Air fryer donut holes are one of the fastest ways to make a warm, sweet treat at home. Using one 16.3-ounce can of refrigerated biscuit dough, melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, you can prepare about 24 to 32 fluffy donut holes in approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
These easy donut holes come out puffed, lightly golden, buttery, and coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar. The air fryer cooks the small dough pieces quickly, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, a casual dessert, or a fun weekend treat when a full batch of homemade donuts feels like too much work.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something especially satisfying about pulling a basket of warm donut holes from the air fryer and coating them while they are still soft and fragrant. This recipe skips yeast, proofing, rolling, and cutting, so it delivers a homemade-style dessert with very little preparation.
Refrigerated biscuit dough provides a tender, slightly flaky center, while the hot circulating air creates a lightly browned outside. Butter helps the cinnamon sugar cling to every nook and cranny, giving each bite a sweet, bakery-inspired finish.
The recipe is also flexible enough for different occasions. Make smaller pieces for a party platter, serve them alongside coffee at breakfast, or set out a bowl for children to enjoy as a simple after-school snack.
If you enjoy easy baked treats with a fruit-filled center, our easy cherry hand pies are another excellent dessert for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, but each item has an important role. Use refrigerated biscuit dough from a single 16.3-ounce, or 460-gram, can containing 8 biscuits.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the quick base for the donut holes. Separate the biscuits carefully before cutting them.
- Unsalted butter: Four tablespoons of melted butter add richness and help the coating stick to the warm dough.
- Granulated sugar: One-half cup provides the classic sweet crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon gives the coating its cozy, aromatic flavor.
- Powdered sugar and milk: These are optional ingredients for a simple glaze made after the donut holes cool briefly.
Have nonstick spray ready for the air-fryer basket. A small bowl for the cinnamon sugar and a separate bowl for the melted butter will make the coating process quick and tidy.
For another comforting recipe that works beautifully for breakfast or brunch, you can also try this German pancake recipe.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Separate the refrigerated biscuits and place them on a clean work surface. Cut each biscuit into 3 or 4 equal pieces, aiming for similar sizes so the donut holes finish cooking at about the same time.
Step 2: Roll each dough piece into a smooth ball using the palms of your hands. Pinch together any open edges or seams, because sealed dough balls hold their shape better as they puff in the air fryer.
Step 3: Lightly spray the air-fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the dough balls in one layer, leaving room around each piece so the hot air can circulate and brown the surfaces evenly.
Step 4: Set the air fryer to 350°F/175°C and cook the donut holes for about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn the pieces or shake the basket halfway through cooking, then check them early for a puffed shape and lightly golden color.
Step 5: Melt the unsalted butter while the dough cooks, if you have not already done so. As soon as the donut holes come out, brush or toss them with the warm butter so the coating can adhere properly.
Step 6: Stir the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a bowl. Add the buttered donut holes and roll them gently until every side is covered with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 7: Serve the donut holes warm for the softest center and freshest coating. If using glaze, whisk one-half cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, let the donut holes cool briefly, and drizzle the glaze over the top.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
The most important rule is to avoid overcrowding. Donut holes need space around them, and a single layer allows the air to move across the dough for more even browning.
Cut the biscuits into consistent portions. Oversized pieces may brown on the outside before the center is ready, while small pieces can cook very quickly and become dry if left in the basket too long.
Air fryers vary in power, basket design, and heat circulation, so begin checking around the five-minute mark. The finished donut holes should be puffed and lightly golden rather than deeply brown.
- Use a light coating of nonstick spray instead of soaking the basket.
- Turn or shake the donut holes halfway through the cooking time.
- Coat them with butter immediately after cooking.
- Roll them in cinnamon sugar while warm for the best coverage.
- Cook in batches if the basket cannot hold the pieces in one layer.
If you want a little variety, divide the finished batch between cinnamon sugar and powdered-sugar glaze. You can also serve both coatings at the table so everyone can choose a favorite.
Cinnamon Sugar or Glaze?
