Introduction to Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
As the holiday season approaches, our kitchens become the heart of joy and laughter. There’s something magical about whipping up batches of Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes with the family! These delightful treats not only fill your home with a sweet aroma but also bring everyone together around the kitchen table. If you’re juggling a busy schedule, fear not! This charming and easy recipe allows you to create delicious donut holes in just a matter of minutes. So, gather your loved ones and let’s make some festive memories this year!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
These Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes are not just easy to make—they’re a total game-changer during the holidays! Imagine the warm, fluffy texture, the delightful sprinkle of festive colors, and how they come together in under 30 minutes. They’re the perfect indulgent treat for busy moms and professionals like us, offering a quick dessert that brings smiles to family gatherings. You’ll be basking in the compliments while barely breaking a sweat!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
When it comes to making these delightful Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes, gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your donut holes, giving them that fluffy structure we all love.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful brown crust as they cook.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your donut holes rise and become light and airy.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, cozy flavor that screams holiday spirit.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your treats.
- Whole milk: Gives moisture and richness to the dough, making it soft and tender.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a rich flavor and helps achieve that delectable, buttery taste.
- Large egg: Binds the mixture and contributes to the fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla is like a warm hug for your donut holes, enhancing their aroma and flavor.
- Melted butter (for coating): After they’re cooked, this makes them extra delicious and helps the sugar stick!
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Rolling the donut holes in this cinnamon sugar mix adds a sweet crunch.
- Ground cinnamon (for coating): Gives that lovely holiday spice flavor right on the outside!
- Holiday-themed sprinkles: These are optional, but come on—the more festivity, the better!
Don’t worry about measuring just yet; you can find the full ingredient quantities at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Let’s get ready to make some magic in the kitchen!
How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature is vital for achieving that perfectly golden and fluffy outside while keeping the insides light. Taking this simple step ensures your donut holes cook evenly, so they come out delicious and irresistible!
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. A smooth blend allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that festive taste we all adore. This step is like setting the foundation for your delicious donut holes!
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the whole milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. You want to create a creamy blend that pulls everything together. It’s those little details, like the splash of vanilla, that add warmth to your donuts. This part is quick and easy—just a few swirls will do!
Form the Dough
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; just enough until you see it all come together. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky, ready to be molded into those adorable little balls. Just like a cozy holiday hug in dough form!
Shape the Donut Holes
Lightly flour your hands, then grab about one tablespoon of dough and gently roll it into a 1-inch ball. Repeat the process until you’ve shaped all the dough. If any of them crack slightly, don’t worry; they’ll puff right up in the air fryer! These bites of sweetness should feel comforting in your palms.
Air Fry the Donut Holes
Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. This way, they can cook evenly and have that perfect crunch! Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure they brown nicely. You don’t want to overcrowd the basket; this is key to their fluffy goodness!
Coat the Donut Holes
While the donut holes are still warm, dip each one in melted butter. This step is vital for helping the sugar coating stick. Then, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This glorious coating is what takes these treats from good to incredible! Each bite will be a burst of delightful flavor.
Add Holiday Sprinkles
Lastly, sprinkle those festive holiday sprinkles on top before serving. Doing this while they’re warm allows the sprinkles to stick perfectly. They add a cheerful touch that’s perfect for the season. Who wouldn’t want to dive into a plate of these cheerful little delights?
Tips for Success
- Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
- For a lighter texture, don’t overmix the dough—stir until just combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized donut holes.
- Keep the air fryer basket unoccupied for even cooking; less is more!
- Experiment with the cinnamon and sugar coating based on your family’s taste preferences.
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer: The star of your kitchen that transforms your holiday treats!
- Mixing Bowls: Have a couple of these on hand—one for dry and another for wet ingredients.
- Spoon and Spatula: Great for mixing and folding the dough together.
- Baking Sheet: Useful for placing your donut holes while they cool.
Variations for Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
- Chocolate Chip Donut Holes: Stir in some mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful twist on the classic flavor. They melt slightly during cooking, creating pockets of gooey goodness!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for that perfect texture. Your gluten-sensitive friends will thank you!
- Maple Glaze: Instead of the cinnamon sugar coating, drizzle a simple maple glaze on top. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup for a unique, sweet glaze.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical vibe, sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes over the warm donut holes after the butter coating. This adds a chewy texture and delightful flavor.
- Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the dough for a zesty twist that brightens the flavor and makes them feel festive!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes warm with a side of rich hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Decorate a dessert platter with fresh fruits or nuts for a beautiful presentation.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel for added fun!
FAQs about Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works well as a substitute in these Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes. Just ensure it’s unflavored to keep the holiday spirit intact!
How do I store leftover donut holes?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness. Just warm them quickly in the air fryer before enjoying!
Can I freeze the donut holes?
Yes! These donut holes freeze beautifully. After they cool completely, place them in a freezer bag and freeze. Simply air fry them for a few minutes for a warm treat later!
What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to get that golden-brown finish!
Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shape and air fry when you’re ready to serve these delightful holiday treats.
Final Thoughts
Making these delightful Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes brings a sprinkle of joy to your holiday season. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, the laughter shared as you roll the dough, and the smiles when you serve them warm create cherished memories. It’s a simple yet joyous way to bond with family amid the holiday hustle. Each bite transports you to a cozy winter wonderland filled with warmth and love. So, set aside some time to whip up these treats, and watch as they fill your home—and hearts—with holiday cheer!
Print
Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 donut holes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes that are easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons holiday-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, blend milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour hands and shape dough into 1-inch balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
- Place donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- While warm, dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or sugar in the coating as per your taste.
- Donut holes can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
