Welcome to a world of irresistible homemade treats that promise to delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the whole family! These **Air Fryer Doughnut Holes with Chocolate Sauce** are a game-changer for breakfast or any time you crave a sweet indulgence. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough enveloped in a delightful coating of cinnamon-sugar, ready to be dipped into a rich, creamy warm chocolate ganache. Best of all, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make, leveraging the magic of your air fryer for a less-guilty pleasure.
What makes these air fryer doughnut holes truly special is the versatility they offer. Whether you’re an experienced baker with time on your hands or someone looking for a lightning-fast treat, this guide has you covered. I’ve included three distinct methods to create these scrumptious little spheres:
- Making them **from scratch with a traditional yeast dough** for that authentic bakery taste.
- Utilizing my tried-and-true **2-ingredient dough** for ultimate simplicity and a surprisingly fluffy result.
- Whipping them up super fast using **canned refrigerator biscuit dough** when time is of the essence.
This means you can choose the perfect method based on your available ingredients and the time you have. No matter which path you choose, the outcome is consistently delicious, and significantly lighter than traditionally deep-fried doughnuts, allowing you to enjoy them with a little less guilt.
Crafting the Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes from Scratch
For those who love the art of baking and the satisfaction of a completely homemade treat, starting your air fryer doughnut holes from scratch using a yeast dough is an incredibly rewarding experience. This method results in doughnut holes that are wonderfully light, airy, and imbued with that distinct, comforting flavor that only a properly risen yeast dough can provide. While it requires a bit more time for rising, the hands-on process and the exquisite end product are well worth the effort. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these golden-brown delights emerge from the air fryer, ready for their cinnamon-sugar embrace and a decadent chocolate dip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
To ensure your doughnut-making journey is as smooth and successful as possible, here are answers to some common questions:
How Do I Best Store Leftover Doughnut Holes?
The secret to keeping these delicious treats fresh lies in allowing just enough airflow to prevent them from becoming soggy, while still protecting them from drying out and becoming stale. I’ve found that placing them in a simple paper sack and gently folding over the top works perfectly. Stored this way at room temperature, your air fryer doughnut holes will remain delightfully fresh for up to two days. Avoid airtight containers, as they can trap moisture and lead to a gummy texture.
Can This Recipe Be Doubled for a Larger Batch?
Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully, so feel free to double it if you’re feeding a crowd or simply want more delicious doughnut holes to enjoy. Just keep in mind that a larger batch will require extra time for cooking in your air fryer, as you’ll likely need to work in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Ensure you have a sufficiently large mixing bowl for the dough, especially if you’re making the scratch version, to accommodate the increased volume.
Can I Use a Sugar Substitute for the Dough or Coating?
While I haven’t personally experimented with sugar substitutes in this specific recipe, many bakers have success with 1:1 sugar replacements in other baked goods. If you choose to try it, I highly recommend using a product specifically designed for a 1:1 substitution to maintain the proper balance and texture. Please let me know how it turns out if you give it a try – your feedback helps other bakers!
Is It Possible to Use Gluten-Free Flour?
I’ve been meaning to experiment with gluten-free flour for these air fryer doughnut holes, but I haven’t had the chance yet. If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version, I would suggest starting with a **1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend**. These blends are formulated to behave similarly to traditional wheat flour, often reducing the need for additional ingredients or complex adjustments typically associated with gluten-free baking. If you try this, please share your results! Your insights would be invaluable to the community.
Can I Use Regular All-Purpose Flour for the 2-Ingredient Dough?
For the incredibly simple 2-ingredient dough recipe to work its magic, you specifically need self-rising flour. This is because self-rising flour already contains the leavening agents – baking powder and a touch of salt – that are crucial for the dough’s texture and rise. Without these, your dough won’t achieve the desired lightness. However, if you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can easily make your own! Simply combine 1-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt for every cup of all-purpose flour you plan to use.
