Air Fryer Donut Holes Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g granulated sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g unsalted butter, melted</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the coating:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g unsalted butter, melted</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Medium cookie scoop or tablespoon measure</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (optional)</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. The nutmeg is crucial as it provides that classic donut shop flavor, so try not to skip it. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. These wet ingredients provide moisture and richness to your donut holes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – stop when no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing will develop too much gluten, resulting in tough rather than tender donut holes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3-5 minutes. While it's heating, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, scoop portions of the batter. The batter will be quite sticky – this is normal and exactly what you want for moist donut holes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the scooped batter balls into the air fryer basket, leaving about 2cm between each one to allow for expansion. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Cook the donut holes at 180°C for 4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The precise timing may vary depending on your air fryer model. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Transfer the hot donut holes to a cooling rack for about 2 minutes – just long enough that they're cool enough to handle but still warm. This brief cooling period allows the outside to set slightly, which helps the coating adhere better. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Brush each warm donut hole lightly with melted butter, then immediately roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated. The butter helps the sugar mixture stick while adding a rich flavor that mimics traditional fried donuts. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve immediately while still warm for the best eating experience. If you need to make them ahead, they can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 160°C to refresh the texture. </li> </ol>