Tiffany Haney
Air fryers have become a popular alternative to deep frying, and for good reason. They can cook a wide variety of foods quickly and evenly, with less fat and more fluff. One such treat that can be made in an air fryer is donut holes. These bite-sized delights are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. But how long do you cook them for? Well, that depends on your air fryer and the size of your donut holes. Typically, they cook in around 8-9 minutes at 350°F (180°C), but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on your air fryer and the colour you want your donut holes to be.
Air Fryer Donut Holes:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F (175-180°C) |
| Cook Time | 8-9 minutes |
| Colour | Golden brown |
| Texture | Puffed and dry |
| Additional Steps | Shake the basket halfway through cooking |
| Coating | Butter, cinnamon-sugar, or powdered sugar |
| Filling | Jam or jelly |
| Storage | Sealed container at room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer donut holes recipe
Air fryer donut holes are a quick and easy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can enjoy delicious homemade donut holes in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk (any type)
- 1/3 cup warm milk (not hot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Optional:
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Butter
- Jam
- Lemon juice
- Powdered sugar
- Glaze of your choice
Method:
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, warm milk, and dry yeast. Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, so you don't harm the yeast.
- Add the butter, egg, vanilla extract, and flour, and knead well using an electric mixer with spiral dough hooks or your hands. Start with 1 cup of flour and add more in small increments until the dough isn't overly sticky. The dough should be soft and elastic.
- Cover the bowl and place it in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour or until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Use a 3-inch and a 1-inch biscuit cutter or cookie cutter to cut out the donuts and donut holes. You can also use a drinking glass or wide-mouth canning ring and a shot glass.
- Place the shaped donut holes in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for proper airflow.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). This step is important to ensure that the donut holes cook evenly and have a nice golden exterior.
- Cook the donut holes for about 5-9 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time and flip the donut holes for even cooking.
- Once the donut holes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- While the donut holes are cooling, prepare the coating. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, melt some butter.
- Dip each donut hole first in the butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Enjoy the donut holes warm or cold. They taste best when fresh, but they will still be good to eat the next day.
Variations:
- For a decadent twist, substitute the vanilla extract in the dough with hazelnut extract. After cooking the donut holes, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts.
- Fill the donut holes with your favorite jam or jelly using a small piping bag or a squeeze bottle.
- Instead of cinnamon-sugar, roll the cooked donut holes in powdered sugar or a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The ideal temperature for cooking donut holes in an air fryer is 350°F (175-180°C). Depending on the source, the cooking time at this temperature is said to be anywhere from 4 to 15 minutes. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the donut holes.
One source recommends cooking donut holes for about 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you want to ensure even cooking, you can flip the donut holes halfway through the cooking time using tongs or a fork. After the initial cooking time, you can shake the basket and, if the donut holes are still light in colour, you can return them to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes at the same temperature. The donut holes are ready when they are a nice golden brown colour and have puffed up.
Another source recommends cooking the donut holes for 4 minutes, then turning them and cooking for another 4-5 minutes. This source also suggests preheating the air fryer to 350°F before adding the donut holes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may depend on the size of the donut holes. One person commented that the 8-minute cooking time was too long for their standard-sized donut holes, and they were overdone after 7 minutes.
Additionally, it is recommended to leave some space between each donut hole in the air fryer basket to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can result in unevenly cooked donut holes.
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Dough preparation
The dough preparation for air fryer donut holes is a simple process, but it requires precision and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect dough for your air fryer donut holes:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients before you begin. The exact ingredients may vary depending on the recipe you choose, but typically, you will need:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar (granulated or cane)
- Milk (lukewarm or warm, not hot)
- Butter (melted)
- Eggs
- Yeast (dry or instant)
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with lukewarm or warm milk. Add a small amount of sugar and gently stir. Let this mixture stand until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial for activating the yeast and ensuring it is active. If the yeast doesn't activate, your dough may not rise properly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and sugar until smooth. You can use a stand mixer or an electric mixer with spiral dough hooks for this step. If you are making a yeast-free dough, you can skip this step and simply mix the self-rising flour with Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour, salt, and yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined. If you are using yeast, be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can affect the texture of your donuts.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Once the ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you are making the dough by hand, this process may take longer. The dough should be soft and not overly sticky. If it is too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area and let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture. The ideal temperature for the dough to rise is between 75°F to 78°F (24°C to 26°C). If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl in an oven that is turned off but has the light on.
Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Use donut cutters, biscuit cutters, or round cookie cutters to cut out the donut shapes. You can also use drinking glasses or wide-mouth cans for larger circles and a shot glass for the smaller ones. Don't roll the dough too thin, or your donuts may become flat after frying.
Step 8: Second Rise (Optional)
After cutting the donut shapes, place them on lightly floured parchment paper or a floured surface. Cover them loosely and let them rise again until they double in volume. This second rise is optional but will result in even lighter and fluffier donuts.
Your dough is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C to 180°C) before placing the donut holes inside. Enjoy the process and the delicious treats that follow!
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Donut hole coating
Donut holes can be coated in a variety of ways, depending on your taste preferences. A popular choice is a glaze, which adds sweetness and helps keep the donuts soft. To make a glaze, you can sift confectioners' sugar and then add milk and vanilla extract. You can also experiment with different extracts and flavours, such as lemon-vanilla. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donut holes without dripping off, but you can add a little milk to thin it out if needed.
Another option for a coating is cinnamon sugar. Simply whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and any other spices you like, such as pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or ginger. You can also melt some butter in the microwave and add it to the cinnamon sugar mixture if you want a more indulgent coating.
If you're looking for a simpler option, you can just use plain sugar as a coating. This will give the donut holes a crispy, sweet exterior. You can also get creative and experiment with different coatings, such as lemon or banana flavourings, or even sweet potato.
When coating your donut holes, it's important to note that the dough is typically quite sticky. You can add a small amount of extra flour (no more than 3-4 tablespoons) to fix this, but you don't want to add too much as it will change the texture of the donut holes. Using cooking spray or lightly flavoured oil, such as canola or avocado oil, on your hands can also help when working with the dough.
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Storage and reheating
Storing and reheating donut holes properly is essential to preserve their freshness, texture, and taste. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you with storing and reheating donut holes made in an air fryer:
Storage:
Donut holes are best consumed on the same day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. If you need to store them for a more extended period, wrap each donut hole individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing them in the fridge or freezer.
Reheating:
There are several ways to reheat donut holes, and the best method depends on your preference and equipment available. Here are some common reheating methods:
- Microwave: Place the donut holes on a microwave-safe plate. For added moisture, cover them with a damp paper towel, especially if they are glazed. Heat them on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking intermittently to ensure they do not become too tough. You can also use short 10-second bursts to prevent overcooking.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and heat for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the smaller size of a toaster oven can cause quicker browning.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Reheat for 2-4 minutes. This method will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and warm.
It is important to note that if you are reheating refrigerated donut holes, bring them to room temperature before reheating. Additionally, if the donut holes have fillings or icings, use low heat settings and check frequently to prevent melting or seeping.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for donut holes in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the donut holes and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, they take around 8-9 minutes at 350°F (180°C) to cook.
The optimal temperature for cooking donut holes in an air fryer is 350°F (180°C). Preheating the air fryer to this temperature ensures that the donut holes cook evenly and achieve a golden exterior.
The donut holes are done when they have a nice golden brown color and have puffed up. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to flip the donut holes halfway through the cooking time.
To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before placing the donut holes inside. Additionally, ensure that the donut holes are not overcrowded in the basket, as this can affect cooking time and lead to uneven cooking.
