Craving a sweet treat that’s simple and delicious? These Air Fryer Donut Holes are your answer! Made with common pantry ingredients, this easy recipe will have you enjoying warm, fluffy bites in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, I’ll guide you through every step, with tips to make them perfect. Let’s dive in and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
Gather these simple ingredients. All-purpose flour forms the base of our donut holes. Granulated sugar gives them sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise and become fluffy.
Spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. The egg binds everything together. Melted butter brings richness, while vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma.
For coating, we mix powdered sugar and granulated sugar with cinnamon. This gives our donut holes a sweet, crunchy finish. Having these ingredients ready makes the cooking process easy and fun. You will love how these items come together to create a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Batter
– Combining dry ingredients: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix well until all the dry ingredients blend together nicely.
– Mixing wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure to stir until the wet ingredients are smooth and fully combined.
Forming the Donut Holes
– Scooping and rolling into balls: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined; you want it thick but slightly lumpy. Next, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of batter and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on a tray lined with parchment paper.
– Preparing the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure even cooking. Once it’s hot, arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they have some space and do not touch each other.
Cooking the Donut Holes
– Air frying temperature and time: Cook the donut holes in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should turn golden brown.
– Checking for doneness: To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into one of the holes. If it comes out clean, they are ready! If not, give them a minute more and check again. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as they cook!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best donut holes, avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing too much makes them tough. You want a thick batter that is slightly lumpy. This will keep your holes soft and fluffy.
When you arrange the donut holes in the air fryer, place them in a single layer. Leave space between each hole. If they touch, they may not cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
Coating Techniques
For the perfect sugar-cinnamon mix, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use equal parts of sugar and cinnamon for a balanced flavor.
Coat the donut holes while they are still warm. This helps the mixture stick better. Roll each hole to fully cover it. This way, you get a sweet and flavorful coating that makes them irresistible.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Donut Holes
You can easily make chocolate donut holes. Just add cocoa powder to the dry mix. Start with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. This gives a rich, chocolatey taste. For a sweeter treat, drizzle with a chocolate glaze. Melt some chocolate and mix it with a bit of cream. Dip each hole for a shiny finish.
Nutty Variations
Add nuts for a delicious twist. Chopped walnuts or almonds work great. You can also use nut butter. Mix in 1/4 cup of peanut butter or almond butter. This adds creaminess and flavor. Pair these with chocolate or caramel for a tasty combo. Try adding crushed nuts on top for crunch!
Seasonal Options
Seasonal flavors make these holes fun. For fall, try pumpkin spice donut holes. Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter. This gives a cozy taste. For winter, mix in peppermint extract. Top with crushed candy canes for a festive touch. These ideas keep your donut holes exciting all year round!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your leftover donut holes fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can use a plastic or glass container with a tight lid. This method helps prevent them from getting stale. Make sure the donut holes are fully cooled before you store them. If they are warm, they may create moisture inside the container.
Reheating Suggestions
When it’s time to enjoy your donut holes again, reheating is key. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy texture.
You can also use the microwave, but this may make them soft. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. After reheating, roll them again in the sugar-cinnamon mix for extra flavor. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
FAQs
Can I use a different flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different flours. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These can change the texture but still taste great. If you choose almond flour, keep in mind the donut holes may be denser.
How long do these donut holes last?
Homemade donut holes can last for about three days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they may dry out faster.
Can I freeze air fryer donut holes?
Yes, you can freeze these donut holes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up in the air fryer for a few minutes.
In this post, we covered how to make tasty air fryer donut holes. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step mixing, and cooking tips. We explored fun flavor variations and proper storage methods. Remember, easy adjustments can make these treats your own. Donut holes are not just tasty; they also bring joy and warmth to any gathering. Enjoy crafting these treats and sharing them with others. They are sure to be a hit!
