Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these magical little bites of joy! I stumbled upon the secret to perfect air fryer donut holes gooey when my kids were begging for a sweet treat one lazy afternoon. In less than 20 minutes, we went from “Mom, I’m hungry” to everyone licking powdered sugar off their fingers. The best part? That warm, melty center that makes you close your eyes and go “mmmm” with every bite. Now it’s our go-to dessert when we need something special fast – and believe me, we need it often!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Here’s why they’re a total game-changer:
- Crazy fast – From bowl to plate in under 20 minutes (perfect for sudden sugar emergencies!)
- No messy frying – All that golden perfection happens in the air fryer with zero oil splatters
- That ooey-gooey center – Like biting into a warm hug, especially when the chocolate or jam spills out
- Kid-approved magic – My littles cheer when they see me pulling out the mixing bowl
Seriously, they disappear faster than I can make them. Every. Single. Time.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey
Okay, let me share exactly what you’ll need to create these little pockets of happiness. I’ve made this so many times I could probably recite the ingredients in my sleep (and sometimes do when the kids beg for them at 7am!). Here’s your shopping list:
- Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned into the cup and leveled off – no packing!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (the regular white kind works perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh – give it a sniff test!)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (I use sea salt but table salt works too)
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature is best but straight from the fridge works in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (see my note below about substitutions)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (the good stuff, please!)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (imitation vanilla? Not in my kitchen!)
- The Gooey Part
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips OR your favorite jam (I’ll explain the difference below)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (because everything’s better with a snow-like topping)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Now, let me tell you why these ingredients matter and how you can tweak them if needed:
The melted butter is crucial – it gives that rich flavor and helps create the perfect tender texture. You can swap it for coconut oil if you must, but the taste won’t be quite as magical.
For the milk, I’ve tried all sorts – whole milk makes them extra rich, but 2% works fine. My dairy-free friend uses almond milk with great results. Just don’t use heavy cream – it’s too thick!
The gooey filling – here’s the fun part! Chocolate chips melt into that perfect lava center, but jam gives you that nostalgic jelly donut feel. My kids can’t decide which they like better, so we alternate. Pro tip: If using jam, chill it for 30 minutes first so it’s easier to handle.
One last thing – that vanilla extract? It makes all the difference. My grandma would roll over in her grave if I used imitation, but in a real pinch, you could skip it entirely rather than use the fake stuff. Vanilla extract is made by macerating vanilla beans in alcohol.
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – transforming these simple ingredients into little bites of heaven! I’ve made these so many times I could do it blindfolded (though I don’t recommend trying that with hot appliances). Here’s exactly how to nail it:
- Mix the dry team – Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Get it nice and uniform – no flour pockets hiding in there!
- Bring in the wet players – In another bowl, whisk the egg lightly, then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until it’s all one happy family. The butter might try to separate – just keep stirring, it’ll come together.
- Combine carefully – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until you don’t see any flour streaks. The dough will be sticky – that’s perfect! Overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want tender, remember?
- Chill out – Pop the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes (set a timer!). This makes it much easier to handle when forming the balls.
- Form the magic – Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between slightly wet hands (trust me, this prevents sticking). Flatten it gently in your palm, place 3-4 chocolate chips or 1/2 teaspoon jam in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Roll it smooth again – no cracks!
- Fire up the air fryer – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes while you finish shaping. This gives you that perfect golden exterior.
- Arrange with space – Place your donut holes in the basket with about 1 inch between them – they need room to puff up and get that perfect round shape. I can usually fit 6-8 at a time in my basket.
- Cook to golden perfection – Air fry for 6-8 minutes. At 6 minutes, peek in – you want them lightly golden. They’ll continue cooking a bit after removal, so don’t overdo it!
- The grand finale – Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (about 2 minutes), then roll them in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. The sugar sticks better this way!
Tips for Perfectly Gooey Donut Holes
Here are my hard-earned secrets after many (delicious) trial runs:
- Chill the dough – Those 10 minutes in the fridge make the dough so much easier to handle when filling and shaping.
- Seal tightly – Really pinch that filling inside well, or you’ll have leaky donuts (still tasty, just messy!).
- Don’t crowd the basket – Giving them space means even cooking and perfect round shapes.
- Check early – All air fryers are different. At 6 minutes, open and check – they should be lightly golden but still soft when gently pressed.
- Serve warm – That gooey center is at its absolute best when they’re fresh from the fryer. But they’re still delicious at room temperature!
- Double batch tip – If making lots, keep shaped donut holes in the fridge while batches cook to prevent sticking.
Remember, the first batch is your “test” batch – adjust time slightly if needed for your specific air fryer. And don’t stress if a few leak – they still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey
Oh, let me tell you how we love to enjoy these little treasures! A steaming cup of coffee is perfect for dunking, or try them with cold milk for the kids. For special occasions, I’ll drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top – pure decadence! My neighbor swears by serving them with vanilla ice cream for an impromptu dessert that’ll make everyone swoon. Honestly? They’re magical all by themselves too.
Storage & Reheating
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Will there even be any leftovers?” But just in case you miraculously have a few stragglers (or you’re smart and made a double batch), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
Room temp storage: Pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay delicious for about 2 days, though that gooey center is best on day one. The powdered sugar might absorb a bit – just give them a fresh dusting before serving!
Freezing magic: These freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled donut holes on a baking sheet to freeze solid first (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before reheating – just add an extra minute.
Reheating trick: To bring back that just-made freshness, air fry at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. The outside gets crisp again while the inside stays tender. Microwave works in a pinch (10-15 seconds), but they won’t have that perfect texture.
Pro tip: If you froze them with the powdered sugar, they might get a bit damp. Just roll them in fresh powdered sugar after reheating for that snowy perfection!
Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating these for their health benefits! But because I know some of you like to keep track (or need to for dietary reasons), here’s the scoop on what’s in each delightful bite:
- Calories: About 80 per donut hole (but who stops at just one?)
- Carbs: 12g (worth every single gram!)
- Sugar: 6g (mostly from that sweet, sweet filling)
- Fat: 3g (thank you, glorious butter)
- Protein: 1.5g (surprising little protein punch!)
Now, here’s my kitchen confession – these numbers can wiggle a bit depending on your exact ingredients. Used almond milk instead of whole? Maybe a smidge fewer calories. Went wild with the chocolate chips? That’ll bump up the sugar. The powdered sugar coating? Well… let’s just call that the “joy multiplier” and not worry too much about it!
My philosophy? Everything in moderation – including moderation. So enjoy a couple guilt-free, savor every bite, and maybe take an extra walk around the block if you’re feeling fancy! If you are looking for other sweet treats you can make in your appliance, check out these air fryer cinnamon rolls.
FAQs About Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey
After making these dozens (and dozens!) of times, I’ve heard all the questions – here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! I’ve successfully used 1:1 gluten-free flour blends with great results. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum.
How do I prevent sticking?
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil before adding the donut holes. If you’re worried about sticking, you can also place them on small parchment paper rounds (cut to fit). For more tips on using your appliance, look into air fryer garlic knots for general technique advice.
Can I make these ahead?
You bet! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Shape and cook when ready. They’re best fresh but reheat beautifully too!
Why are my donut holes dry?
Two main culprits: overcooking (check at 6 minutes!) or not enough filling. Be generous with that chocolate or jam – it creates the signature gooey center we all crave.
Can I bake these instead?
While possible (375°F oven for 10-12 minutes), the air fryer gives that perfect golden crust. Oven versions tend to spread more and lose some of the magic texture.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friends – my foolproof way to happiness in donut hole form! I can’t wait for you to experience that first glorious, gooey bite. When you make them (and you totally should), tag me so I can celebrate your delicious success! If you prefer a slightly different sweet treat, you might enjoy these air fryer donut holes glazed recipe.
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Delicious Air Fryer Donut Holes Gooey in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 12 donut holes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy air fryer donut holes with a gooey center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or jam (for filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls and press a chocolate chip or jam into the center of each.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place donut holes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use a small spoon to fill donut holes evenly.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American