Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

As the air turns crisp and holiday cheer fills the air, nothing warms my heart quite like the smell of fresh-baked treats wafting through the kitchen. This year, I’m thrilled to share my Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes—a delightful twist on a festive favorite that fills your home with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and all things merry. Picture this: a casual family gathering or a cozy evening with friends, and suddenly, everyone is beaming over a dish that not only brings back childhood memories but also feels wonderfully indulgent without the guilt.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for a way to relive those magical holiday moments without hours spent in the kitchen. These donut holes are incredibly easy to make, and the air fryer ensures they’re light yet satisfyingly fluffy. Plus, with just a dusting of powdered sugar, they become a charming centerpiece for any festive table. So, let’s ditch the fast food and embrace the joy of homemade goodness—your loved ones will thank you!

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes Ingredients

• Create mouthwatering magic with these flavorful ingredients!

For the Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – A key ingredient that provides structure and fluffiness to your Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough beautifully while enhancing the overall flavor.
• 2 tsp baking powder – Adds the perfect leavening power to make your donut holes light and airy.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Infuses warm, festive spices that evoke nostalgia with every bite.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – A pinch adds complexity and a hint of holiday cheer to your donut holes.
• ½ cup milk – Helps achieve a moist texture; almond milk can be a tasty alternative.
• 1 large egg – Binds the dough together and contributes to its delightful fluffiness.
• 2 tbsp melted butter – Adds richness while enhancing the taste, making them extra delicious.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla creates warmth and depth in flavor, elevating the donut holes.

For Dusting

• Powdered sugar – A light sprinkle transforms your donut holes into festive delights, making them visually irresistible.

How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

1. Whisk Together
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients will create a fragrant base that evokes holiday cheer.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients
   Add in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix; this keeps the donut holes light and fluffy.

3. Fill the Molds
   Using a cookie scoop, fill your silicone molds halfway with the batter. This will allow room for the donut holes to rise beautifully in the air fryer.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior.

5. Cook the Donuts
   Place the molds in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes. Watch for them to turn golden brown and springy to the touch, indicating they’re perfectly cooked.

6. Cool and Dust
   Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look festive.

Optional: Drizzle with a simple icing for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your donut holes to suit your taste or dietary needs!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for the same delightful texture without gluten.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a scrumptious dairy-free treat.

• Sweet Spice: Boost flavor by adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the batter for an aromatic twist that’ll warm the senses.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over your cooled donut holes for an indulgent chocolatey finish that’s hard to resist.

• Maple Glaze: Create a maple glaze with powdered sugar and a touch of maple syrup for a rich, sweet coating that recalls breakfast favorites.

• Stuffed Donuts: Fill the centers with a dollop of jam or Nutella before air frying for delightful surprises in every bite. Imagine the burst of flavor!

• Citrus Zest: Add grated orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing zing that complements the warm spices beautifully.

• Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger to the dry ingredients. It’s a bold twist that’ll surprise your palate!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes?

Imagine the joy of gathering loved ones around a table filled with sweet and savory delights that harmonize beautifully with your holiday treat.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the donut holes, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Warm Spiced Cider: Infused with cinnamon and cloves, this cozy drink enhances the festive atmosphere, perfect for sipping alongside your treats.
• Chocolate Fondue: Indulge in a fun interactive dessert where everyone can dip the donut holes into rich melted chocolate for an extra layer of delight.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, fluffy donut holes, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness, making each bite of the donut holes even more tantalizing.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A freshly brewed cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate warms up the meal, enhancing the flavors of your donut holes while offering a comforting drink option.

Pairing these delightful options with your Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes will create a memorable festive spread that leaves everyone smiling!

How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Room Temperature: Store your donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.

Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, place the donut holes in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealable bag. They will stay good for up to 2 months; just reheat them in your air fryer to revive their fluffiness.

Reheating: To enjoy your Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes again, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they’re warm and delightful for your next festive gathering!

Make Ahead Options

These Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, the wet ingredients (milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract) can be combined and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, scoop the batter into molds, and air fry as directed for delightful, fluffy donut holes that taste just as fresh as if they were made that day! This way, you enjoy the magical flavor of these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes with minimal effort on your festive baking day.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ingredients for my Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise. For the best flavor, use whole nutmeg and grate it yourself, as it provides a vibrant and warm flavor profile that pre-ground nutmeg lacks. When it comes to eggs and milk, use fresh items—look for eggs with uncracked shells and milk without any unusual odors or sediment.

What is the best way to store Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes?
You can store your donut holes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they also stay fresh in the fridge for 5 days if you prefer that cooler bite! Make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience. They’re tasty at any temperature, but that little wait makes all the difference!

Can I freeze Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place your donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a sealable bag to save space. They’ll be safe in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes until they’re warm and fluffy again.

What if my donut holes come out dense?
Very! If you find your donut holes are dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter—remember, mixing just until combined is key! Another possibility could be using too much flour; consider fluffing the flour first and then spooning it into your measuring cup for accuracy. This helps maintain the right texture.

Are these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes suitable for everyone?
For those with dietary restrictions, you could swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and almond milk can easily replace regular milk for lactose intolerance. As a heads up, always double-check the label on your baking powder as some brands contain gluten. If you’re accommodating pets or allergens, be cautious of ingredients like cinnamon, as some pets may have sensitivities to certain spices.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Delightful Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes bring festive cheer and a sweet aroma to your holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donut holes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 80

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour A key ingredient that provides structure and fluffiness.
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough beautifully.
• 2 tsp baking powder Adds the perfect leavening power.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon Infuses warm, festive spices.
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg Adds complexity and a hint of holiday cheer.
• 0.5 cup milk Helps achieve a moist texture.
• 1 large egg Binds the dough together.
• 2 tbsp melted butter Adds richness and enhances taste.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Creates warmth and depth in flavor.

For Dusting

• powdered sugar A light sprinkle transforms your donut holes.

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Silicone Molds
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop

Method

 

How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
3. Using a cookie scoop, fill your silicone molds halfway with the batter.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Place the molds in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
6. Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1donut holeCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 35mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle with a simple icing for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Let us know how it was!