Essential Ingredients for Doughnut Holes from Scratch
- Warm Milk (100-110°F)
- Granulated Sugar
- Active Dry Yeast
- Melted Butter
- Large Egg
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Ground Cinnamon
- Oil for Spraying (non-aerosol recommended)
Quick Canned Biscuit Doughnut Hole Ingredients
- Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits (from a can)
- Oil for Spraying (non-aerosol recommended)
Simple 2-Ingredient Dough for Doughnut Holes
- Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- Self-Rising Flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
- Oil for Spraying (non-aerosol recommended)
What’s the Best Way to Properly Measure Flour for Baking?
Accurate flour measurement is critical for consistent baking results, especially with dough-based recipes like these. The most precise method is the “spoon and level” technique: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use a straight edge (like the back of a knife) to level off the excess without packing it down. This ensures you’re not adding too much flour, which can lead to a dry, dense dough.
Alternatively, if you’re careful, you can lightly fluff your flour in its container with a spoon before gently scooping it into the measuring cup, still taking care not to pack it. This method works well for this recipe, aiming for a consistent, loose measure.
Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Melted Butter (optional, but highly recommended for a thicker coating)
Decadent Chocolate Sauce Ingredients
- Finely Chopped Chocolate (high-quality chocolate will yield the best results)
- Heavy Cream
Choosing the Best Yeast for Your Doughnuts
When making the scratch version of these air fryer doughnut holes, the type of yeast you use is quite flexible. You can opt for **rapid rise yeast**, which is designed to activate quickly and cut down on rising time, or a **premium active dry yeast** for a more traditional fermentation. Even a generic bulk yeast from your local store will work wonderfully, as I’ve found it performs just as effectively. The key is ensuring your yeast is fresh and active for a proper rise. Always check the expiration date!
My Dough Didn’t Rise – What Went Wrong?
If your dough fails to rise, it’s almost always related to the temperature of your liquid (milk or water). Yeast is a living organism, and it’s sensitive to temperature. If the liquid is too hot, it will kill the yeast, preventing any rise. If it’s too cold, the yeast will remain dormant or activate too slowly, resulting in minimal to no rise. The ideal temperature for activating yeast is typically between **105-115°F (40-46°C)**. Using a reliable kitchen thermometer is highly recommended to ensure your liquid is within this optimal range.
Why Is the Cooked Dough So Dense?
Your homemade air fryer doughnut holes should be wonderfully light and fluffy, just like the ones pictured. If you find your dough is not rising properly or results in a dense texture, consider the following potential issues:
- Insufficient Kneading: While some recipes might not explicitly call for a separate, extensive kneading step, the dough still requires adequate manipulation to develop gluten. Gluten is the protein network that gives bread and dough its elasticity and helps trap gas, leading to a light and airy texture. Even a few extra minutes of mixing in a stand mixer can make a significant difference in gluten development.
- Inactive or Expired Yeast: As mentioned, yeast must be active to work. If your yeast doesn’t become foamy after being mixed with warm liquid and sugar (a process known as “proofing”), it’s likely either expired or was killed by overly hot liquid. Always start with fresh, properly proofed yeast.
- Too Much Flour: It’s a common inclination to add more flour when dough feels sticky, but this can quickly lead to dense, dry results. Resist the urge to add excessive flour. Instead, mix in just enough until the dough is manageable, allowing you to form it into balls with lightly wet or oiled hands. Environmental factors like lower elevation or higher humidity can also mean you’ll need slightly less flour than a recipe might suggest.
Perfect Air Fryer Doughnuts Every Time
Achieving the Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The Oil Method
This method yields a delicious, lighter coating that adheres perfectly with just a hint of oil:
- While your doughnut holes are air frying, prepare your coating. In a paper lunch sack (or a plastic zip-top bag if a paper sack isn’t available), combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Shake well to thoroughly mix them.
- Immediately after the doughnut holes finish cooking and while still warm, give them another light spritz of oil. This helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
- Transfer the freshly cooked, lightly oiled doughnut holes directly into the bag with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Fold over the top of the bag and give it a vigorous shake. This ensures every surface of the doughnut holes gets evenly coated in the sweet, fragrant mixture.
- Remove the coated doughnut holes from the bag and serve them immediately for the best taste and texture. Avoid storing them in the bag, as this can trap moisture and cause them to become soggy.
For a Richer Coating: The Butter Method
If you prefer a thicker, more indulgent cinnamon-sugar layer, the butter method is the way to go:
- In a large bowl, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- For a thinner coating, simply roll the hot doughnut holes directly from the air fryer into this cinnamon-sugar mixture. The residual heat will help it adhere.
- For that luxurious, thick coating, first roll the warm doughnut holes in melted butter. After they’ve had a quick butter bath, transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll until fully coated. The butter acts as an excellent adhesive for the sugar, creating an irresistible crust.
Understanding How Air Fryers Work
While air fryers seem like a relatively new kitchen innovation, their underlying technology is rooted in a well-established concept. Essentially, an air fryer functions much like a compact, powerful convection oven designed for your countertop. It employs a high-powered fan to rapidly circulate superheated air within its cooking chamber. This continuous circulation ensures that the hot air is evenly distributed around the food from all angles, leading to more consistent cooking and significantly reduced cooking times compared to traditional ovens.
The magic for achieving that beloved crispy texture without excessive oil lies in this circulating hot air. When you lightly mist your food with oil before air frying, these fine oil droplets are carried by the hot air, creating a crunchy, golden exterior reminiscent of deep-frying, but with only a fraction of the oil. This method allows us to enjoy our favorite “fried” foods in a much healthier way.
Unlocking the Benefits of Air Frying
Healthier Eating Habits
It’s no secret that deep-fried foods are often high in fat and calories. With approximately 9 calories per gram of fat, traditional frying can quickly add up. Air frying offers a revolutionary solution by drastically reducing the amount of oil needed to achieve that desirable crispy texture. By using just a light spray of oil, you can significantly cut down on fat intake and calories, making your favorite treats like these doughnut holes a much healthier option.
Unmatched Convenience in the Kitchen
One of the greatest joys of cooking with an air fryer is its sheer convenience. Gone are the days of needing multiple large baking sheets, numerous pots, and excessive cleanup. Most air fryer recipes, including these delightful doughnut holes, typically require just one or two mixing bowls or a small saucepan in addition to the air fryer itself. This streamlines your cooking process and makes post-meal cleanup a breeze, giving you more time to savor your creations.
Energy Efficiency for Smart Cooking
You might wonder why choose an air fryer if a conventional oven can achieve similar results. The answer lies in energy efficiency. Air fryers are much smaller than conventional ovens, meaning they heat up faster and use considerably less energy to cook your food. This not only contributes to keeping your home cooler, especially during warmer months when you want to avoid turning on a large, heat-generating oven, but it also translates into noticeable savings on your energy bills.
A Remarkable Time Saver
If you’re like me, waiting 20 minutes for a conventional oven to preheat can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re eager to get cooking. Most air fryer recipes either require no preheating at all or boast preheat times of five minutes or less. This dramatically cuts down on overall cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your meals and treats much faster. It’s a significant advantage for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick snack.
Portability for On-the-Go Delights
The compact nature of air fryers makes them incredibly versatile and portable. They are perfect companions for road trips, camping adventures, or even just moving from your kitchen counter to a different space. For those who enjoy RV travel or camping, an air fryer transforms meal preparation, offering an easy and safe way to prepare crispy, delicious foods without the hassle and mess of deep-frying on a small, less powerful camping stove or burner.
My Top Air Fryer Recommendations
Having explored the world of air frying extensively, I’ve had the opportunity to try several models. I actually have three air fryers that I’ve used over time! I initially started with a **smaller Philips air fryer**, which was an excellent introduction to air frying. I eventually passed it on to my son, as it’s perfectly sized for single servings.
