11-Minute Air Fryer Donut Holes No Bake Style – Blissfully Easy

Picture this: It’s 8 p.m., the kids are begging for dessert, and you’ve got zero energy to bake. Enter my air fryer donut holes no bake style—your new secret weapon for instant satisfaction. I stumbled onto this trick during one of those “I need sugar NOW” nights, and oh my gosh, it changed everything. No oven, no yeast, no waiting around. Just pre-made biscuit dough transformed into warm, cinnamon-sugar clouds in under 10 minutes. My air fryer practically lives on the counter now just for these golden bites. They’re so easy, you’ll make them on a Tuesday just because.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donut Holes No Bake Style

Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these little bites are life-changing. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Speed demon: From zero to donut in under 11 minutes—faster than ordering delivery!
• No-bake magic: Your oven gets to stay cold while the air fryer does all the work (hello, summer treat!).
• Pantry hero: Uses ingredients you probably already have – pre-made dough is the MVP here.
• Kid-approved: My littles go wild for the cinnamon sugar coating (and love rolling the dough balls).
• Hot and fresh: That just-fried texture without the greasy mess? Yes please.

Trust me, once you try this hack, you’ll never look at biscuit dough the same way again.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Holes No Bake Style

Here’s the beautiful part – you only need four simple ingredients to make these magical little bites. I always keep these staples on hand for emergency dessert situations (and yes, 9pm cravings totally count as emergencies).

• 1 cup biscuit dough (pre-made) – The shortcut queen! I use the refrigerated kind that comes in tubes – just pop it open and you’re halfway there. No shame in this game.
• 1/4 cup melted butter – Real butter, please! Margarine just won’t give you that same rich, golden coating. I microwave mine in 15-second bursts so it doesn’t separate.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Plain white sugar works perfectly here. Don’t be tempted to skip ahead – we’ll mix it with…
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – The magic dust! Ceylon cinnamon is my favorite for its slightly sweeter flavor, but any kind will do.

See? Told you it was simple. Now go check your fridge – I bet you’ve got at least three of these already!

How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes No Bake Style

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning that simple biscuit dough into golden, sugary perfection! I’ve made these so many times I could probably do it in my sleep (and honestly, I might have during one late-night snack attack). Follow these steps and you’ll be biting into warm donut heaven before you know it.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, grab your biscuit dough and separate the pieces. Now, here’s my secret – tear each biscuit into quarters and roll them between your palms to make little balls. Aim for about 1-inch diameter (think large marble size). Don’t stress about perfection – slightly rustic shapes give them charm! Pro tip: If your hands get sticky, dampen them slightly with water – the dough won’t stick and you’ll get smoother balls.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) – this is crucial for even cooking! While it heats, line the basket with parchment paper (with holes punched in it) or use a light spritz of oil. Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with some space between them – they’ll puff up! Cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown like a perfect summer tan. Heads up: All air fryers are different, so peek at 5 minutes – if they need more time, add 30-second increments.

Step 3: Coat and Serve

While those beauties cook, mix your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as the donut holes come out (they’ll be gloriously puffed!), dunk each one in melted butter using tongs or a fork – work quickly while they’re hot! Then roll them in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. The heat helps the coating stick perfectly. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and slightly crispy on the outside. Warning: These disappear FAST – I once turned around and my husband had eaten a whole batch!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes No Bake Style

After making approximately a zillion batches of these (not exaggerating… much), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

• Parchment is your BFF: Cut a round to fit your basket and poke holes in it – no sticking and easy cleanup! I keep pre-cut sheets in my drawer just for these.
• Give them space to breathe: Overcrowding = sad, soggy donut holes. They need room to puff up and get that perfect crisp exterior.
• Serve immediately: These are best piping hot when the sugar coating is still slightly crunchy. If you must wait, a quick 30-second air fryer reheat works wonders.
• Butter temperature matters: Melted but not hot – you want it fluid enough to coat but not so hot it makes the sugar dissolve.
• Shake the basket: About halfway through cooking, give it a gentle shake to ensure even browning all around.

Follow these and you’ll be the donut hole hero of your household – you’re welcome!

Variations for Air Fryer Donut Hooks No Bake Style

Okay, let’s get creative! While the classic cinnamon sugar version will always have my heart (and my midnight snack cravings), sometimes you wanna mix it up. Here are my favorite twists that still keep things crazy easy:

Chocolate Glazed Dream

Skip the cinnamon sugar and melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Dip the warm donut holes in this glossy goodness, then sprinkle with crushed nuts or rainbow sprinkles if you’re feeling fancy. Pro tip: Add a pinch of instant coffee to the chocolate to make the flavor pop!

