Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Sunrise Spoonfuls

These fluffy, bite-sized donut holes are flavored with cinnamon and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, then finished with festive holiday sprinkles. Made quickly and easily in the air fryer, they offer a golden, tender treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Simple ingredients like flour, milk, butter, and vanilla combine to create a moist dough that crisps beautifully on the outside. Serve warm for cozy enjoyment alongside hot cocoa or coffee.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:34:00 GMT
Golden air fryer Christmas donut holes, glistening with butter and festive sprinkles, ready to be enjoyed. Save It
Golden air fryer Christmas donut holes, glistening with butter and festive sprinkles, ready to be enjoyed. | sunnyspoonful.com

Fluffy, bite-sized donut holes with festive sprinkles, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. A quick and delightful holiday treat for the whole family.

I first tried these donut holes last Christmas and they quickly became a family favorite every year.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: dry ingredient
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar: dry ingredient
  • 2 tsp baking powder: dry ingredient
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: dry ingredient
  • 1/4 tsp salt: dry ingredient
  • 2/3 cup whole milk: wet ingredient
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted: wet ingredient
  • 1 large egg: wet ingredient
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: wet ingredient
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted: for coating
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: for coating
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon: for coating
  • 2 tbsp holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white): for coating

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix wet ingredients:
Mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
Shape:
Lightly flour your hands and shape dough into 1-inch balls about 1 tablespoon each.
Arrange:
Place donut holes in air fryer basket in single layer with space between.
Cook:
Air fry for 7-8 minutes shaking halfway through until golden and cooked through.
Coat:
Dip each warm donut hole in melted butter then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Sprinkle:
Add festive sprinkles and serve warm.
Imagine warm, cinnamon-sugared Air Fryer Christmas donut holes, a classic, comforting holiday dessert. Save It
Imagine warm, cinnamon-sugared Air Fryer Christmas donut holes, a classic, comforting holiday dessert. | sunnyspoonful.com

My kids love making these donut holes during the holidays which makes every moment special and festive.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat

Required Tools

Air fryer Mixing bowls Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Small brush or dipping bowl for butter

Nutritional Information

Per donut hole Calories 90 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 2 g

Bite into these perfectly cooked Air Fryer Christmas donut holes, wonderfully light and sprinkled cheerfully. Save It
Bite into these perfectly cooked Air Fryer Christmas donut holes, wonderfully light and sprinkled cheerfully. | sunnyspoonful.com

These donut holes are a fantastically quick holiday treat perfect for sharing or gifting this season.

Recipe FAQs

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to achieve a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the donut holes fluffy inside.

Can I use different coatings besides cinnamon sugar?

Yes, try using powdered sugar or a simple glaze for variety, or swap out sprinkles for nuts or coconut flakes.

How do I know when the donut holes are cooked?

They should be golden brown and springy to the touch after 7-8 minutes in the air fryer.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

The dough can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for a few hours before shaping and air frying.

What enhances the flavor of these donut holes?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough and brushing with melted butter before coating enriches the flavor and texture.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Golden, bite-sized donut holes with cinnamon sugar and festive sprinkles, cooked quickly in an air fryer.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Duration
23 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Sunrise Spoonfuls

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 24 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2/3 cup whole milk
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 1 large egg
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 2 tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Form Dough: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 05

Shape Donut Holes: Lightly flour hands and shape dough into 1-inch balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each.

Step 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.

Step 07

Air Fry: Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 08

Coat Donut Holes: While warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 09

Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles before serving warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small brush or dipping bowl for butter

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter)
  • Contains egg

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 90
  • Fats: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 13 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams