Growing up in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and sugar was a Sunday morning ritual that signaled special moments ahead. There’s something magical about biting into a warm, pillowy donut hole with that perfect cinnamon-sugar crunch. While traditional donuts require deep-frying and careful temperature monitoring, I’ve perfected a version using an air fryer that captures all the nostalgic flavor without the hassle. These little bites of joy have roots in European “olykoeks” (oil cakes) that Dutch settlers brought to America in the 1800s, though today’s grandmother-style version has evolved to balance tradition with modern convenience. 🏡✨
The Story Behind Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes 📖
Donut holes weren’t always intentional creations – they began as a practical solution to the center cutouts from ring donuts. What started as a way to minimize waste became beloved treats in their own right. The brilliance of this recipe is that it honors the pillowy, soft interior of traditional donut holes while giving them a delightfully crisp exterior—all with significantly less oil than deep-frying. I’ve adjusted my grandmother’s recipe to work perfectly in an air fryer, maintaining that handmade quality that makes them taste like they came straight from her farmhouse kitchen. 🌍
Essential Ingredients 🧾
For the donut holes:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon (70g) cold unsalted butter, diced
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray
For the coating:
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter (optional, for richer coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This even distribution ensures perfect texture.
2. Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates those delightful pockets of tenderness in the finished donut holes! 💡
3. Pour in the milk and vanilla, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—that’s the secret to keeping them light and fluffy.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 4-5 times. Shape into a disk, then divide into 16 equal portions. Roll each into a ball between your palms.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.
6. Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown.
7. While the donut holes cook, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
8. Once the donut holes are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm. For an extra-indulgent coating, brush each with a little melted butter before rolling in the cinnamon sugar. 🤫
Chef’s Note: The true secret to grandmother-style donut holes is the contrast between the crisp exterior and tender interior. Check them at 8 minutes—you want them golden but not overly browned. If they look dry after cooking, a quick brush with melted butter before the cinnamon-sugar coating will restore that homemade magic. Just like my grandmother taught me: “Butter fixes almost anything in the kitchen.” 📌
Serving & Presentation Tips 🍽️
Serve these donut holes warm for the most authentic experience. They pair beautifully with vibrant smoothie bowls for a balanced breakfast or alongside homemade apple pie for a dessert medley. For a globally inspired brunch, offer them with crispy Thai basil pork rolls for a sweet-savory contrast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try serving with a dipping sauce of maple glaze or chocolate ganache.
If you enjoy these donut holes, you might also appreciate the layered sweetness of pistachio baklava, another treat that balances crispy exterior with tender interior. For an unexpected pairing, the complex richness of slow-simmered Norman dishes can provide fascinating contrast to these sweet bites.
There’s nothing quite like watching someone’s face light up when they bite into these pillowy, cinnamon-kissed treasures. They may use modern technology, but they carry the soul of generations of home bakers who knew that sometimes the simplest foods bring the most joy. Remember, cooking is about more than following steps—it’s about creating moments and memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone. 💕