The cinnamon-sugar coating is the classic choice for these quick donut holes. It adds a delicate crunch while the butter contributes a rich flavor that makes the biscuit dough taste more like a freshly finished pastry.
The optional glaze is sweeter and smoother. Mix the powdered sugar with milk a little at a time until it becomes thick enough to drizzle but fluid enough to coat the warm pieces.
Let the donut holes cool briefly before glazing so the icing does not melt away instantly. For a mixed presentation, coat half in cinnamon sugar and glaze the rest, then arrange both varieties on one serving plate.
For a more elaborate dessert table, pair these treats with our creamy no-bake German chocolate pie for a pleasing contrast of warm spice and cool chocolate filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve air fryer donut holes in a shallow bowl or on a cake stand while they are warm. A small dish of extra cinnamon sugar beside the plate lets guests add another dusting if they like a stronger coating.
They are delicious with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk. For brunch, place them near fresh fruit and yogurt, or use them as a sweet ending after a savory breakfast.
These donut holes are also a cheerful option for birthdays, sleepovers, holiday mornings, and casual gatherings. Since the dough cooks in only 5 to 8 minutes per batch, you can prepare them close to serving time.
When planning a dessert spread, add a colorful fruit-based option such as our strawberry cream cheese cupcakes.
Storage and Reheating
Air fryer donut holes are best served immediately, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a short period. The cinnamon-sugar coating may soften as it sits, although the flavor will remain delicious.
To refresh them, warm the donut holes briefly in the air fryer until heated through. Watch them closely, because the small pieces can dry out if reheated too long.
If you plan to use glaze, store glazed pieces in a single layer when possible to reduce sticking. For the freshest texture, make only as many as you expect to serve and cook later batches as needed.
Easy Variations to Try
The basic cinnamon-sugar version is hard to beat, but the same method welcomes small finishing changes. Keep the biscuit dough, butter, temperature, and cooking time consistent, then vary the coating after the donut holes are cooked.
- Extra cinnamon: Add a little more cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a bolder spice flavor.
- Glazed finish: Use the powdered-sugar and milk mixture instead of cinnamon sugar, or use both on separate batches.
- Two-coating platter: Toss some donut holes in cinnamon sugar and drizzle the rest with glaze for visual variety.
- Mini portions: Divide each biscuit into 4 pieces for smaller, party-friendly bites.
Keep in mind that changing the portion size can affect the cooking speed. Smaller pieces may be ready sooner, so check them early and remove them once they are puffed and lightly golden.
For a savory recipe to serve before dessert, our Margherita pasta bake makes a comforting companion for a relaxed family meal.
Air Fryer Donut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Separate the refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into 3 or 4 equal pieces. Roll every piece between your palms into a smooth ball, pinching and sealing any seams so the dough stays together during cooking.
- Lightly spray the air-fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with space between them, working in batches if needed.
- Air-fry at 350°F/175°C for about 5 to 8 minutes, turning the pieces or shaking the basket halfway through. Remove them when they are puffed and lightly golden, checking early because air fryers and dough-piece sizes vary.
- Immediately brush or toss the warm donut holes with the melted butter. Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then roll the buttered donut holes in the mixture until well coated.
- Serve the cinnamon-sugar donut holes warm. For a glazed version, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, cool the donut holes briefly, and drizzle or toss them with the glaze.
Notes
Final Thoughts
Air fryer donut holes make a warm, irresistible treat from a handful of convenient ingredients. Refrigerated biscuit dough keeps the preparation simple, while melted butter and cinnamon sugar create the familiar flavor of a freshly finished donut.
Remember to cut the biscuits into evenly sized pieces, leave space in the basket, turn or shake halfway through cooking, and check early. Once the donut holes are puffed and lightly golden, coat them while warm and serve right away.
Whether you choose classic cinnamon sugar, a powdered-sugar glaze, or a combination of both, this quick air fryer recipe is sure to disappear quickly. It is an easy dessert to keep in your back pocket whenever you want something sweet without a long baking project.