This easy air fryer donut holes recipe turns one can of refrigerated biscuit dough into about 32 warm, fluffy treats in just 15 to 17 minutes. Cut each of the eight biscuits into four pieces, roll them into balls, air fry at 330°F for 5 to 7 minutes, then coat the hot donut holes with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
Every bite has a lightly golden outside, a tender biscuit-like center, and a sweet cinnamon finish that tastes wonderfully similar to a fresh bakery snack. They are quick enough for a weekday breakfast, simple enough for beginner cooks, and especially delicious served warm with coffee, tea, or cold milk.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer donut holes are made for moments when you want a homemade sweet treat without mixing, kneading, proofing, or deep-frying. The refrigerated biscuit dough does the heavy lifting, while the air fryer cooks the small pieces quickly with a lightly crisp exterior and a soft middle.
The preparation is also easy to manage with children. Cutting the dough, rolling the pieces into balls, brushing them with butter, and shaking them in cinnamon sugar are all simple tasks that make this a fun family kitchen project.
- Fast: Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes only 5 to 7 minutes per batch.
- Simple: You need one can of biscuit dough plus three coating ingredients.
- Plentiful: Eight biscuits create approximately 32 bite-size donut holes.
- Flexible: The finished bites can be coated with cinnamon sugar or changed into glazed donut holes.
If you enjoy making crisp, quick snacks in your air fryer, you may also like these air fryer sesame tofu bites for a savory option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start with one can of refrigerated biscuit dough, approximately 16.3 ounces and containing eight biscuits. Biscuit dough gives these donut holes their most typical soft, cakey texture and makes portioning particularly easy.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough: Separate the biscuits before cutting them into equal pieces.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the warm surface.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Use regular white sugar for a classic crunchy coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Stir it thoroughly into the sugar for even flavor in every bite.
Prepare the butter in a small bowl and combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl before the dough goes into the air fryer. Having the coating ready means you can finish the donut holes while they are still hot, which is when the butter and sugar cling best.
For another sweet recipe to serve at a dessert table, keep these easy peppermint brownies in mind. Their rich chocolate flavor makes a nice contrast to these light cinnamon bites.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 330°F. A properly heated basket helps the biscuit dough begin cooking right away and supports even puffing, so do not skip the preheating stage if your model requires it.
Step 2: Open the biscuit can and separate the eight biscuits. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces, aiming for pieces that are similar in size so they finish cooking at about the same time.
Step 3: Roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms. Press any loose edges together and gently round the dough; smooth balls cook more evenly and give the finished donut holes a prettier shape.
Step 4: Arrange the dough balls in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Leave space between them so hot air can circulate around every side, and plan to cook in batches if the basket cannot hold all 32 pieces comfortably.
Step 5: Air fry the first batch at 330°F for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the donut holes halfway through, then begin checking at the five-minute mark for a puffed shape and lightly golden color.
Step 6: While the dough cooks, stir the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter and place it close to the coating station so the warm donut holes can be finished without delay.
Step 7: Remove the cooked donut holes and immediately brush or dip them in melted butter. Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning gently until the coating covers the warm surface.
Step 8: Transfer the coated donut holes to a serving plate and serve warm. Repeat with the remaining dough, allowing the air fryer to return to temperature if needed between batches.
Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
The most important rule is to avoid overcrowding. A crowded basket blocks airflow, which can leave some sides pale or undercooked while other pieces brown too quickly.
Air fryers vary considerably, and biscuit brands can have slightly different textures and moisture levels. Begin checking at 5 minutes, particularly if your dough balls are small or if you choose to cook at a 350°F setting; higher heat can brown the outside sooner.
- Keep the dough pieces as equal in size as possible.
- Use a single layer rather than stacking the dough.
- Shake or turn the donut holes halfway through cooking.
- Look for a puffed shape and lightly golden exterior.
- Coat the bites immediately after cooking while they are warm.
If the first batch needs a little more color, add short increments of cooking time rather than several minutes at once. This protects the tender center and gives you better control over browning.
For more air fryer inspiration, take a look at these air fryer donuts, another fun way to make a bakery-style treat at home.
Cinnamon Sugar and Glazed Variations
The classic cinnamon-sugar coating is hard to beat because it is quick, fragrant, and slightly crisp. For the best coverage, roll each buttered donut hole while it is still warm, and gently press it into the mixture if needed.
You can also make a simple glaze by replacing the cinnamon sugar with a mixture of approximately 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, adding the milk gradually so the glaze stays thick enough to cling to the donut holes.
Dip the warm donut holes into the glaze and let excess icing drip back into the bowl. Allow them to rest briefly on a rack or plate before serving so the glaze can set slightly.
Although refrigerated crescent dough or pizza dough can be used in place of biscuit dough, biscuit dough gives the most familiar soft, cakey result. If trying another dough, keep the pieces uniform and watch the first batch closely because texture and cooking time may change.
Serving, Storage, and Reheating
Serve these donut holes warm on a platter, in a basket lined with parchment, or in individual cups for a brunch buffet. They pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or a simple glass of milk.
For a larger casual spread, serve the sweet bites after savory dishes such as this easy Big Mac casserole. A sweet-and-savory menu gives guests plenty of variety without requiring complicated desserts.
These donut holes are best shortly after cooking, when the centers are soft and the coating is fragrant. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a short period, keeping in mind that the cinnamon-sugar coating may soften.
To warm them, return the donut holes to the air fryer for a brief warming period at a moderate setting, checking frequently so the sugar does not darken too much. You can also warm individual pieces gently and add a fresh dusting of cinnamon sugar if the original coating has absorbed moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook all 32 donut holes at once? Only if your air-fryer basket can hold them in a single layer with space between each piece. Most baskets require multiple batches, and giving the dough room allows it to brown more evenly.
Why are my donut holes dark on the outside? The temperature may be too high for your model, or the pieces may have cooked longer than needed. Check at 5 minutes, especially at 350°F, and remove them once they are puffed and lightly golden.
Can I skip the butter? You can, but the butter adds flavor and gives the cinnamon-sugar mixture something to adhere to. For the fullest coating, brush or dip the donut holes as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
Do I need to use cooking spray? The researched standard method does not require it. If your air-fryer manufacturer recommends a light coating for dough, follow your appliance instructions, but avoid overcrowding regardless.
Easy Air Fryer Donut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 330°F. Separate the refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into four equal pieces.
- Roll each dough piece between your palms into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving space around each one.
- Air fry at 330°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. Begin checking at 5 minutes; the donut holes should be puffed and lightly golden.
- Stir the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. While the donut holes are still warm, brush or dip them in melted butter.
- Roll the buttered donut holes in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Serve warm.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This easy air fryer donut holes recipe is a dependable shortcut to warm, homemade-tasting treats. With one can of biscuit dough, melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, you can create approximately 32 golden bites in only 5 to 7 minutes of air-frying time.
Remember the three details that make the biggest difference: leave room around the dough balls, check them early, and coat them while they are warm. Once you taste the soft center and sweet cinnamon crust, these quick donut holes are likely to become a favorite for breakfast, brunch, snacks, and spontaneous dessert cravings.
For a party menu that includes a little of everything, pair these donut holes with a savory dip such as this easy fiesta dip. The combination makes a welcoming spread for family gatherings, game days, and relaxed weekend entertaining.
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