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.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Use a reliable, high-quality brand like King Arthur or Gold Medal for consistent texture. Spoon and level the cup when measuring to avoid dense dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup for coating): Regular granulated sugar gives a subtle sweetness in the batter and the coating provides that classic crunchy, sweet exterior.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Acts as the leavening agent — ensure it’s fresh for the best rise and airy crumb.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for coating): Adds warm holiday spice; use Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon for fragrant depth.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the batter’s flavors.
• Whole milk (2/3 cup): Provides richness and tenderizes the crumb; you can substitute 2% if needed.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons in batter + 1/4 cup for coating): I like Land O'Lakes or Plugra; melted butter in the batter adds flavor while the additional melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to the golden color and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of pure vanilla elevates the overall aroma and sweetness.
• Holiday-themed sprinkles (2 tablespoons): Red, green, and white jimmies or nonpareils provide festive color but add them sparingly to avoid sogginess.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to come fully to temperature. Most units need 3–5 minutes; a fully preheated basket ensures even browning on first contact. 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 uniform. Whisking aerates the flour and evenly distributes the baking powder for a consistent rise. Combine wet ingredients: 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. For best texture, ensure the melted butter is warm but not hot so the egg doesn’t cook. Form the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing — stop when no streaks of flour remain; a slightly shaggy dough will yield a tender interior. Shape the donut holes: Lightly flour your hands and portion the dough into approximately 1-tablespoon portions (about 1-inch balls). You should get roughly 30–32 balls. Roll each gently to smooth seams for even cooking. Air fry: Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each to allow circulation. Cook at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking or rotating halfway through so they brown evenly. They’re done when lightly golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Coat while warm: While the donut holes are still warm, dip each one in 1/4 cup melted butter, then roll in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Immediately sprinkle with 2 tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles so they adhere.

Storage Tips

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.

Ingredient Substitutions

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.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Cultural Background

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.

Seasonal Adaptations

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.

Meal Prep Tips

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.