As my air frying adventures grew, I found myself desiring a digital screen for easier operation. To my delight, I discovered that a **GoWISE XL air fryer** was not only more affordable than my initial Philips model but also came equipped with a digital screen and a fantastic array of extra functions. It quickly became my go-to, complete with a variety of accessories that enhance my cooking experience.
More recently, while working on my second air fryer cookbook, I decided to upgrade to a larger capacity unit. I invested in a **LARGE air fryer with touch screen presets and an XL Family Size capacity**, and it has been absolutely wonderful for preparing bigger batches and accommodating larger items. Its generous size and intuitive controls make it an indispensable tool in my kitchen.
Crafting the Decadent Chocolate Sauce
No doughnut hole experience is complete without a rich, velvety chocolate sauce for dipping. Here’s how to whip up this irresistible accompaniment:
- Begin by gently heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, until it just starts to steam and small bubbles form around the edges. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Place your finely chopped chocolate into a small, heat-proof bowl.
- Pour the hot heavy cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt from the residual heat.
- After a minute or two, whisk the mixture thoroughly until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, glossy, and beautifully combined.
- Serve this warm, luscious chocolate sauce alongside your freshly made air fryer doughnut holes for an unforgettable treat.
How to Make Air Fryer Doughnut Holes – The From-Scratch Method
For those who love the traditional touch of yeast dough, follow these steps to create truly exceptional air fryer doughnut holes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is active and healthy if it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is likely expired or inactive; discard it and start over with a fresh packet.
- Once the yeast is proofed, add the melted butter, the large egg, and the pure vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Stir with a sturdy spoon or a dough hook on a stand mixer until a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 2-3 minutes. This short kneading time is crucial for developing the gluten, which will give your doughnut holes a light and fluffy texture. Continue until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
- Lightly oil a clean large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 2 hours, depending on the warmth of your environment.
- Once the dough has beautifully risen, gently transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Avoid punching it down vigorously, as you want to preserve some of that airy structure. Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, divide the dough into approximately 20 small, equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover them lightly and let them rise again for another 45 minutes; this second rise adds to their lightness.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place a few doughnut holes in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it so air can circulate. Give them a light mist or spray with oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on the outside and are cooked through. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Repeat the air frying process with the remaining doughnut holes, working in batches as needed. Refer to the coating instructions below for finishing your delicious treats!
Making Air Fryer Doughnut Holes with Canned Biscuit Dough
For unparalleled speed and convenience, using canned biscuit dough is a fantastic shortcut to homemade air fryer doughnut holes:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the can of flaky buttermilk biscuits and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces.
- Lightly roll each piece between your hands to reshape them from triangles or squares into neat, round doughnut holes.
- Place the reshaped dough balls in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching. Give them a light spray with oil.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned and thoroughly cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer.
- While the doughnut holes are cooking, prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating. In a paper lunch sack (or a plastic zip-top bag), combine the sugar and cinnamon. Shake well to mix.
- Once the doughnut holes are done cooking, immediately give them another light spritz of oil. Then, transfer them directly into the bag with the cinnamon mixture while they’re still warm.
- Fold over the top of the bag and shake vigorously to ensure an even and delicious coating on all sides of the doughnut holes.
- Remove the coated doughnut holes from the bag and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh; storing them in the bag will make them soggy.
Air Frying Doneness Tip for Perfection
It’s important to remember that every air fryer is unique. Different models and brands can have varying wattages and airflow patterns, meaning they cook at slightly different rates. Therefore, all cooking times provided in recipes are approximate guidelines. Always use them as a starting point. If your doughnut holes need a little more time to achieve that perfect golden brown and cooked-through texture, don’t hesitate to extend the cooking time in 1-2 minute increments. If you notice they are browning too quickly on the outside, you can reduce the heat slightly or gently “tent” them with a small piece of foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the inside to finish cooking.
