Imagine taking a bite of a warm, soft donut hole coated in cinnamon sugar. That perfect little burst of sweetness that melts in your mouth. Now picture making those delicious treats right at home using your air fryer. This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Hole recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly tasty – you’ll wonder why you ever bought them pre-made.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe is in the dough. It uses only two ingredients: Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. This same dough is versatile and has been used in other popular recipes, including bagels, pizza dough, and quick breads. For this recipe, the air fryer gives the donut holes a light, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own easily. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This simple substitution works just as well and allows you to enjoy fresh homemade donuts anytime.
Simple Toppings That Make a Difference
Cinnamon sugar is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, sweet, and satisfying. In this recipe, the donut holes are coated in melted butter and then rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. You can also try powdered sugar with a hint of cinnamon for a slightly different flavor. Other ideas that would work beautifully include vanilla glaze, strawberry glaze, or even a light cream cheese glaze. Sprinkles can be added to make them fun for kids or special occasions.
The best part about these donut holes is how customizable they are. Whether you want a simple breakfast treat or a dessert for a special occasion, you can adjust the toppings to fit your mood or taste.
Making the Donut Holes
Preparing the dough is quick and straightforward. Simply mix the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour in a bowl until it forms a sticky dough. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease the basket.
Portion the dough into small balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them in the air fryer. Bake for 4 minutes, turn them over, and bake for another 4-5 minutes. While the donut holes bake, prepare your cinnamon sugar mixture and melt the butter.
Once baked, dip each donut hole in melted butter and coat evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give each donut hole enough space so the air can circulate. This ensures they bake evenly and get that golden exterior.
- Sticky dough is normal: The dough will be slightly sticky. Lightly flour your hands when rolling into balls to make it easier.
- Serve warm: These donut holes are best eaten fresh from the air fryer. They tend to harden slightly as they cool, so try to enjoy them right away.
- Experiment with flavors: Beyond cinnamon sugar, try cocoa powder with sugar, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for seasonal variations.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes – Quick & Delicious Treats
- Total Time: 15 min
Ingredients
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup self-rising flour (or make your own: 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Mix until you have a sticky dough.
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray.
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Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough, placing the balls in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
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Bake for 4 minutes, then carefully turn each donut hole and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
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While the donut holes bake, melt the butter in a small bowl and combine sugar and cinnamon in another.
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Once baked, dip each donut hole into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
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Place on a plate or parchment paper and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Roll into balls and air fry when ready.
- Air fryer variations: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand of air fryer. Check for golden brown color and adjust time as needed.
- Toppings: Feel free to experiment with powdered sugar, glaze, or a drizzle of chocolate for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
