A Sweet, Cozy Treat You Can Make in Minutes
You know those moments when you’re craving something sweet, warm, and comforting — but you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen? That’s exactly how I felt the day I first made these Cinnamon Sugar Air-Fryer Donut Holes. And honestly? They completely changed the game for me.
They’re soft, fluffy, rolled in buttery cinnamon sugar, and taste like something fresh from a bakery… except they only take a few minutes to make. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment, fancy ingredients, or deep frying. Just your air fryer and a few simple pantry staples. If you’ve been looking for the perfect quick dessert or a weekend breakfast treat, these warm little bites will make you so, so happy.
Nutritional Benefits
Even though these donut holes feel like a fun indulgence, making them at home gives you a few advantages:
- Less Oil: Since they’re air-fried, they use a fraction of the oil required for deep frying.
- Portion Control: Small bite-sized pieces help you enjoy sweetness without overeating.
- Simpler Ingredients: You can choose the dough and coatings you like best, avoiding preservatives found in store-bought donuts.
- Lighter Texture: Air frying keeps them fluffy without that heavy greasy feeling.
So yes, they’re sweet and comforting — but still lighter than traditional donuts.
Adaptable Variations
- Make Them Filled: Inject a little Nutella, jam, or vanilla pudding into the center after cooking.
- Use Different Doughs: Biscuit dough, pizza dough, or even puff pastry all work for different textures.
- Cinnamon-Free Version: Roll them in powdered sugar or coat them in a chocolate glaze instead.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan biscuit dough and melted coconut oil instead of butter.
- Extra Crispy: Air fry 1–2 minutes longer for a firmer outside and soft center.
Cinnamon Sugar Air-Fryer Donut Holes 🍩✨
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dough)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: vanilla extract for dipping butter
Instructions
- Prep the dough:
Cut each biscuit into 4 small pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. - Preheat the air fryer:
Set it to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. - Air fry:
Arrange the dough balls in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and puffed. - Make the coating:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. In another bowl, add melted butter (and a splash of vanilla if you like). - Coat the donut holes:
Dip each warm donut hole into melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. - Serve immediately:
Enjoy them warm — they’re soft, sweet, and irresistibly fluffy!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Gives each donut hole room to puff properly.
- Work quickly: Coat them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so it sticks perfectly.
- For more flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar mix.
- Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to refresh the texture.
- Storage: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container for up to 2 days — but honestly, they rarely last that long!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these without an air fryer? Yes — bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Why are my donut holes not fluffy? Overcrowding or under-preheating the air fryer can prevent them from rising properly.
- Can I freeze them? Freeze before coating in cinnamon sugar. Reheat, then coat fresh.
- What dough works best? Biscuit dough is classic, but pizza dough makes chewier donut bites.
Call to Action
If you try these Cinnamon Sugar Air-Fryer Donut Holes, I’d really love to see your warm, sugary creations! Tag me on Pinterest and save this recipe so you can come back to it anytime you’re craving a quick, comforting treat. 🍩✨


