Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Featured in: Late-Night Cravings

These fluffy donut holes, made with a blend of cinnamon and vanilla, are cooked quickly in the air fryer to achieve a golden, tender texture. Each bite is coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, then topped with cheerful holiday sprinkles to bring festive flavor and color. Ready in just under 25 minutes, they’re a convenient yet delightful treat for family gatherings or cozy winter moments.

The dough combines all-purpose flour with warming spices, milk, and melted butter, shaped into bite-sized balls before air frying to a light crisp. After cooking, dipping them in butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar helps create the perfect sweet and aromatic coating. Sprinkles add a playful touch, pairing beautifully with a hot drink for an enjoyable seasonal indulgence.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:27:00 GMT
Golden air fryer Christmas donut holes topped with colorful holiday sprinkles, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden air fryer Christmas donut holes topped with colorful holiday sprinkles, ready to enjoy. | snackandmack.com

Fluffy, bite-sized donut holes with festive sprinkles, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. A quick and delightful holiday treat for the whole family.

I began making these donut holes every Christmas and they quickly became a cherished family tradition enjoyed by all ages.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3:
In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 5:
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Step 6:
Place donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Step 7:
Air fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Step 8:
While still warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Step 9:
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
Warm, fluffy Christmas donut holes, freshly air-fried and coated with cinnamon sugar. Save to Pinterest
Warm, fluffy Christmas donut holes, freshly air-fried and coated with cinnamon sugar. | snackandmack.com

These donut holes always bring smiles around our family table during the holidays.

Notes

Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Required Tools

Air fryer, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small brush or dipping bowl for butter

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk butter), and egg. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Close-up of baked Christmas donut holes, a delicious and easy air fryer dessert ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked Christmas donut holes, a delicious and easy air fryer dessert ready to eat. | snackandmack.com

Enjoy these festive donut holes as a quick holiday treat your whole family will love.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure the donut holes cook evenly in the air fryer?

Arrange donut holes in a single layer with space between to promote even air circulation, and shake the basket halfway through cooking for uniform browning.

Can I substitute whole milk in this preparation?

Yes, you can use any preferred milk alternative, but whole milk helps keep the dough tender and moist.

What is the best way to achieve a crispy coating?

Dipping the warm donut holes in melted butter before rolling them in cinnamon sugar creates a slightly crisp, flavorful outer layer.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

The dough can be mixed and refrigerated for a few hours, but allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and cooking for best results.

Are there any recommended variations for the sprinkles?

You may swap holiday sprinkles with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a classic finish that complements the cinnamon flavor.

What are good beverage pairings for this treat?

Serving these donut holes alongside hot cocoa or coffee enhances their cozy, festive appeal.

Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes

Bite-sized fluffy donut holes cooked golden with festive sprinkles, perfect for a cozy holiday snack.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
8 min
Overall Time
23 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Late-Night Cravings

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 24 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2/3 cup whole milk
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 1 large egg
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 2 tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend whole milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until uniform.

Step 04

Form Dough: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 05

Shape Donut Holes: Lightly flour hands and roll dough into 1-inch balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each.

Step 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place donut holes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each.

Step 07

Cook Donut Holes: Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until golden brown and cooked thoroughly.

Step 08

Apply Coating: While warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 09

Add Sprinkles and Serve: Sprinkle festive holiday sprinkles over coated donut holes and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small brush or bowl for butter dipping

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter), and egg; verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 90
  • Fat Content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g