Category: Breakfast / Dessert
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 donut holes
Difficulty: Easy

Air Fryer Glazed Donut Holes

Air Fryer Glazed Donut Holes are a quick and delicious homemade treat that delivers everything you love about classic donuts in a smaller, bite-sized form. These little donut bites are soft, fluffy, lightly sweet, and covered with a smooth glossy glaze that melts beautifully over the warm dough.

Using an air fryer makes this recipe easier and lighter than traditional deep-fried donuts. Instead of cooking in a large amount of oil, the donut holes are baked with circulating hot air, creating a golden outside while keeping the inside tender and airy.

These donut holes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, holiday mornings, or a simple homemade dessert. They require basic ingredients and can be prepared quickly, making them a great option when you want fresh donuts without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons these air fryer donut holes are a favorite:

Quick and Easy Preparation
These donut holes come together in less time than traditional yeast donuts.
Light and Fluffy Texture
The air fryer helps create a soft interior with a slightly golden outside.
Less Oil Required
Air frying gives you a lighter version while still keeping delicious donut flavor.
Perfect Bite-Sized Treat
Small donut holes are easy to serve and fun for both children and adults.
Customizable Flavor
You can add cinnamon, chocolate, sprinkles, or different glazes.
Great for Any Occasion
Serve them for breakfast, parties, celebrations, or a cozy weekend treat.

What Makes These Donut Holes Special?

A good donut hole should have a balance of textures:

Soft and fluffy center
Slightly golden exterior
Sweet vanilla flavor
Smooth sugary glaze

The air fryer creates a texture that is similar to baked donuts while keeping the preparation simple. Since there is no deep frying, there is less mess and no need to handle large amounts of hot oil.

The glaze adds the finishing touch by creating a sweet coating that makes every bite taste like a classic bakery donut.

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes

1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 large egg
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for the air fryer basket

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

You can decorate your donut holes with:

Cinnamon sugar
Chocolate drizzle
Colored sprinkles
Crushed nuts
Coconut flakes
Extra powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

You will need:

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cups
Parchment liner (optional)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to:

350°F (175°C)

for about 3 minutes.

Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Preheating helps the donut holes cook evenly and develop a better golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon (if using)

Whisk the ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Combining the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking powder and flavorings are distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

Egg
Milk
Melted butter
Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

The egg helps provide structure, while the milk and butter create a soft and tender texture.

Step 4: Make the Donut Dough

Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Stir gently until a soft dough forms.

Avoid overmixing because too much mixing can make the donut holes dense instead of fluffy.

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but easy to shape.

Step 5: Shape the Donut Holes

Lightly flour your hands.

Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in size.

Try to make them similar in size so they cook evenly.

Avoid making them too large because the outside may brown before the center cooks completely.

Step 6: Air Fry the Donut Holes

Place the donut holes into the air fryer basket.

Leave space between each piece so hot air can circulate properly.

Cook at:

350°F (175°C)

for:

8–10 minutes

Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them brown evenly.

The donut holes are ready when:

They are lightly golden
The outside feels firm
The center is soft and cooked through

Do not overcook them because they can become dry.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the donut holes are cooking, prepare the glaze.

In a small bowl, combine:

Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract
Salt

Whisk until smooth.

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donut holes but thin enough to drip slightly.

Add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker coating.

Step 8: Coat the Donut Holes

Allow the donut holes to cool for a few minutes.

Dip each warm donut hole into the glaze.

Turn it around to coat all sides.

Place them on a cooling rack or plate.

The glaze will slowly set and create a beautiful shiny finish.

For an extra sweet treat, add a second layer of glaze after the first layer dries slightly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the donut holes while fresh.

They are delicious with:

Coffee
Tea
Hot chocolate
Fresh fruit
Smoothies

These small treats are best enjoyed warm when the inside is soft and fluffy.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes

1. Do Not Overmix the Dough

Overmixing develops too much gluten and can create a chewy texture.

Mix only until ingredients are combined.

2. Keep Sizes Even

Uniform donut holes cook at the same speed.

Use a small cookie scoop if available.

3. Avoid Crowding the Basket

The air fryer needs space for proper circulation.

Cook in batches if necessary.

4. Glaze While Slightly Warm

Warm donut holes absorb the glaze better and create a smoother coating.

5. Add Flavor Variations

Try adding:

Lemon zest
Pumpkin spice
Chocolate chips
Maple flavoring
Coconut extract

Delicious Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Instead of glaze:

Melt a small amount of butter.
Coat warm donut holes.
Roll in cinnamon sugar.

Chocolate Glazed Donut Holes

Add cocoa powder to the glaze for a chocolate version.

Strawberry Glazed Donut Holes

Mix strawberry puree or strawberry jam into the glaze.

Filled Donut Holes

After cooking, fill them with:

Jam
Custard
Chocolate cream
Peanut butter

Storage Instructions

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container.

They stay fresh for:

1–2 days at room temperature

up to 4 days in the refrigerator

Reheating Instructions

To restore softness:

Air fry at:

300°F (150°C)

for:

2–3 minutes

You can also warm them briefly in the microwave.

Avoid overheating because the glaze may melt too much.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Donut Holes Are Dry

Cause: Overcooking.

Solution: Reduce cooking time slightly.

Donut Holes Are Dense

Cause: Overmixing dough.

Solution: Stir gently until just combined.

Glaze Is Too Thin

Cause: Too much milk.

Solution: Add more powdered sugar.

Donut Holes Stick

Cause: Basket was not prepared.

Solution: Spray lightly before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes. Reduce or remove the added baking powder.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes. You can use applesauce or yogurt as an egg replacement, though the texture may change slightly.

Can I freeze donut holes?

Yes. Freeze without glaze for best results.

Thaw and warm before adding fresh glaze.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes. Prepare them a few hours before serving and glaze before eating.

Recipe Summary

Name: Air Fryer Glazed Donut Holes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12 donut holes

Difficulty: Easy

Best For: Breakfast, snacks, desserts, parties