You know those days when you’re craving something sweet, but don’t want to fuss with deep frying or make a huge batch? That’s exactly how I ended up perfecting these air fryer donut holes small batch! I was desperate for a quick treat one rainy afternoon, and my air fryer saved the day. These little golden bites are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready in minutes—no vat of oil required. Plus, with just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip them up anytime that doughnut craving hits. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donut Holes Small Batch
Oh, where do I even start? These little guys are my go-to when I need a quick sugar fix without the hassle. Here’s why you’ll adore them too:
- Crazy fast: From bowl to plate in under 20 minutes—no waiting around for yeast to rise or oil to heat up.
- No mess, no stress: Skip the greasy cleanup! The air fryer gives that perfect golden crunch without the oil splatters.
- Just-right portion: Makes exactly enough for you (and maybe one lucky taste-tester) without tempting leftovers.
- Crispy magic: That irresistible crackle when you bite in? Pure bliss. Like mini doughnut fairies did a happy dance in your air fryer.
Seriously, it’s dangerous how easy these are. You’ve been warned!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Holes Small Batch
Here’s the beautiful part – you probably have everything you need right in your pantry already! I love recipes like this that don’t require special trips to the store. Just grab:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, please – no packing it down!)
- 2 tbsp sugar (I use regular granulated, but brown sugar adds a nice depth too)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh – give the can a sniff test)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just enough to balance the sweetness)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind works, I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (real butter, always – it makes all the difference)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff, not imitation)
- Oil spray (for the basket – helps get that perfect golden crust)
And for that magical finishing touch:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional but oh-so-worth it)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional – my secret is to mix it with the sugar)
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes Small Batch
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these little bites of joy is easier than you think. I’ll walk you through each step so you get perfect results every time.
Mixing the Dough
First, grab a medium bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients – that’s the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Get them nice and combined so every bite is evenly delicious. Now, in a separate bowl (or just make a well in your dry ingredients if you’re feeling lazy like me sometimes), mix the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet into the dry and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky – not too wet, not too dry. If it feels like playdough, you’re golden!
Shaping and Air Frying
Now for the satisfying part! Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form little balls. Pro tip: lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) – this is crucial for even cooking! While it’s heating, spray the basket generously with oil. Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with some space between them – they’ll puff up! Don’t overcrowd or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Air fry for 5-6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. Give them a peek at 5 minutes – all air fryers run a bit different!
Finishing Touches
While they’re still warm (but not scorching hot), toss them in a bowl with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. The heat helps the coating stick perfectly. I like to do half and half for variety! Serve immediately while that crispy exterior is at its prime. They’re best fresh, but let’s be real – they never last long enough to worry about storage!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes Small Batch
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge!), I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfect donut holes every time:
- Air fryer quirks: All models run differently! Start checking at 4 minutes – they’re done when golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Size matters: Keep your dough balls about 1-inch diameter for even cooking. Too big and the centers stay doughy.
- The spray secret: Lightly spray the donut holes with oil before cooking for extra crispiness – just a quick spritz does wonders!
- Fresh is best: These are at their absolute prime eaten within an hour of making. The texture changes as they cool, though they’re still delicious.
Trust me, once you nail these tips, you’ll be the air fryer donut hole master!
Variations for Air Fryer Donut Holes Small Batch
Oh, the fun you can have with this basic recipe! Once you’ve mastered the original, try these easy twists when you’re feeling fancy:
- Chocolate lovers: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate milk for liquid – hello, double chocolate!
- Zesty bright: Mix in 1 tsp lemon or orange zest with the wet ingredients for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Maple magic: Swap vanilla for maple extract and roll warm donut holes in crushed pecans.
- Glazed goodness: Dip cooled holes in a simple mix of powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk + 1/4 tsp vanilla.
See? Endless possibilities from one simple recipe! If you enjoy sweet treats, you might also like these air fryer apple fritters.
Serving Suggestions
These little puffs of joy practically beg to be paired with your morning coffee – dunking optional but highly encouraged! For kids (or the kid in you), a tall glass of cold milk is perfection. Feeling fancy? Serve with fresh berries for a sweet-tart contrast that’ll make your taste buds sing. If you’re looking for other quick air fryer snacks, check out these air fryer garlic knots.
Storage & Reheating
Now, I know these donut holes rarely last long enough to store, but if you somehow have leftovers (magic!), here’s how to keep them happy: pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, give them a quick 1-2 minute zap in the air fryer at 350°F to bring back that glorious crispiness. They’ll never taste quite as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still satisfy that craving!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into (per 3 donut holes): about 150 calories, 8g sugar, and 4g fat. Remember, these numbers are estimates – your exact ingredients might tweak them slightly. But let’s be honest, when something tastes this good, who’s counting? Understanding the basics of food preparation, like how proper food handling affects nutrition and safety, is always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these little air fryer donut holes – here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! I’ve had great results with 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure your baking powder is GF too. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best eaten within a few hours, but will keep in an airtight container for about 2 days. The crispiness fades, but a quick air fryer reheat brings them back to life!
Can I make the dough ahead?
You can mix it up to an hour before cooking, but don’t let it sit too long or the baking powder loses its oomph. Fresh is always better with these!
Why are mine dense inside?
Usually means your dough was overmixed or your baking powder’s old. And don’t skip preheating – that initial heat blast gives them lift!
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your air fryer donut holes turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on social – nothing makes me happier than seeing your golden, sugar-dusted creations. Happy munching!
Print
Irresistible 5-Minute Air Fryer Donut Holes Small Batch
- Total Time: 16 mins
- Yield: 12 donut holes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make crispy air fryer donut holes in a small batch. Perfect for a quick treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil spray
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray air fryer basket with oil spray.
- Place dough balls in the basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly. Toss in powdered sugar and cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American