There is something special about warm, freshly made donut holes covered in a sweet cinnamon glaze. They are soft on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and finished with a delicious buttery coating that makes every bite hard to resist. The best part? You can make them at home without deep-frying a pot of oil.
These Air-Fried Cinnamon Glazed Donut Holes are a fun homemade treat for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, or dessert. The dough is made with simple baking ingredients, shaped into small bite-sized balls, and cooked in an air fryer until golden. A quick dip in a cinnamon, vanilla, and powdered sugar glaze gives them that familiar donut-shop taste.
What Makes These Donut Holes Special?
Using an air fryer makes this recipe convenient because it cooks the dough with circulating hot air instead of requiring a deep pan of hot oil. The donut holes develop a lightly browned exterior while staying soft and tender inside. The cinnamon glaze adds sweetness and a warm spice flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.
Another advantage is that you can prepare the dough ahead of time and cook the donut holes in small batches. This makes them a practical option when you want a homemade dessert without spending the entire afternoon in the kitchen.
What You Can Do Better
A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in the final result. First, chill the dough before shaping it. This makes the mixture easier to handle and helps you create more evenly sized donut holes. Second, avoid adding too much extra flour while shaping because it can make the finished donuts dense and dry.
Leave enough room between the dough balls in the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate around them. Cooking in smaller batches is better than overcrowding the basket. Finally, dip the donut holes into the glaze while they are still warm. This helps the coating spread evenly and stick to the surface.
Air-Fried Cinnamon Glazed Donut Holes Recipe
| Recipe Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Chilling Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35–40 minutes (in batches) |
| Total Time | Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Servings | Approximately 36 donut holes |
| Course | Breakfast, Dessert, Snack |
| Cuisine | American |
| Cooking Method | Air Frying |
Also Read: Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients for Air-Fried Cinnamon Glazed Donut Holes
For the Donut Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
For the Cinnamon Glaze
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment You Will Need
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl for the glaze
- Cooling rack
- Cooking spray
Also Read: Maple Bar Donuts
How to Make Air-Fried Cinnamon Glazed Donut Holes
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Start by cracking the egg into a large mixing bowl and adding the extra egg yolk. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes slightly frothy. Add the buttermilk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix everything until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture looks smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour using a spatula or wooden spoon. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donut holes tougher after cooking.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the mixing bowl and place the dough in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes. This short chilling period helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to shape. If the dough still feels sticky, lightly flour your hands or work surface instead of adding large amounts of extra flour.
Step 4: Shape the Donut Holes
Remove the chilled dough from the freezer. Divide it into manageable portions and roll each portion into a long rope. Cut the rope into small, evenly sized pieces and gently roll each piece between your palms to form round balls. Try to keep the sizes similar so that they cook at approximately the same rate.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking. Arrange the donut balls in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Do not overcrowd the basket because proper air circulation is important for even cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry the Donut Holes
Lightly spray the tops of the dough balls with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 6–8 minutes, depending on your appliance and the size of the dough balls. Check them as they cook. The outside should turn lightly golden, and the centers should be fully cooked. If necessary, cook for another minute or two. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze
While the donut holes are cooking, prepare the glaze. Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the glaze feels too thick, adjust its consistency with a tiny amount of milk. If it becomes too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Step 8: Coat the Donut Holes
Once the donut holes are cooked, allow them to cool for just a minute or two. While they are still warm, dip each one into the cinnamon glaze, turning it gently to coat all sides. Remove any excess glaze and place the coated donut holes on a wire cooling rack. Let them sit for a few minutes until the glaze begins to set.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the glazed donut holes to a serving plate. They are best enjoyed fresh while the centers are soft and the cinnamon coating is slightly set. Serve them with coffee, tea, milk, or your favorite breakfast drink.
Also Read: Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Tips for Making Perfect Cinnamon Glazed Donut Holes
- Do not overmix the dough: Mix only until the flour is incorporated. Overworking the dough can result in dense donut holes.
- Chill before shaping: Cold dough is easier to handle and less likely to stick to your hands.
- Keep the portions uniform: Similar-sized dough balls cook more evenly and finish at roughly the same time.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches so hot air can move freely around each donut hole.
- Check your air fryer: Different air fryer models can cook at slightly different speeds, so check the donut holes before the suggested cooking time ends.
- Glaze while warm: A slightly warm donut hole holds the cinnamon glaze better than one that has completely cooled.
- Adjust the glaze consistency: Add a little milk if it is too thick or extra powdered sugar if it is too runny.
How to Store Leftover Donut Holes
If you have leftover donut holes, allow the glaze to set completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool environment. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate them and bring them closer to room temperature before serving.
For reheating, place the donut holes in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 1–2 minutes. Keep an eye on them because the glaze can soften or melt with excessive heat. These treats are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture may become less tender after storage.
Easy Variations to Try
Extra Cinnamon Flavor
If you enjoy a stronger cinnamon taste, increase the ground cinnamon slightly in the glaze. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon over the coated donut holes before the glaze sets.
Chocolate Glazed Donut Holes
For a chocolate version, prepare a simple chocolate glaze using powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a little milk. Dip the warm donut holes into the mixture and allow the coating to set before serving.
Vanilla Glazed Donut Holes
If you prefer a milder flavor, leave out the cinnamon and prepare the glaze with powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk. This creates a classic sweet vanilla coating.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon Combination
Add a small pinch of ground nutmeg to the dough for a warmer, bakery-style flavor. Nutmeg works particularly well with cinnamon and gives the donut holes a slightly more traditional donut taste.
Also Read: Apple Cider Ice Cream Floats
What to Serve with Cinnamon Glazed Donut Holes
These bite-sized treats are delicious on their own, but you can make them part of a larger breakfast or snack spread. Try serving them with:
- Hot coffee or cappuccino.
- Masala chai or regular black tea.
- A glass of cold milk.
- Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices.
- Hot chocolate for a sweet dessert combination.
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional values are approximate estimates based on the ingredients and an estimated yield of 36 donut holes. Actual values may vary depending on the brands used, the amount of glaze that sticks to each donut hole, and the final serving size.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Donut Hole |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | Less than 1 g |
| Sodium | Approximately 120 mg |
| Cholesterol | Approximately 25 mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and should not be considered a laboratory-tested analysis.
Also Read: Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make donut hole dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you are ready to cook, shape the chilled dough into balls and air fry as directed. If the dough becomes very firm, allow it to sit briefly at room temperature before shaping.
Why are my air-fried donut holes dry?
Dry donut holes can result from adding too much flour, overmixing the dough, or cooking them for too long. Measure your ingredients carefully and begin checking for doneness around the 6-minute mark.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. For a simple buttermilk substitute, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it stand for about 5–10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Do I need to turn the donut holes while air frying?
Not necessarily. Most air fryers circulate hot air around the food, so turning may not be required. However, if your air fryer cooks unevenly, you can gently shake the basket or turn the donut holes halfway through cooking.
Can I freeze homemade donut holes?
Yes. For better results, freeze the cooked but unglazed donut holes in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and warm them gently before dipping them into freshly prepared glaze.
How do I know when the donut holes are fully cooked?
The outside should look lightly golden, and the inside should no longer be wet or doughy. Cooking time depends on the size of the dough balls and the air fryer model. You can cut one open to check the center if you are unsure.
