
Light, festive donut holes made quickly in the air fryer, tossed in cinnamon sugar and finished with holiday sprinkles—perfect for parties and cozy mornings.

I still remember handing a warm bag of these to a neighbor on a snowy morning; she called back an hour later asking for the recipe because they were that irresistible. My kids like to help roll them and sprinkle the holiday confetti, which makes assembly feel like a family activity rather than a chore.
My favorite part is how quickly they rally a crowd. At one holiday brunch I made three batches back to back, and neighbors trickled in because the aroma was irresistible—the sprinkles made everyone smile and the texture won over even those who don’t usually reach for sweets at breakfast.
For same-day serving, let the donut holes cool slightly and store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 48 hours but know the coating may soften. For freezing, place uncoated, cooled donut holes on a baking sheet single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Reheat frozen donut holes in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warm, then dip in melted butter and recoat right before serving to restore the fresh finish. Use shallow, airtight containers to avoid crushing the coating and separate layers with parchment if stacking.
If you want to make them dairy-free, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter for both the dough and coating; accept that the flavor will shift slightly. For an egg-free version, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) but expect a denser interior. To reduce sugar, cut the batter sugar to 2 tablespoons and use a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sugar substitute in the coating; note that browning and texture will change. For gluten-free, use a reliable cup-for-cup blend with xanthan gum; the result is slightly more crumbly but still delicious.
Serve warm on a platter with small bowls of dipping options such as warm chocolate sauce, vanilla glaze, or fruit compote. Pair with hot coffee, spiced cider, or a pot of tea for cozy gatherings. For a brunch spread, offer alongside scrambled eggs and fruit salad to balance the sweetness. Garnish with a dusting of extra cinnamon or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. They also work well in small paper cupcake liners for grab-and-go parties.
Small fried or baked dough treats appear in many culinary traditions—beignets in New Orleans, oliebollen in the Netherlands, and donut holes in American baking. These air fryer versions nod to the classic American cake donut but adapt to modern kitchen tools for ease and less oil. The cinnamon sugar finish ties closely to winter flavors common in North American holiday baking traditions, and the sprinkles are a whimsical, contemporary flair that makes them feel celebratory at Christmas time.
In winter, emphasize warm spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough. For spring celebrations, swap sprinkles for a lemon glaze and finely grated lemon zest. At Halloween, toss in orange and black sprinkles and a touch of pumpkin pie spice. For Valentine’s Day, use pink sanding sugar and heart-shaped sprinkles. The basic batter is a blank slate—small changes to spices and toppings let you adapt for any season.
To streamline mornings, portion dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pop straight into the air fryer with a quick 1 to 2 minute allowance for the chilled dough. For batch prep, freeze shaped dough balls on a tray then store in freezer bags; cook from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the cook time. Keep coating components in separate containers and finish just before serving for the best texture.
These donut holes are one of those simple pleasures that bring extra cheer to a holiday table. They are approachable for cooks of all levels, quick enough for busy mornings, and flexible for improvisation. I hope they become a small tradition in your home the way they have in mine.
Keep the dough slightly tacky rather than dry to ensure a tender interior.
Cook in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer so each piece browns evenly.
If making ahead, flash-freeze uncoated dough balls for up to 3 months and finish after reheating.
This nourishing air fryer christmas donut holes recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
This Air Fryer Christmas Donut Holes recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes so the basket is evenly hot before cooking.
Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until combined.
In a separate bowl mix 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and slightly frothy.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix; stop when the dough is uniform with no large dry pockets.
Lightly flour hands and shape dough into 1-inch balls using about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even cooking.
Place donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each. Cook at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
While warm, dip each donut hole in 1/4 cup melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mix (1/2 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon). Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles before serving.
Last Step: Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Leave a comment & rating below or tag
@gusteen on social media!


Ultra-fudgy brownies crowned with melty marshmallows and a glossy cocoa icing. A nostalgic crowd-pleaser that slices cleanly and disappears fast.

Buttery shortbread crust meets gooey brown-sugar pecan filling in these quick, crowd-pleasing bars, prepped in just 10 minutes.

Ultra-smooth pumpkin cheesecake with warm spice, sturdy graham crust, and a foolproof, crack-free bake. Perfect with caramel and whipped cream.

Leave a comment & rating below or tag @gusteen on social media!
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don't forget to leave a review!
This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
Comments are stored locally in your browser. Server comments are displayed alongside your local comments.

Join to receive our email series which contains a round-up of some of our quick and easy family favorite recipes.