Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes
There’s something truly magical about warm, freshly made donuts, especially when they’re coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. If you’ve ever craved that delightful comfort food but didn’t want to go through the hassle of frying, then this recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes is just what you need! Using a simple can of refrigerated jumbo biscuits, you can whip up these fluffy, golden delights in no time. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday snack. Let’s dive into the details of this easy and delicious recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using refrigerated jumbo biscuits as a base drastically cuts down on prep time. The air fryer allows you to achieve that desirable golden-brown exterior without the excess oil, making these donut holes a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts. The cinnamon sugar coating adds the perfect touch of sweetness and spice that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, they can be made in under 15 minutes, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredient Rundown
To make these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 16-ounce can refrigerated jumbo biscuits: These are the star of your donut holes, providing a fluffy texture with minimal effort.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar: This will be used for the sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The aromatic spice that gives these donut holes their classic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donut holes and adds a rich flavor.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start whipping up your donut holes, gather the following kitchen gear:
- Air fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need these for combining your cinnamon sugar and for melting butter.
- Pastry brush: To brush the melted butter onto the donut holes.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helpful for portioning out your donut holes.
- Cooling rack: Ideal for letting your donut holes cool and preventing sogginess.
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes, Made Easy
Let’s get into the fun part—making these delicious donut holes! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set aside, as this will be your coating for the donut holes.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donut holes will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Step 3: Cut the Biscuits
Open the can of refrigerated jumbo biscuits and separate them. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into quarters. This will give you bite-sized pieces perfect for donut holes.
Step 4: Shape the Donut Holes
Roll each quartered biscuit piece into a ball between your palms. Make sure to shape them tightly, as this will help them hold their form while cooking.
Step 5: Brush with Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each donut hole with melted butter. This will help the cinnamon sugar stick and add an extra layer of flavor.
Step 6: Air Fry the Donut Holes
Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the donut holes are finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure each donut hole is fully coated for the best flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the donut holes cool for a minute on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best taste experience!
Seasonal Twists
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun seasonal twists you can incorporate into your Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for a fall-inspired treat.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donut holes for an indulgent touch.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the cinnamon sugar with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
- Apple Cinnamon: Mix in some finely diced apples into the biscuit dough before rolling them into balls for an added fruity flavor.
Author’s Commentary
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. The joy of creating something that tastes so indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make is hard to beat. I love how versatile these donut holes are, allowing for endless flavor variations. Whether you enjoy them on a cozy Sunday morning or as a sweet treat for guests, they never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try, and I assure you, these will become a staple in your kitchen!
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, consider freezing them! Place the cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through!
Quick Questions
Can I use a different type of biscuit for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of refrigerated biscuit dough, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How can I make these donut holes healthier?
You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or use a sugar substitute for the cinnamon sugar to reduce calories.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these donut holes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape them into balls when you’re ready to air fry!
Keep Cooking
- Sally’s Baking Addiction for more delicious baking recipes.
- Pinch of Yum for flavorful and easy meal ideas.
- Minimalist Baker for quick and simple recipes that require 10 ingredients or less.
Bring It Home
These Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes are a delightful way to bring a little sweetness into your life without the fuss of traditional frying. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, you can indulge in this comforting treat any day of the week. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer or experiment with seasonal flavors, these donut holes will surely become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donut Holes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until evenly distributed. Set aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the can of refrigerated jumbo biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Roll each quartered biscuit piece into a ball between your palms.
- Brush each donut hole with melted butter using a pastry brush.
- Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the donut holes from the air fryer and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Let the donut holes cool for a minute on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
- Freeze leftovers by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
