This batch of air fryer Christmas donut holes became a holiday tradition in my kitchen the first year I tried them. I was racing the clock between wrapping presents and baking cookies when I realized I needed a small, festive treat that would be ready in under 30 minutes. These little rounds of comfort delivered everything I wanted: a tender interior, a lightly crisp exterior from the air fryer, and a nostalgic cinnamon-sugar coating that tastes like the holidays. They’re small enough for guests to sample several flavors, and when my niece saw the red and green sprinkles, she declared them "officially Christmas."

I discovered this particular combination while riffing on a quick cake-batter technique — a simple mix of pantry dry ingredients folded into a wet base — and cooking small spoonfuls in the air fryer instead of frying. The result is a lighter bite than deep-fried donut holes but with the same satisfying chew and sweetness. These are perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday party, or a last-minute dessert to bring to a neighbor. I love that they come together with basic ingredients and my air fryer does the heavy lifting for even browning.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Use a reliable brand like King Arthur or Pillsbury for consistent texture. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup for coating): Regular granulated sugar keeps the crumb tender; reserve extra sugar for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Provides lift for a light interior — make sure it’s fresh (less than 6 months) for best rise.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for coating): Use Ceylon for subtle flavor or Saigon for a bolder, slightly sweeter note.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and strengthens structure.
• Whole milk (2/3 cup): Adds richness; you can substitute buttermilk for a tangier bite or 2% milk if preferred.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup for coating): Melt and cool slightly; using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in the dough and coating.
• Large egg (1): Adds structure and moisture — bring it to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweet flavors and complements the cinnamon.
• Holiday sprinkles (2 tablespoons): Use red, green, and white nonpareils or jimmies for a festive finish.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even browning and consistent cook times; if your model has a preheat setting, use it. A preheated basket also reduces sticking. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly combined. Whisking distributes the leavening so each bite rises uniformly. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl beat 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and slightly glossy. The melted butter should be warm, not hot, to avoid cooking the egg. Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the centers tender; a few streaks are okay and will hydrate while resting briefly. Shape the Balls: Lightly flour your hands and portion dough into roughly 1-inch balls, about 1 tablespoon per ball. Aim for uniform sizing so they cook evenly — a small cookie scoop works great for speed and consistency. Arrange in the Basket: Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each one to allow hot air circulation. Depending on your basket size you may need to cook in batches. Cook: Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the donut holes halfway through. Look for a golden exterior and a springy center; an inserted toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Coat and Finish: While still warm, dip each donut hole in 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, then roll in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Scatter 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles over the coated donut holes so they stick to the butter finish.

Storage Tips

Store finished donut holes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 24 hours to preserve the sugar coating and avoid sogginess. For longer storage, cool completely and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Avoid refrigeration, which tends to dry them out and dull the coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap whole milk for buttermilk for a tangier bite and a slightly more tender crumb, using the same volume. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and a neutral oil instead of butter; the flavor will be a bit different but still pleasant. To make them gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t already include it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on a platter with small bowls of chocolate sauce, caramel, or berry compote for dipping. Pair with hot coffee, spiced hot chocolate, or mulled cider for a cozy spread. Garnish with extra sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a brunch spread, place them next to bacon, eggs, and fresh fruit to balance sweet and savory.

Cultural Background

Donut holes are the bite-sized counterpart to the classic ring-shaped doughnut, with roots in American baking traditions. While deep-frying is traditional, the air fryer technique follows modern preferences for convenience and lower oil usage. Topping them with cinnamon-sugar draws on old-fashioned flavors that evoke holiday baking and seasonal spice blends.

Seasonal Adaptations

Adapt these for other seasons by switching sprinkles and spices: use pastels and lemon zest for spring, pumpkin spice and pecan pieces for autumn, or peppermint and crushed candy cane for winter. Swap the cinnamon-sugar for a glaze studded with citrus zest in summer months to keep flavors bright and refreshing.

Meal Prep Tips

For efficient holiday prep, portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray; transfer to a bag and air fry straight from frozen for an extra minute or two. Alternatively, bake all at once and freeze fully baked donut holes — reheat individual servings to maintain texture. Use a small cookie scoop to work quickly and ensure uniform cooking across batches.

These air fryer Christmas donut holes combine speed, nostalgia, and festive charm into a single treat. They’re forgiving, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser — give them a try this holiday season and make them your family’s new tradition.