Go Back
Here are the key ingredients you will need for the perfect cinnamon sugar donut holes: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling) Each ingredient plays a role in making these donut holes soft and tasty. The flour gives structure, while applesauce adds moisture. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Ground cinnamon gives that warm, cozy flavor we all love. When you mix the sugar for rolling, the extra sweetness pairs nicely with the cinnamon. It creates a delightful crunch. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. These donut holes are easy to make and perfect for any occasion! - Mixing dry ingredients Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well to mix everything together. - Whisking wet ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure this is well combined and smooth. - Combining wet and dry mixtures Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The dough will be thick, which is perfect for donut holes. - Forming the dough balls Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball. Place it on a plate or parchment paper. Keep doing this until you shape all the dough. - Arranging in the air fryer Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave some space between them to allow air to circulate. This step is key for even cooking. - Preheating the air fryer Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This helps the donut holes cook evenly right from the start. - Cooking time and temperature Air fry the donut holes for about 8-10 minutes. Look for a slightly golden color and a cooked-through texture. You may need to cook in batches, depending on your air fryer size. - Checking for doneness After 8 minutes, check the donut holes. If they look golden and firm, they are done. If not, give them another 1-2 minutes. To make the best donut holes, ensure they cook evenly. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer. This allows hot air to flow all around them. If you crowd them, some may not cook well. Use the right air fryer settings. I recommend 350°F (175°C). This temperature gives a nice golden color. Keep an eye on them as they cook for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid over-mixing the dough. When you stir the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay. This keeps the donut holes light and fluffy. If you mix too much, they may become dense. Donut holes pair well with drinks. Try serving them with coffee or hot chocolate. They also go great with milk or tea. For special occasions, gift them in a cute box. You can add a personal note. Friends and family will love this sweet surprise. Not all air fryers are the same. Look for models with even heating. Some popular ones include the Philips Airfryer and the Cosori Air Fryer. They cook evenly and are easy to clean. You’ll also need simple tools for shaping donut holes. Use a cookie scoop or your hands. Lightly flour your hands to make rolling easier. This keeps the dough from sticking. {{image_2}} You can make your cinnamon sugar donut holes even more exciting! Here are two great ideas: - Adding chocolate chips: Mix in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough. This will give your donut holes a rich, sweet surprise inside. The chocolate melts and adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the warm, spiced dough. - Incorporating fruit puree: Swap out some applesauce for fruit puree, like pureed strawberries or bananas. Use about 1/4 cup to keep the dough moist. This can add a unique flavor twist and a pop of color to your donut holes. If you want to try something different instead of cinnamon sugar, consider these options: - Using a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar: Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk or water. Dip the hot donut holes into the glaze right after frying. This gives them a sweet, shiny finish. - Experimenting with different spices: Try using nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon. Just mix about 1 tablespoon of your chosen spice with the sugar. This can change the flavor profile and keep things fresh. You can also adjust this recipe for different diets: - Gluten-free options: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This works well and keeps the donut holes soft and fluffy. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free too. - Vegan adaptations: To make this recipe vegan, swap the applesauce for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use a plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil. To keep your cinnamon sugar donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can use a plastic or glass container with a tight lid. It’s best to eat them within two days for peak flavor and texture. If you have extra, consider separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can freeze your donut holes for longer storage. Place the cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Heat the frozen donut holes for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them warm and soft. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but they may not be as crispy. Enjoy your tasty treats anytime! You will know the donut holes are done when they turn a light golden color. They should feel firm when you touch them. Use a toothpick to check if they are cooked inside. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Yes, you can use different flour. Almond flour or whole wheat flour can work well. However, it may change the texture a bit. Be aware that gluten-free flour may need extra liquid to hold together. You can use mashed bananas or yogurt as a substitute for applesauce. Both will add moisture and sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly. Leftover donut holes last about two days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just make sure to mix the ingredients in a large bowl. You may need to cook them in batches in your air fryer. Enjoy sharing with friends and family! Now you know how to make tasty air-fried donut holes from scratch. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for even cooking and different flavor options. Don't forget the best storage methods to keep your treats fresh. I hope you feel excited to try these donut holes. With a few simple steps, you can impress friends and family with your baking skills. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious bites!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Air Fryer

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade cinnamon sugar donut holes with this easy recipe! Made with simple ingredients and perfect for any occasion, these air-fried treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a warm batch rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a delightful twist to your snack time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

      Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The mixture will be thick.

        Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

          Lightly flour your hands and scoop out a tablespoon of dough to form small balls. Place them on a plate or parchment paper. Repeat until all the dough is shaped.

            Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.

              Air fry the donut holes for about 8-10 minutes or until they are slightly golden and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.

                While the donut holes are air frying, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

                  Once cooked, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 donut holes