Craving a sweet treat that’s both easy and fun to make? Say hello to Air Fryer Donut Holes! In this guide, I’ll share a simple recipe that yields delicious, fluffy bites with a hint of nutmeg. You’ll explore quick steps, helpful tips, and tasty variations to satisfy any sweet tooth. Get ready to whip up these delightful donut holes that are perfect for breakfast or a snack! Let’s dive right in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick treat.
- Air Fryer Magic: Cooking these donut holes in an air fryer gives them a light and airy texture without the extra oil.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite spices or toppings to personalize these donut holes to your taste.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Making donut holes is a fun activity to do together with kids, and everyone loves the sweet results!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for dusting)
This list covers all you need to make tasty air fryer donut holes. Start with all-purpose flour, which gives the dough its structure. You will also need some granulated sugar for sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise and stay fluffy. Salt and ground nutmeg add flavor and balance.
Next, sour cream makes the dough moist. The large egg binds everything together. You also need vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and melted butter for richness. Finally, mix powdered sugar and cinnamon for dusting, giving your donut holes that sweet finish. Make sure you gather these ingredients before you start!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Ingredients
– In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix until everything is well combined.
– In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
Forming the Donut Holes
– Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn out the dough onto this surface. Shape it into a log about 1-inch thick.
– Cut the log into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into a ball to form the donut holes. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Cooking the Donut Holes
– Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even cooking and a nice golden color.
– Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch each other to allow hot air to circulate.
– Cook in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes. Check at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
– Mix 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the donut holes are done, toss them in this mixture while they’re still warm. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dough
To get the best donut holes, you must avoid overmixing. When you mix your wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. You want the dough to be combined but still slightly sticky. If you mix too much, your donut holes can become tough. Remember, a little stickiness is good!
Achieving the Right Texture
Cooking time is key for the perfect texture. Start by cooking the donut holes for 6 minutes in the air fryer. After 6 minutes, check them. If they look golden and firm, they are ready. If not, give them another minute or two. Each air fryer can cook a bit differently, so keep an eye on them!
Serving Suggestions
These donut holes taste amazing warm. For the best experience, serve them fresh out of the fryer. You can pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. They also go great with fruit dips or a scoop of ice cream. Dusting with powdered sugar and cinnamon makes them even better!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and baking soda will ensure your donut holes rise properly and have a light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense donut holes. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so check your donut holes at 6 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Toss While Warm: Toss the donut holes in the sugar-cinnamon mixture immediately after cooking while they are still warm for better adherence of the coating.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make air fryer donut holes even more fun by adding flavors. Here are two ideas:
– Chocolate donut holes: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to your dry mix. This gives a rich, chocolatey taste. You can also add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
– Pumpkin spice version: Use 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree in place of sour cream. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a warm, autumn flavor. This option is great for fall or anytime you crave pumpkin.
Toppings Suggestions
How you top your donut holes can change their flavor and look. Here are some topping tips:
– Glazes vs. dusting: You can dip warm donut holes in a glaze or dust them with sugar. For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk. For dusting, use powdered sugar and cinnamon, just like in the recipe.
– Nut toppings: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add crunch. Toss the warm donut holes in chopped nuts right after cooking. This adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the soft donut.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your air fryer donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These treats are best enjoyed within two days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each donut hole in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for about a month in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover donut holes, reheating is simple. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the donut holes in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 3-4 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps them soft and tasty. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use alternative flours?
Yes, you can use alternative flours. Try almond flour or coconut flour for a twist. You may need to adjust the liquid. Each flour has different absorption rates. Experiment to see what you like best.
How do I make these donut holes gluten-free?
To make these donut holes gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum. This keeps the texture nice and fluffy. Follow the same recipe steps, and enjoy your treats without gluten.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a great substitute for sour cream. It adds creaminess and tang. Applesauce also works, but it may change the flavor slightly. Choose what fits your taste!
How do I prevent them from sticking in the air fryer?
To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the donut holes with space between them. This helps them cook evenly and easily release. Check halfway through for any sticking.
This blog post covered how to make delicious donut holes from scratch. We discussed the ingredients, mixing steps, and cooking methods using an air fryer. I shared tips to perfect the dough and suggested fun flavor variations. Lastly, I provided storage info and answers to common questions.
With these insights, you can now create tasty treats your friends and family will love. Enjoy your baking journey, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and topping
