These air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes with vanilla glaze hit that bakery-style sweet spot: a tender center, a lightly crisp exterior, and a simple glaze that sets with a shiny finish.
Why This Air Fryer Recipe Works
The air fryer gives you a fast, even bake without dealing with hot oil or lingering frying smells.
A quick brush of melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick, and a simple powdered-sugar glaze drizzles on smoothly and sets in minutes.
- No deep frying required
- Small-batch friendly and quick to cook
- Cinnamon sugar plus vanilla glaze = classic donut shop flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a simple homemade donut-hole batter (not canned biscuit dough), so the texture is more like a true donut hole than a biscuit bite.
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Fine salt
- Ground cinnamon (for the coating)
- Milk
- Large egg
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- Milk or cream (for the glaze)
Optional but helpful: nonstick spray for the basket, and a small cookie scoop for even sizing.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes with Vanilla Glaze in the Air Fryer
1) Preheat the air fryer and prep the basket. Lightly spray the basket or use parchment made for air fryers (with holes). Set aside.
2) Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3) Mix the wet ingredients. In a second bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
4) Make the batter. Pour wet into dry and stir just until no dry streaks remain. The batter will be thick and scoopable; don’t overmix.
5) Portion into donut holes. Use a small scoop or two spoons to drop 1-inch mounds into the basket, spaced apart so air can circulate.
6) Air fry. Cook until puffed and golden, then remove to a rack or plate.
7) Coat in cinnamon sugar. While warm, brush each donut hole lightly with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until well covered.
8) Glaze. Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk/cream and a little vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the donut holes or dip the tops, then let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Time and Temperature
Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes for 1-inch donut holes, shaking the basket or turning once halfway through.
They’re done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Smaller donut holes: start checking at 5–6 minutes
- Larger donut holes: may take 8–10 minutes
- Different air fryers run hot/cool—watch the first batch closely
Tips for the Best Results
Keep the donut holes uniform. A small cookie scoop makes a big difference in even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. If they’re touching, they’ll steam and brown unevenly.
Glaze consistency matters. For a thicker glaze, use less liquid; for a thinner drizzle, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it flows.
- Let donut holes cool 2–3 minutes before glazing so it doesn’t melt completely off.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm so it sticks.
- If the outside browns too fast, drop the temp to 340°F and add a minute or two.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch up the flavor without changing the method? Try one of these.
- Maple glaze: swap vanilla for maple extract and use a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Apple pie vibe: add a little extra cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Chocolate drizzle: melt chocolate chips with a little butter and drizzle after the vanilla glaze sets.
- Dairy-free: use unsweetened plant milk and a dairy-free butter alternative for brushing.
What to Serve With It
These donut holes lean sweet and cozy, so simple pairings work best.
- Hot coffee or a homemade latte
- Fresh fruit (berries or sliced apples)
- Yogurt for a brunch spread
- Serve alongside Air Fryer Recipes for an easy weekend breakfast table
Storage and Reheating
Store donut holes in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. If glazed, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze (unglazed is best) in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature.
To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–4 minutes until just heated through. If the glaze looks dull after reheating, add a fresh drizzle or dust with powdered sugar.
For more air fryer make-ahead ideas, see Air Fryer Reheating Guide.
FAQ
Can I make air fryer donut holes without yeast?
Yes. This recipe uses baking powder for lift, so there’s no rise time and they cook quickly. The texture is tender and cake-like, not chewy like a yeasted donut.
Why are my donut holes dry?
Overmixing the batter or cooking too long are the usual culprits. Stir just until combined and start checking at the lower end of the cook time, especially with smaller scoops.
Do I glaze or coat with cinnamon sugar first?
Coat with cinnamon sugar first, then drizzle the vanilla glaze. If you glaze first, the cinnamon sugar won’t stick well and can turn gummy.
Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, but use perforated air fryer parchment and only after preheating. Make sure the donut holes weigh it down so it doesn’t lift into the heating element.
How do I keep the glaze from soaking in?
Let the donut holes cool a few minutes before glazing so the surface sets slightly. Also keep the glaze on the thicker side so it sits on top instead of absorbing.
