Name: Air Fryer Donut Holes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 can biscuit dough; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

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If there’s one air fryer treat that disappears fast, it’s these Air Fryer Donut Holes. Light, golden, and tossed in buttery cinnamon sugar, they taste like they came straight from the fair — but they’re ready in 10 minutes right in your kitchen.

This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again, especially when I want something sweet but low-effort. Biscuit dough is the ultimate shortcut: just cut, air fry, and coat. No deep fryer, no oil splatters, no rising dough.

The texture is soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior that soaks up melted butter and clings to that sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. You can even dress them up with a maple glaze or chocolate drizzle if you’re feeling extra.

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy fall snack, these donut holes are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Let’s get frying!

🥕 Ingredients Overview

You only need a handful of simple ingredients:

1 can biscuit dough – Any brand works (like Pillsbury Grands). Avoid flaky layers for best texture.
2 tbsp melted butter – Helps the sugar stick and adds buttery richness.
1/4 cup sugar – Classic sweetness for the coating.
1 tsp cinnamon – Warm spice that makes these smell irresistible.

Optional Add-Ons:

Maple glaze: mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.
Chocolate drizzle or caramel dip.

Tips & Swaps:

Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Want less sugar? Just dust with cinnamon or use monk fruit sweetener.
Add pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces, about 1-inch in size. Pro Tip: Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife for quick cuts.
Roll each piece into a ball using your hands.
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil or nonstick spray.
Place donut holes in a single layer, spaced apart.
Air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes, until golden and puffed. Pro Tip: Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
Immediately toss the warm donut holes in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar.
Serve warm, optionally drizzled with glaze or dipped in sauce.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the basket – Cook in batches for crisp, even results.
Skipping the butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar actually stick!
Using flaky dough – Makes layers separate while cooking.
Not checking early – These cook fast, so peek at 5 minutes.
Letting them cool too much before coating – Cinnamon sugar sticks best when warm.

🎨 Variations & Add-Ons

Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes – Swap in pumpkin pie spice.
Stuffed Version – Add a bit of jam or Nutella inside before rolling.
Maple Glazed – Drizzle with maple icing for a cozy fall twist.
Vanilla Glaze – Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a classic finish.
Chocolate Dipped – Melt chocolate chips for dunking.

📦 Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Shape dough balls a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Air fry fresh.
Storage: Best fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days.
Reheating: Air fry at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 10–20 seconds.
Tip: Recoat in cinnamon sugar after reheating for best texture.

🥗 Nutrition Highlights

Approximately 90 calories per donut hole (without glaze). Easy to make dairy-free.