changes. A common swap is a thick dairy-free yogurt or applesauce-style substitute. Keep portions small and don’t overcook.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Some models don’t need it, but preheating helps with consistent browning. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce time slightly.

Can I refrigerate the dough?
You can for a short time (up to 24 hours), but baking powder works best when cooked soon after mixing. If the dough thickens, loosen with a splash of milk.

How do I store leftovers?
Best the same day. Store in a container at room temperature for 1 day. Rewarm 1–2 minutes in the air fryer. If coated in cinnamon sugar, toss again lightly after reheating.

Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze uncoated donut holes. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until warm, then coat.

What air fryer size works best?
Any size works; just cook in batches and keep space between pieces.

What to serve with / Suggested posts

If you want to turn donut holes into a full “weekend table,” pair them with savory mains or make-ahead comfort food for later in the day:

Perfect brunch: easy recipes for more brunch-friendly ideas
Homemade mashed potatoes (recipe) when you want a full comfort-food plate later
Homemade tartare sauce (recipe) for fish-night pairings
Ultra crispy beer battered fish and chips (complete recipe) for a classic weekend dinner
5 easy flavorful chicken marinades to prep ahead for busy weeknights
Homemade pesto (authentic recipe) when you want something fresh and fast
Homemade pesto pasta (easy recipe) for a quick meal that feels special
No-churn dark chocolate ice cream if you want an ice-cream-style dessert without a machine
Homemade gravlax (cured salmon) for a “brunch board” vibe
Creamy pumpkin soup for a cozy fall/winter pairing

You can also browse everything from the homepage: Chef Dumas.