These easy Air Fryer Donut Holes taste and look just like the real deal. Except they're baked, not fried. Just 4 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes! This recipe has 2 flavor options: cinnamon sugar and jelly filled donut holes. A hit with the whole family. (Vegan option).
Shape dough:Separate 12 oz refrigerated biscuit dough into pre-cut biscuit pieces. Cut each biscuit in half. (A typical can makes 10 regular sized biscuits, which will become 20 donut holes). Use your hands to pinch and roll the dough into a smooth ball.
Bake in air fryer (see note 4): If using basket-style air fryer: Arrange balls in an air fryer basket, with enough space for each to double in size. (Bake in batches if needed). Without pre-heating, air fry at 325℉ (165℃) until golden-brown, about 8 minutes. (Cook times vary by brand, watch carefully so they don't burn). If using a toaster-oven air fryer: Line tray with parchment paper. Arrange balls with enough space for each to double in size. (Bake in batches if needed). Without pre-heating, air fry on the lowest rack at 325℉ (165℃) until golden-brown on top, about 4 minutes. Flip balls and air fry until golden-brown all over, about another 4 minutes. (Cook times vary by brand, watch carefully so they don't burn).
Mix cinnamon sugar:In a shallow bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon.
Coat:Brush 3 tablespoons melted butter all over the hot donut holes. Then, toss in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. Serve hot.
Optional—Fill donuts:For jelly filled donuts, add Strawberry or Raspberry Jam to a piping bag fitted with a plain piping tip. After donut holes are tossed in cinnamon sugar, insert piping tip into the donut and gently squeeze jam inside.
Video
Notes
Biscuit dough: Use a can of refrigerated ready-to-bake biscuit dough. A 12-oz (340g) can usually makes 10 regular-sized biscuits. We tested this recipe with Pillsbury Southern Homestyle (Country Style) and Flaky Layers. But a similar biscuit dough should work.
Butter: Salted butter recommended, but unsalted butter works too. If you're using unsalted butter, you can add a pinch of salt to replicate salted butter—but this is optional.
Jam: We recommend strawberry or raspberry jam, but use your favorite flavor for jelly-filled donuts. Make sure the jam is smooth (no chunks of fruit), otherwise it might clog the pastry tip.
Different air fryer styles: In testing, our basket style air fryer produced different results than our toaster oven air fryer. So, this recipe lays out separate instructions for each—so you get the best results! Toaster oven air fryers are larger so they tend to cook less evenly. And, the wire rack sometimes caused a couple of the donut holes to stick (even after brushing dough with oil or spraying the tray directly). So, if using an oven-style air fryer, line the tray with parchment and flip the balls half-way through baking so they brown on both sides. And, place the tray on the lowest rack (farthest away from heat source) to prevent burning. If using an basket-style air fryer, these extra steps aren't needed.
Storage and reheating tips: Best enjoyed fresh and hot. Can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 days at room-temperature. Reheat cinnamon sugar donut holes in an air fryer at 250℉ (120℃) for 2 to 4 minutes. (We don't recommend re-heating jelly filled donuts because the jam might leak in the air fryer and make a mess. Instead, fill with jam just before eating).