Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

These fluffy, bite-sized donut holes come alive with festive holiday sprinkles and a golden finish thanks to the air fryer. Combining a soft dough made from flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, they’re shaped into small balls and cooked quickly to a light and tender texture. After air frying, the warm treats are dipped in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a delightful coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacks, this treat is easy to prepare and sure to please all ages.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:57:00 GMT
Golden brown air fryer Christmas donut holes, glistening with butter and sprinkled with festive joy. Save
Golden brown air fryer Christmas donut holes, glistening with butter and sprinkled with festive joy. | butterhollow.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.

This recipe became a favorite in our home after trying a healthier alternative to deep fried sweets during the holidays.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2/3 cup whole milk 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp holiday-themed sprinkles (red green white)

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry:
In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder cinnamon and salt.
Mix Wet:
In another bowl mix milk melted butter egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
Shape:
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Arrange:
Place donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer leaving space between each.
Cook:
Air fry for 7-8 minutes shaking halfway through until golden and cooked through.
Coat:
While still warm dip each donut hole in melted butter then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Sprinkle:
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
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| butterhollow.com

We gather every holiday season to make these together sharing stories and laughter while the sweet scents fill the kitchen.

Notes

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) dairy (milk butter) and egg Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Warm, sugary air fryer Christmas donut holes ready to share, the perfect bite-sized holiday dessert. Save
Warm, sugary air fryer Christmas donut holes ready to share, the perfect bite-sized holiday dessert. | butterhollow.com

These donut holes make holiday baking simple and fun bringing everyone together in the kitchen.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

What temperature is best for cooking donut holes in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to achieve a golden, evenly cooked texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in the donut holes?

Yes, for a twist you can add nutmeg to the dough or swap festive sprinkles with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

How do I ensure the donut holes cook evenly in the air fryer?

Arrange the donut holes in a single layer with space between each and shake the basket halfway through cooking.

What makes the donut holes fluffy and tender?

The combination of baking powder, cinnamon, and wet ingredients like milk and melted butter creates a soft, light texture.

Are there allergen concerns with these donut holes?

Yes, they contain wheat, dairy, and egg, so be mindful if allergies are a concern.

What are good serving suggestions for these donut holes?

Serve warm alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Fluffy, golden bite-sized donut holes with holiday sprinkles made quickly in an air fryer.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat duration
8 min
Complete duration
23 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

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

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)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange for Cooking: Place the dough balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle with festive sprinkles and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg.
  • Check ingredient labels carefully for allergen information.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g