If you know my family, you won’t be surprised to hear that doughnut holes are a regular treat in our home. We’re big fans of Tim Hortons coffee, and it’s almost a given that every drive-thru visit includes an order of their famous “Tim Bits.” These bite-sized doughnut delights are simply irresistible!

I’ve made baked doughnuts at home before, and let me tell you, my kids devoured them. So, why not take it a step further and whip up some homemade doughnut holes? Better yet, let’s make them in the air fryer! Yes, today, we’re making Homemade Air Fryer Doughnut Holes—a treat that’s surprisingly easy and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest—I am absolutely obsessed with my air fryer. Actually, my air fryers, as I just added a third to my collection! But hey, I use them all differently, and I’m all about handy kitchen appliances that make life easier.

These doughnut holes aren’t just for dessert! Serve them as a special brunch treat or even as part of a holiday breakfast spread. They’re rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture for the perfect finishing touch. Want to take them to the next level? Dip them in homemade chocolate sauce—trust me, you won’t regret it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Milk
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Cinnamon

Pro Tips for the Best Doughnut Holes

• If your yeast doesn’t foam up after 5 minutes, it’s likely inactive. Toss it and start with a fresh packet.
• I used a basket-style air fryer, but if you have a tray-style, that will work too! Just make sure to adjust accordingly based on your air fryer model.
• Using instant rise yeast? You can skip the 5-minute resting time before adding the other wet ingredients.
• Rolling the cooked doughnuts in melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar is optional, but it helps create a thicker, more indulgent coating. Highly recommended!
• Don’t forget to try them dipped in homemade chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat!

How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Doughnut Holes

(Complete step-by-step instructions are available in the recipe card below.)

For the Doughnut Holes:

1. In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast forms a foamy layer on top.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. Stir in the flour and cinnamon, mixing until a shaggy dough begins to form.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes smooth.
5. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface (do not punch it down). Cut it into 20 small pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
7. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and let them rise for another 45 minutes.

Air Frying the Doughnut Holes:

8. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
9. Arrange a few doughnut holes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
10. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining doughnut holes.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

11. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
12. For a light coating, roll the hot doughnuts directly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture right after frying.
13. For a thicker coating, first roll the doughnut holes in melted butter,