
Soft, festive donut holes made in the air fryer — golden, tender centers rolled in cinnamon sugar and finished with holiday sprinkles for an easy seasonal treat.

This recipe for Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes is the kind of simple, joyful treat that sneaks into your holiday routine and never leaves. I first made these on a snowy December afternoon when the kids wanted something sweet between baking cookies and decorating the tree. The result was a warm, pillowy bite with a crisp exterior, dusted in cinnamon sugar and giddily speckled with red, green, and white sprinkles. It became our quick-fix celebration dessert whenever we wanted something festive without the fuss of frying.
I discovered the recipe while adapting a favorite old-fashioned doughnut batter to work in an air fryer. The texture surprised me: tender crumb inside, lightly browned outside, and the cinnamon sugar coating clung perfectly after a butter dip. These donut holes are special because they are fast, forgiving, and perfect for sharing — whether served on a brunch spread, tucked into holiday lunchboxes, or placed on a cookie tray as a cheerful newcomer. The aroma of warm vanilla and cinnamon filling the kitchen is one of my fondest memories from that first winter batch.
In my experience, these are a crowd-pleaser: relatives who usually avoid fried foods loved the air-fried texture, and my picky eater declared them "better than store donuts." They’ve become a staple for casual holiday mornings and impromptu tea-time treats.
My favorite part is the way the cinnamon sugar forms a thin, crackly shell that gives way to a soft, tender interior. Guests always comment on the texture — crisp on the outside, pillowy within — and the sprinkles make them instantly festive. They’ve become the surprise hit at our holiday brunches, often outnumbering classic cookies on the dessert table.
Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to retain the best texture; they will soften over time. For longer storage, place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen donut holes, thaw for 10–15 minutes and refresh in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–4 minutes — this re-crisps the exterior without drying the interior. Avoid refrigerating coated donut holes as the sugar coating can weep and make them soggy.
If you want to adapt for dietary needs, substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lighter taste; expect a slightly different crumb. Swap unsalted butter for a dairy-free spread and use non-dairy milk to make them dairy-free, though keep in mind the recipe still includes egg (for a fully vegan version, try a commercial egg replacer and a touch more fat for structure). For a gluten-free approach, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend lacks it to improve texture and binding.
Serve warm on a tiered holiday platter alongside mini muffins and spiced nuts for a brunch spread. Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a spiced apple cider. For a more dessert-focused presentation, drizzle lightly with a simple powdered sugar glaze or offer individual ramekins of chocolate sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to keep them camera-ready for holiday photos.
Donut holes trace their heritage to classic fried dough confections that appear across many cultures, from beignets in New Orleans to sufganiyot in Jewish tradition. These air-fried variations are a modern twist that nods to traditional holiday treats, combining the familiar flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a method that reduces oil use. The festive sprinkles echo celebratory customs found around the world where sweets are decorated for special occasions.
For winter variations, swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the batter and add a maple glaze for a cozy twist. In spring, use pastel sprinkles and a lemon glaze. For Valentine’s Day, press a small heart-shaped sprinkle into each while the coating is wet. You can also flavor the coating — try mixing cocoa powder into the sugar for a chocolate version or add finely grated orange zest for citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with vanilla in the batter.
To streamline holiday prep, measure dry ingredients the evening before and store in a covered bowl. Shape dough balls up to 4 hours ahead and keep them on a floured tray, covered lightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator; allow a few minutes at room temperature before air-frying so they warm slightly for even cooking. Use a small cookie scoop to portion uniform balls quickly, and work in batches: while one batch cooks, shape the next for continuous assembly-line efficiency. Label your storage containers with the date if freezing batches.
These donut holes are a cheerful, uncomplicated addition to any holiday table — easy enough for a midweek treat, festive enough for company. Give them a try the next time you want a quick, warm dessert that brings people together.
Preheat the air fryer fully to ensure even browning and consistent cook times.
Use a small cookie scoop to portion uniform 1-tablespoon dough balls for even cooking.
Coat donut holes while warm so the cinnamon-sugar adheres and sets with a slight crunch.
Freeze cooked donut holes in a single layer before bagging to prevent sticking.
This nourishing air fryer christmas donut holes recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
This Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready for even browning.
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 in a large bowl until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep the interior tender.
Lightly flour hands and portion the dough into 1-tablespoon balls (about 1 inch each); you should get roughly 30–32 balls.
Place donut holes in a single layer with space between them and air fry at 350°F for 7–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
While still warm, dip each donut hole in 1/4 cup melted butter, roll in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then add 2 tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles and serve warm.
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