This batch of Air Fryer Christmas donut holes began as a mid December experiment the year I decided holiday mornings should smell like a bakery but without the long wait. I discovered this combination when I wanted warm, lightly spiced little rounds for a family brunch and realized the air fryer could give them a crisp exterior and tender interior in a fraction of the time. They are soft, pillowy, and gently spiced with cinnamon so each bite evokes cozy kitchen memories and makes the house feel celebratory.

I call these my emergency holiday treat because they come together with simple pantry ingredients and cook fast enough to be ready while the coffee brews. The outside crisps to a pale golden color while the inside stays moist and cake like. The cinnamon sugar coating gives a nostalgic finish and the red green white sprinkles read as festive without being over the top. Whether you make them for a family breakfast or a last minute party platter, they always disappear quickly.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: 2 cups. Choose a trusted brand like King Arthur or Pillsbury for even texture. Sift if your flour is compacted. Flour provides structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: 1 4 cup for the dough. Use regular white sugar, which dissolves easily in the wet ingredients and gives mild sweetness without affecting texture.
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons. This is the leavening agent that makes the donut holes rise and become airy. Check the date for potency.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 2 teaspoon in the dough and 1 teaspoon for the coating. Freshly ground yields the best aroma and flavor for holiday spice.
• Salt: 1 4 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Whole milk: 2 3 cup. Whole milk gives moisture and contributes to a tender interior. If subbing, choose a full fat alternative for similar richness.
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted for the dough and 1 4 cup melted for coating. Melted butter in the batter adds flavor and in the coating helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
• Large egg: 1, room temperature. It binds the dough and adds lift.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. Use pure vanilla for depth of flavor that complements cinnamon.
• Coating sugars: 1 2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a classic finish, plus 2 tablespoons holiday themed sprinkles in red green and white for festive color.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer:Set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it come fully to temperature for best browning about 3 to 5 minutes depending on your model. A preheated basket creates immediate contact heat so the exterior crisps while the interior cooks through evenly.Mix dry ingredients:In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups all purpose flour 1 4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 4 teaspoon salt until homogenous and aerated. Whisking helps distribute leavening for even rise.Combine wet ingredients:In a separate bowl whisk 2 3 cup whole milk 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the melted butter is not piping hot or it may cook the egg. Room temperature egg blends more easily and gives a smoother batter.Form the dough:Pour the wet into the dry and stir gently until a soft cohesive dough forms. Avoid over mixing to prevent toughness. If the dough feels sticky lightly flour your hands. You are aiming for a scoopable sticky ball that holds shape.Shape into balls:Using a tablespoon measure roll or scoop the dough into approximately 1 inch balls roughly 1 tablespoon each. Wet or lightly floured hands help form even spheres. Place formed pieces on a lightly floured tray so they do not stick.Air fry in batches:Place donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket leaving space between each for air circulation. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 8 minutes shaking or turning halfway through. Look for a pale golden color and a firm springy center when pressed gently. Cooking time varies slightly by air fryer size so check the first batch closely.Coat while warm:While still warm dip each donut hole into 1 4 cup melted butter then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture of 1 2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Finish with 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles pressed gently so they adhere. Serve warm for the best contrast between crisp exterior and soft interior.

Storage Tips

To store leave uncoated donut holes in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage place cooled pieces in a freezer friendly container separated by parchment and freeze for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw at room temperature ten to twenty minutes and refresh in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar to restore texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need dairy free options substitute the whole milk with a full fat plant milk such as oat or soy and use a dairy free spread in place of butter. For egg free use a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg made with one tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons water, though texture will be slightly denser. For gluten free try a 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour blend and add one quarter teaspoon xanthan gum if the blend lacks binding agents.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on a platter dusted lightly with extra cinnamon sugar with small bowls of warm chocolate sauce caramel sauce and fruit compote for dipping. These are perfect with coffee tea or hot chocolate and work well as part of a holiday brunch spread alongside cinnamon rolls and roasted fruit. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and extra sprinkles for a festive presentation.

Cultural Background

Small sweet fried or baked dough points appear in many traditions around the world from beignets to loukoumades. These little rounds draw inspiration from classic American cake doughnuts and European fritters but adapted to an air fryer for modern convenience. The ritual of coating in cinnamon sugar echoes many wintertime treats where warming spices are associated with celebrations and family gatherings.

Seasonal Adaptations

For a winter variation add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough or fold in a tablespoon of orange zest for brightness. For a cozy autumn twist add pumpkin pie spice and swap sprinkles for chopped toasted pecans. For a New Year s version swap sprinkles for edible gold dust or use a limoncello glaze for a citrus finish.

Meal Prep Tips

Shape all the dough ahead of time and place on a sheet tray covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to four hours then cook in the air fryer when ready. This saves active hands on morning of serving. Keep the coating separate and coat each piece right after cooking for the best texture. Packaging in shallow containers with padding prevents the coating from being knocked off during transport.

These donut holes are forgiving and fast. They make weekday breakfasts special and holiday mornings relaxed. Try making a double batch and freezing half so you have an instant treat ready for unexpected guests.