Air Fryer Donut Hole Recipes - A Healthier, Guilt-Free Way to Enjoy Donuts

Make Healthy Air Fryer Donut Holes for a Guilt-Free Treat

Donut holes are a beloved snack for people of all ages. Who can resist those soft, warm balls of fried dough coated in sweet glaze or cinnamon sugar? However, traditional donut holes are deep-fried and packed with sugar, making them an unhealthy indulgence.

Luckily, it's easy to make a healthier version of this classic treat right at home using an air fryer. Air fried donut holes cut out the oil while still delivering the delicious taste and texture you crave.

Benefits of Air Fryer Donut Holes

Here are some of the reasons why air fryer donut holes are a smart snack choice:

• No deep frying - Air frying uses little to no oil, avoiding greasy donuts.
• Lower in fat and calories - An air fryer significantly cuts the fat and calories compared to fried donut holes.
• Easier on blood sugar - With less oil and simpler ingredients, air fried donuts cause smaller blood sugar spikes.
• More nutrients - You control the ingredients, so you can pack in whole grains, nuts, fruits and more.
• Kid-friendly cooking - Let kids help mix and shape the dough into holes.

Tips for Air Frying Donut Holes

While air fryer donut holes are healthier than fried, you still want that irresistible texture. Follow these tips:

• Use a moist batter - Ingredients like Greek yogurt and applesauce keep donuts tender.
• Don't overmix - Gentle mixing creates air pockets for a fluffy interior.
• Shape evenly - So donuts cook and brown evenly.
• Use nut flours - Almond and coconut flour make dough extra moist.
• Coat with cinnamon sugar - For a touch of sweetness and crunch after air frying.

Equipment for Air Fryer Donut Holes

An air fryer is obviously key for making healthier donut holes at home. Here are some other helpful tools:

• Donut hole maker - For perfectly shaped spheres.
• Piping bags - Useful for filling donut holes after air frying.
• Cooling racks - Let donuts cool and allow excess oil to drip off.
• Mixing bowls - For the batter and coatings.
• Whisk - To smoothly incorporate wet and dry ingredients.

Best Air Fryers for Donut Holes

Nearly any air fryer can make tasty donut holes. But to really recreate that round, pillowy shape look for models with:

• Wide, flat basket - More room for donuts to puff up.
• Higher wattage - Quickly crisps the outside at a hot temperature.
• Rotating basket - Ensures all sides cook evenly.
• Digital controls - For precisely setting and adjusting time/temperature.

Air Fryer Donut Hole Ingredients

Donut holes start with a moist batter crafted from pantry staples. Consider ingredients like:

• Flour - Choose white whole wheat or almond flour for extra nutrition.
• Leavening - Baking powder or baking soda makes donuts fluffy.
• Sweetener - Honey, maple syrup, or stevia work well.
• Eggs and yogurt - Bind ingredients and keep donuts tender.
• Milk - Any type works to add moisture.
• Vanilla - Enhances other flavors.
• Spices - Like cinnamon and nutmeg.

How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes

This easy 5 step method delivers perfect air fried donut holes:

1. Mix the batter - Whisk together the dry ingredients, then add in the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined.
2. Portion the batter - Use a donut hole maker, cookie scoop, or spoon to shape uniform balls.
3. Air fry - Cook at 350°F for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Toss in cinnamon sugar - For a sweet, crispy coating while still warm.
5. Fill or glaze (optional) - Inject filling via piping bag or dunk tops in glaze.

Donut Hole Fillings

Take your air fried donut holes to the next level with creative fillings like:

• Cream cheese - Sweetened with vanilla and cinnamon.
• Whipped cream - Lightly sweetened or flavored with extracts.
• Fruit preserves - Strawberry, blueberry, or apricot taste delicious.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread - For that Ferrero Rocher flavor.
• Caramel - Classic with sea salt.
• Peanut butter - Another nutty, crowd-pleasing option.

Donut Hole Glaze Ideas

Drizzle glazes over your air fried donut holes for even more wow factor. Fun glaze recipes include:

• Vanilla - Simple and sweet.
• Cream cheese - Tangy and rich.
• Maple - For a subtle maple flavor.
• Chocolate - Melted chocolate chips.
• Powdered sugar - Quick and easy.
• Berry - Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, etc.
• Citrus - Lemon, lime, orange.
• Mocha - Chocolate and coffee.

Top Air Fryer Donut Hole Recipes

Here are some irresistible air fryer donut hole recipes to try:

1. Classic Cinnamon Sugar

This easy cinnamon sugar donut hole recipe only requires a few pantry staples. It's hard to stop at just one.

2. Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin pie spices give these autumn-inspired donut holes tons of flavor. Drizzle with maple glaze.

3. Blueberry Lemon

Bursting berries inside tangy lemon donut holes make this recipe a delicious summer treat.

4. Chocolate Glazed

Chocoholics will devour these chocolate-studded air fried donuts dunked in rich chocolate glaze.

5. Tie-Dye

Make colorful tie-dye-swirled donut holes using all natural beet, turmeric, and blue spirulina powders.

6. Apple Cider

The taste of fall, with apple cider and warming spices baked right into the batter before air frying.

7. Caramel Apple

Healthier caramel apple flavors in donut form. Chopped apples in the mix and salted caramel glaze on top.

8. PB&J

Kids will flip for these PB&J donuts with peanut butter in the dough and jelly for dipping.

9. Funfetti

Party like it’s your birthday with funfetti donut holes coated in rainbow sprinkles.

10. Red Velvet

The cream cheese filling puts a lighter spin on classic red velvet donut holes.

Make Air Fryer Donut Holes for Breakfast

While donuts are often considered a sweet treat, air fried donut holes can also be enjoyed for breakfast. Some breakfast-inspired flavors include:

• Bacon, egg, and cheese - Add crispy bacon bits into the batter.
• Maple sausage - With bits of maple sausage in the dough.
• Coffee - Espresso powder in the mix is divine.
• Breakfast sandwich - Fill donut holes with egg, cheese, and ham.
• Breakfast parfait - Layer yogurt and fruit inside donut holes.

Air fried donut holes are a fun way to jazz up a typical morning meal. Make a batch on the weekend to enjoy all week long.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Donut Holes

While best fresh, you can extend the life of your air fried donut holes by:

• Letting cool completely before storing.
• Keeping in a sealed container for 2-3 days.
• Freezing for 2-3 months.
• Reheating in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Revive stale donut holes by dunking in milk before reheating. Air fryer donut holes stay moist longer than baked donuts.

Air Fryer Donut Holes Are a Healthier, Homemade Treat

Air fryer donut holes allow you to indulge in a nostalgic snack, minus the guilt. Ditch the greasy, sugar-laden kind and instead make your own using better-for-you ingredients.

Let your creativity run wild designing fun flavors, glazes, and fillings. Tailor donut holes to your taste and dietary needs, like making them paleo, vegan, or kid-friendly. Air fry for a crowd and watch these bite-sized donuts disappear in minutes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.