Air Fryer Donut Holes: A Quick, Easy Treat!

Making donut holes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious treat with minimal effort. Using just a few simple ingredients, such as biscuit dough, cinnamon, sugar, and butter, you can create tasty treats in a matter of minutes. This recipe is perfect for those who love donuts but don't want to deal with the mess and hassle of deep-frying. Air fryers circulate hot air, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and fluffy interior, making them ideal for homemade donuts and donut holes.

Choosing the right oil spray

When it comes to choosing the right oil spray for your air fryer donut holes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like Pam, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, opt for olive oil or coconut oil spray. These types of oil sprays will help prevent your donut holes from sticking to the basket without causing any damage.

Olive oil and coconut oil sprays are also versatile and can be used for other purposes, such as spraying on homemade popcorn. They are a healthier alternative to deep-frying and will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown colour on your donut holes.

When preparing your air fryer basket, lightly coat it with your chosen oil spray. This will create a non-stick surface, ensuring your donut holes cook evenly and can be easily removed after cooking.

Additionally, if you plan to add butter and cinnamon-sugar to your donut holes after cooking, brushing them with melted butter will help the cinnamon-sugar stick better. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles, without having to worry about the added calories from deep-frying.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific air fryer model when it comes to using oil sprays or any other cooking sprays.

Preparing the biscuit dough

Now, you will need to cut out holes in the centre of each biscuit to create the classic donut shape. You can use a small round cookie cutter, a 1-inch biscuit cutter, or even the lid from a drink bottle. Place the cut-out holes to the side, as you can air fry these as well to make donut holes.

Once your dough is ready, you can move on to the next step of cooking the donuts in the air fryer.

Air frying the donut holes

While the air fryer is preheating, cut the donut holes from the biscuit dough using a mini pastry cutter or the lid from a drink bottle. You can also cut small holes out of the centre of the biscuits if you want to make traditional ring donuts. Place the dough balls or donut shapes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the basket with a light coating of olive oil or coconut oil to prevent sticking, but avoid using non-stick cooking sprays as these can damage the air fryer.

Air fry the donut holes for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They are done when they are golden brown. If you are cooking traditional ring donuts, air fry them for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway or two-thirds of the way through. They are done when they are golden brown and puffed up.

Melting the butter

First, make sure you have the right type and amount of butter. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. The amount of butter you need will depend on the number of biscuits you are making, but a general rule is to have enough to coat all sides of the donut holes.

Next, as you preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can start melting the butter. There are a few different methods you can use:

• Stovetop: Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent overheating or burning.
• Microwave: Put the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
• Double Boiler: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the water. Add the butter to the bowl and stir until melted.

Once your butter is melted, you can keep it warm by placing the saucepan or bowl in a warm place or on a very low heat setting. You want the butter to remain melted but not burn or smoke.

When your donut holes are cooked to a golden brown colour, it's time to brush them with the melted butter. Use a pastry brush to generously coat all sides of the donut holes. This step will help the cinnamon and sugar mixture adhere to the donut holes and create a delicious, crispy texture.

After brushing with butter, immediately dip the warm donut holes into the cinnamon and sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Alternatively, you can place them in a ziplock bag with the mixture and shake gently to coat, although this method may be more suitable for larger donuts rather than holes.

Finally, place the coated donut holes in a serving dish and repeat the process with the remaining batches. It is best to serve these treats warm, as the butter coating will be at its most delicious and inviting.

Adding cinnamon and sugar

If you want the cinnamon and sugar to stick to the donut holes, brush or roll the warm donuts in melted butter before coating them in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Make sure to coat the whole donut.

You can also place the cinnamon and sugar mixture in a ziploc bag and gently shake the donuts to coat them. However, this method may not work well with flaky biscuits as they are more fragile and may fall apart.

Frequently asked questions