These air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes hit that perfect spot between cozy and quick. They’re warm, fluffy, and coated in a crackly cinnamon-sugar shell that tastes like a treat from your favorite bakery. No deep frying, no mess—just simple ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer.

They’re ideal for weekend mornings, after-school snacks, or a last-minute dessert. You can make them with biscuit dough for convenience or whip up a simple batter from scratch.

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Why This Recipe Works

Close-up detail: Warm air-fried cinnamon sugar donut holes just coated in melted butter and rolled i

Air frying gives you the golden, crisp exterior you want without deep frying. The circulating heat creates a soft, tender center and an even, lightly crisp crust.

Using biscuit dough keeps it fast and consistent, but a simple homemade dough works beautifully, too. The melted butter and cinnamon sugar add that nostalgic donut-shop finish. It’s a great balance of ease, flavor, and texture—no special equipment beyond the air fryer.

Shopping List

Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, flaky layers preferred) or homemade dough (see Alternatives)
Granulated sugar (about 1/2 cup)
Ground cinnamon (about 1–2 teaspoons, to taste)
Unsalted butter (3–4 tablespoons), melted
Vanilla extract (optional, 1/2 teaspoon)
Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (for the air fryer basket)
Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

How to Make It

Cooking process: Donut holes in an air fryer basket mid-cook at 350°F, arranged in a single layer w

Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
A preheated basket helps the donut holes cook evenly and get lightly crisp.
Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste; start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you like it bolder.
Melt the butter: Melt 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add a splash of vanilla if you want a little extra aroma.
Prep the dough: Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
Roll each piece gently between your palms to form small balls. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.
Lightly oil the basket: Spray or brush the air fryer basket with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Avoid heavy sprays with propellants; a neutral oil spray or a brush works best.
Air fry in batches: Arrange donut holes in a single layer with space between them.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway. They’re done when puffed, golden, and springy to the touch.
Coat while warm: Toss warm donut holes in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Work in small batches so the sugar sticks nicely.
Taste and adjust: Try one and tweak the cinnamon sugar if needed.
If you want extra crunch, give them a quick second roll in the sugar.
Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm. They’re best fresh, with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Storage Instructions

These are best the day they’re made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To refresh, warm in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes, then toss with a little extra cinnamon sugar if needed. For longer storage, freeze uncoated donut holes after cooking; reheat in the air fryer and coat with butter and sugar just before serving.

Tasty top view: Overhead shot of a parchment-lined tray piled with freshly cooked donut holes, evenl

Why This is Good for You

Less oil, less mess: Air frying uses far less oil than deep frying, which keeps the overall fat and calorie content down while still delivering great texture.
Portion-friendly: Small bites make it easier to share and control portions. Pair a few with protein (like yogurt or eggs) for a more balanced snack.
Customizable: You control the sugar level and can swap in whole wheat pastry flour if making dough from scratch.
Spices like cinnamon bring flavor without extra calories.

What Not to Do

Don’t overcrowd the basket: If the donut holes touch, they steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches.
Don’t skip preheating: A cold basket leads to uneven cooking and pale exteriors.
Don’t overbake: Biscuit dough dries out quickly. Start checking at 5 minutes and pull when golden and springy.
Don’t coat when cold: The butter won’t adhere, and the sugar won’t stick.
Coat while warm.
Don’t drench the basket in oil: Too much oil can cause smoking and soggy spots. A light spray is enough.

Alternatives

From-scratch dough: Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Stir to form a soft dough, roll into balls, and air fry as directed.
Yeast-style flavor: Use thawed pizza dough or thawed frozen dinner roll dough.
Cut, roll into balls, and air fry slightly longer (6–8 minutes), checking for doneness.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if making dough from scratch. Add an extra teaspoon of milk if the dough seems dry.
Flavor twists: Swap cinnamon sugar for cardamom sugar, pumpkin spice sugar, or cocoa sugar. Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest for a warm, aromatic touch.
Fillings: After cooking, poke a small hole and pipe in jam, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or vanilla pudding.
Dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar if you like.
Glaze instead of sugar: Whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a few drops of vanilla. Dip warm donut holes, let set for a few minutes, and serve.

FAQ

Can I make these without biscuit dough?

Yes. A quick from-scratch dough or pizza dough works well.

The texture will differ slightly, but the air fryer method and coating are the same.

How do I know they’re done?

They should be golden and puffed, and they should spring back when pressed lightly. If you’re unsure, cut one open—no raw dough in the center.

What temperature is best for air frying donut holes?

350°F (175°C) strikes the right balance. Higher temps can brown the outside before the center cooks through.

Why did mine come out dry?

They likely cooked too long or at too high a temperature.

Pull them as soon as they’re golden and springy, and don’t skip the butter coat, which adds moisture.

Can I make them ahead?

You can shape the dough balls and refrigerate for a few hours. Air fry just before serving, then coat in butter and sugar while warm.

What’s the best sugar-to-cinnamon ratio?

A classic starting point is 1/2 cup sugar to 1 teaspoon cinnamon. If you love strong spice, go up to 2 teaspoons.

Do I need parchment paper in the air fryer?

Not usually.

A quick spray of oil prevents sticking. If your basket tends to stick, use perforated air fryer parchment to maintain airflow.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

You can, but it will be slightly stickier and less crunchy. Mix brown and white sugar for a nice balance.

How do I reheat without drying them out?

Warm at 300°F (150°C) for just 2–3 minutes.

If they seem dry, brush with a little melted butter and dust with sugar again.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze cooked, uncoated donut holes for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer, then butter and sugar just before serving.

In Conclusion

Air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes give you that bakery-style payoff with minimal effort.

They’re fast, fun, and endlessly customizable, whether you lean on biscuit dough or go homemade. Keep the steps simple: preheat, don’t overcrowd, and coat while warm. With a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a sweet, shareable treat in minutes—no deep fryer required.