Air Fryer Settings: “Bake” Option vs. “Air Fry” Setting?
Many newer air fryer models come with a variety of preset functions, such as “bake,” “roast,” “broil,” and “air fry.” However, all of my recipes are developed with a basic air fryer that only has a temperature and timer setting. This ensures that the recipes are accessible to everyone, regardless of their air fryer’s advanced features.
While you certainly *can* use the “bake” setting for recipes that you would traditionally bake in an oven, for these doughnut holes, if your air fryer has distinct settings, I recommend using the standard “air fry” setting. This setting is designed to utilize the powerful fan circulation most effectively, which is key to achieving that desirable crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture for these treats. If you only have a temperature and timer, simply set it as instructed – that’s all you need!
Making Air Fryer Doughnut Holes – Using the 2-Ingredient Dough
This incredibly simple 2-ingredient dough is a miracle worker for quick and delicious air fryer doughnut holes:
- In a large bowl, combine the nonfat Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix and work the ingredients together until a cohesive ball of dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for just 1-2 minutes. This brief kneading helps activate the gluten, resulting in a more elastic dough and doughnut holes that are extra springy and light.
- From the kneaded dough, pinch or cut off 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Give them a light spray with oil.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the doughnut holes are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them as air fryer temperatures can vary.
- While the doughnut holes are cooking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a paper lunch sack or a plastic zip-top bag, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Shake to mix well.
- Once the doughnut holes are cooked, immediately give them another light spritz of oil. Then, transfer them directly into the bag containing the cinnamon mixture while they are still warm.
- Fold over the top of the bag securely and give it a good, enthusiastic shake to ensure every doughnut hole is beautifully and evenly coated.
- Remove the coated doughnut holes from the bag and serve them immediately. For the best texture, avoid storing them in the bag, as they can become soggy.
My Favorite Products for Making Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
This doughnut hole recipe is not only incredibly easy but also delightfully delicious. If you’re already an air fryer enthusiast, you likely have many of these items on hand. If you’re new to the world of air frying, don’t be nervous – you’re going to love it! To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of my absolute must-have products for creating these fantastic breakfast treats:
- Air Fryer: A good quality air fryer is your most important tool!
- Oil Spray Bottle: Perfect for a light, even mist of oil without aerosols.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for both the dough and the sweet coating.
- Active Dry Yeast: For perfectly risen, fluffy scratch-made dough.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for your homemade yeast dough.
- Ground Cinnamon: For that irresistible aromatic coating.
- Oil for Spraying: Any neutral cooking oil works well for a light crisp.
- Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: The ultimate shortcut for quick doughnut holes.
- Self-Rising Flour: A key ingredient for the speedy 2-ingredient dough.
- Chocolate: High-quality chocolate is best for a rich dipping sauce.
If you loved making these Easy Air Fryer Doughnut Holes, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy these other fantastic breakfast ideas too. Click each link below to discover more easy, printable recipes that will start your day off right!
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Air Fryer Doughnut Holes with Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
Doughnuts (From Scratch)
- ½ cup milk, warmed to 100-110°F (38-43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 3 tbsp butter , melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- oil for spraying (e.g., canola, vegetable, or olive oil in a non-aerosol sprayer)
Doughnut Holes (from Canned Biscuits)
- 1 can flaky buttermilk biscuits (standard 8-count)
- oil for spraying (e.g., canola, vegetable, or olive oil in a non-aerosol sprayer)
Doughnut Holes (using 2-Ingredient Dough)
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat can also work)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (plus more for dusting)
- oil for spraying (e.g., canola, vegetable, or olive oil in a non-aerosol sprayer)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp butter , melted (optional, see notes below for coating methods)
Rich Chocolate Sauce
- 2 ounces chocolate , finely chopped (semi-sweet or dark chocolate recommended)
- 3 ounces heavy cream (approximately 6 tbsp)
Instructions
Doughnut Holes – From Scratch
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Combine the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy on top, indicating it’s active. If it doesn’t foam, discard and try again with fresh yeast.