Lemon Sugar Sparkle

Swap the cinnamon for lemon zest in your sugar mixture – about 2 teaspoons per 1/2 cup sugar. The bright citrus cuts through the richness beautifully. For extra wow factor, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze (just mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice).

Maple Bacon Crunch

Oh yes, we’re going there! Toss the cooked donut holes in maple syrup instead of butter, then roll in crumbled cooked bacon bits. Sweet, salty, crunchy perfection. This is my husband’s favorite weekend breakfast version – he calls them “man bait.”

The beauty of these variations? They all start with that same magical biscuit dough base. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, the flavor possibilities are endless. What’ll you try first? If you enjoy these sweet treats, you might also like checking out these air fryer churro bites.

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy these little bites of joy! Personally, I love serving them still warm from the air fryer – that’s when they’re at their absolute prime. Here are my go-to pairings:

• Morning magic: Dunk them in your morning coffee (the cinnamon sugar melts into the brew – heavenly!)
• Midday treat: Serve with a tall glass of cold milk – the ultimate childhood nostalgia combo
• Brunch star: Arrange on a platter with fresh berries for a pretty (and easy!) brunch spread
• Ice cream sandwich: Sandwich two donut holes around a scoop of vanilla ice cream – trust me on this one

My kids love them plain in lunchboxes (they stay surprisingly fresh!), while my book club goes wild when I bring them with spiced chai. Really, there’s no wrong way to serve these – except maybe not serving them at all! For more quick dessert ideas, see how to make soft air fryer chocolate chip cookies.

Storage and Reheating

Okay, let’s be real – these donut holes rarely last long enough to need storing at my house! But on the off chance you have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Room temp magic: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. The sugar coating might soften a bit, but they’ll still taste amazing.
• Freezer hack: Yes, you can freeze them! Place cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month – not that they’ll last that long!
• Reheating revival: To bring back that just-made magic, pop them in the air fryer at 325°F for 1-2 minutes. No preheating needed! This crisps them right back up. Microwave works in a pinch (10-15 seconds), but they won’t be as crispy.

Pro tip: If you froze them, no need to thaw – just add an extra minute to the air fryer time. They’ll taste like you just made them! Though I can’t promise they’ll make it to the storage container in the first place… If you are interested in the science behind how air fryers work to achieve crispiness, you can read more about air fryer safety and usage from the FDA.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m not one to count calories when it comes to donuts (life’s too short!), but I know some of you like to keep track. Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious bite. Remember – these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands.

• Serving size: 1 donut hole (about the size of a ping pong ball)
• Calories: 80 – perfect for when you just want a little sweet treat
• Sugar: 5g (that cinnamon sugar coating is doing its job!)
• Fat: 4g (real butter makes all the difference)
• Carbs: 10g – mostly from that fluffy biscuit dough
• Protein: 1g – not bad for a dessert!

Honestly, compared to traditional fried donuts, these air fryer versions are practically health food! Okay, maybe not quite – but they’re definitely a lighter option. And when you consider how satisfying just one or two can be, it’s a pretty good deal for a homemade treat. If you are looking for other quick dough-based recipes, check out these air fryer garlic knots.

FAQ About Air Fryer Donut Holes No Bake Style

I get questions about these magical little bites all the time – here are the answers to everything you’ve been wondering (plus some things you didn’t know you needed to ask!):

Can I use homemade dough instead of pre-made biscuit dough?

Absolutely! While the refrigerated biscuit dough is my go-to for its convenience, you can definitely use homemade dough. Try a simple drop biscuit dough – just keep it slightly stickier than usual so the balls hold their shape. The baking time might vary by a minute or two, so keep an eye on them.

How do I prevent the donut holes from sticking to the air fryer basket?

This was my biggest headache when I first started making these! The solution? Either use parchment paper with holes punched in it (lets air circulate) or give the basket a very light spritz of oil. And here’s my secret weapon – let the donut holes sit for a minute after cooking before trying to remove them. They’ll release much easier!

Why are my donut holes not cooking evenly?

Ah, the classic air fryer dilemma! First, make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket – they need space for the hot air to circulate. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking. If you’re still getting uneven browning, try lowering the temperature by 25°F and adding a minute to the cooking time.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Here’s my method: Cook and coat the donut holes as usual, then let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, pop them back in the air fryer at 325°F for just 1-2 minutes to crisp up. They’ll taste fresh-made! Pro tip: Don’t store them coated in sugar if making ahead – add that right before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover donut holes?

Your air fryer is still your best friend here! Just 60-90 seconds at 325°F brings them right back to life. If you’re in a real hurry, 10 seconds in the microwave works, but they won’t be as crispy. And if you’ve frozen them? No thawing needed – straight from freezer to air fryer for 2-3 minutes!

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