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Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients.
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Gradually add the all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms.
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Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and set in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 2 hours.
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Once risen, gently transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface (do not punch down). Cut the dough into 20 small, equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet. Allow them to rise for another 45 minutes.
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place a few doughnut holes in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd), mist lightly with oil, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Repeat with the remaining doughnut holes.
-
**Refer to the “Cinnamon-Sugar Coating” instructions below for how to finish your delicious treats.
Doughnut Holes (with Canned Biscuit Dough)
-
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Separate the flaky buttermilk biscuits and cut each into 4 pieces.
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Lightly roll each piece between your hands to reshape them into smooth balls.
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Place the dough balls in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring a single layer. Spray lightly with oil.
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Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
-
While the dough is cooking, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a paper lunch sack (or zip-top bag). Shake to combine.
-
Once cooked, give the donut holes another light spritz of oil, then immediately transfer them to the bag with the cinnamon mixture.
-
Fold over the bag and shake well to coat the doughnuts evenly.
-
Remove from the bag and serve immediately. Do not store in the bag as they will become soggy.
Doughnut Holes (using 2-Ingredient Dough)
-
Combine the nonfat Greek yogurt and self-rising flour in a large bowl. Work the mixture together until it forms a cohesive ball of dough.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes. This brief kneading helps develop gluten for extra springy doughnut holes.
-
Cut off 1-inch pieces of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
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Place the dough balls in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring a single layer. Spray lightly with oil.
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Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
-
While the dough is cooking, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a paper lunch sack (or zip-top bag). Shake to combine.
-
Once cooked, give the donut holes another light spritz of oil, then immediately transfer them to the bag with the cinnamon mixture.
-
Fold over the bag and shake well to coat the doughnuts evenly.
-
Remove from the bag and serve immediately. Do not store in the bag as they will become soggy.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating – Oil Method (directly out of the air fryer)
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While your doughnut holes are air frying, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a paper lunch sack (or a plastic zip-top bag). Shake well to mix the cinnamon and sugar.
-
Immediately after the doughnut holes are done cooking, give them another light spritz of oil. Then, quickly transfer them into the bag with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Fold over the top of the bag and give it a good shake to ensure all the doughnut holes are thoroughly coated in the mixture.
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Remove the coated doughnut holes from the bag and serve them immediately for the best taste and texture. Do not store them in the bag, as they will become soggy.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating – Butter Method
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Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. If you prefer a thin coating of cinnamon sugar, roll the hot doughnut holes directly from the air fryer into this mixture immediately.
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If you desire a thick, more indulgent coating, first roll the warm doughnut holes in melted butter before adding them to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will help a generous layer adhere.
Rich Chocolate Sauce
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To prepare the chocolate sauce, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan (or a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave) until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
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Add the heated cream to a small bowl containing the finely chopped chocolate.
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Allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes, then whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
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Serve this decadent chocolate sauce warm with your freshly made doughnut holes.
Notes
*You can also thin out ¼ cup of your favorite jam with a splash of water, then heat it in the microwave for 15 seconds to make a quick and fruity dipping sauce.
**If using instant rise yeast for the scratch method, there’s no need to let it proof (rest for 5 minutes) before mixing in the remaining wet ingredients; you can combine everything directly.
***Rolling the doughnuts in melted butter before the cinnamon-sugar mixture is optional, but it significantly helps create a thick, deliciously rich coating. I highly recommend it for an extra indulgent treat!
****Any leftover chocolate ganache can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s fantastic for dipping strawberries, topping ice cream sundaes, or stirring into coffee!
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is an approximate estimate. For the best accuracy, please double-check with your own dietary calculator, especially if you have specific dietary needs. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional information presented for any recipe on this site.