These Air Fryer Doughnut Holes are a tasty treat for the whole family. This delicious recipe only requires 4 simple ingredients for a super easy dessert and can be prepared within 15 minutes! Hands down the easiest way to satisfy your doughnut cravings!
Air Fryer Donut Bites are perfect any day of the week and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack or dessert.
Compared to traditional donuts which require deep frying, this air fryer donut recipe is a bit healthier and uses less oil. It is also yeast-free.
Homemade donuts are a delicious treat and can be prepared for children’s parties or served during festive occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas!
What are doughnut holes?
Doughnut holes, or donut holes are small bite sized doughnuts prepared from the dough that remains from the centre of ring doughnuts. In America, these are now sold as a sperate item on the menu of donut shop such as Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts.
They are smaller than full-sized donuts are they are made from the leftovers created when preparing ring doughnuts. They are most often dipped into sugar or topped with a glaze.
Air fryer Biscuit Donuts
In the UK, we cannot find pre-made biscuit dough (in fact, biscuits are something totally different here compared with America!).
If you are able to find refrigerated doughs like biscuit dough, then you can simply buy that, cut into small donut holes and use for this recipe.
The closest equivalent in the UK is to buy packaged scone mix and go from there. Both methods yield perfect air fryer doughnuts and significantly reduces the prep time because you do not have to.
One of my favourite scone recipes that can be made using the scone mix or prepared from scratch are these Eggless Lavender Scones and Air Fryer Pumpkin Scones
Why you should make this recipe:
Homemade treat perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Donut holes without eggs
Simple recipe – no specialist ingredients, in fact, these air fryer donut holes are made without yeast.
Minimal effort – if you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe, this is definitely one of them!
Family favorite – everyone can enjoy fluffy doughnut bites! You can even lay out a few different sweet dips for individual tastes
If you want to try other doughnut recipes, why not have a go at Air fryer Apple Doughnut Rings or Eggless Mandazi
Ingredients:
(UK or those unable to get hold of biscuit dough)
Scone mix – a basic mix that is easy to find in the baking aisle of most supermarkets
Milk – the milk is for the scone mix. I have used semi skimmed milk
Butter – you want melted butter which makes it easier to coat the donut pieces with as they are not deep-fried donuts
Sugar – you can use either granulated or powdered sugar
(US based)
Biscuit dough
Butter
Sugar
Optional flavours:
Cinnamon sugar coating – combine ground cinnamon and sugar.
Chocolate glaze made with cocoa powder, icing sugar and milk.
Melted white chocolate or milk chocolate. Simply melt chocolate and drizzle over the doughnuts
Brown sugar – use brown sugar instead of white.
Pumpkin spice – add pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon to your sugar
Vegan Air Fryer Donuts
Scone mix is vegan. You will need to use plant based milk and vegan butter.
Method:
For this recipe, I have used the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the donuts.
In a large bowl, follow the scone mix instructions to make the dough. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer. Do not over mix or knead the dough as we do not want it to be tough.
Roughly pat down the dough onto a lightly floured surface until the dough is around 1-2 inch thickness
Using a small cookie cutter, cut the dough into doughnut rounds to make simple donut holes.
You can also roll the dough into small equal sized balls.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper.
Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Ensure the bites are not touching each other.
Air Fry for 8 minutes on 190 C or 375 degrees F. At 5 minutes, I would open the basket and see how the doughnuts are doing. Give the air fryer basket a little shake
The cooking time will adjust based on the size of your doughnut holes and your air fryer
Whilst the doughnuts are in the air fryer, you can prepare the topping.
In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Ensure your butter is melted and keep in a separate small bowl.
Once the dough balls are done, dip them immediately in the melted butter. This helps the sugar to stick to the cooked donut holes.
Allow the excess to drain off and dunk into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Remove and place on a baking sheet or wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
These doughnuts are perfect as they are! I like mine with a cup of tea or coffee.
You can dip these into a caramel or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
Storage
These doughnuts are best eaten immediately after cooking but can be stored away for later.
They are best kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. They will harden a little as they are not deep fried but you can warm them slightly in a microwave before eating.
You can freeze the doughnut bites for later, simply place in a freezer safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer until thawed in the centre.
For sticky and wet dough, simply add plain flour a little at a time until it is no longer sticky to touch
This may be because they were not cooked for long enough or the temperature was too high so they only cooked from the outside. You can place them back in the air fryer, lower the heat and cook further.
These doughnut holes are best eaten fresh but there are some tips to prep ahead of time. You can shape the doughnut holes and keep in the fridge until ready to air fry
Yes, you can.
Donut holes can be made using pancake mix too or make your own dough using plain flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Chestnuts
Indian Potatoes in Air Fryer
Salt and Pepper Halloumi Fries
Air Fryer Sheet Pan Focaccia Pizza
Avocado Fries
Air Fryer Baklava
Frozen Samosas in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Air Fryer Donut Holes
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Cookie-cutter
Ingredients
- 320 gram scone mix or 1 tube Pillsbury Grands Flaky Biscuits
- 150 ml milk (if using scone mix)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoon sugar granulated
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon ground
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl add scone mix. 320 gram scone mix
- Graduallly add milk and knead the mixture very lightly to form a soft, smooth dough. 150 ml milk
- Roughly pat down the dough onto a lightly floured surface until the dough is around 1-2 inch thickness.
- Using a small cookie cutter, cut the dough into doughnut rounds to make simple donut holes.
- You can also roll the dough into small equal sized balls.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper.
- Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Ensure the bites are not touching each other.
- Air Fry for 8 minutes on 190 C or 375 degrees F. At 5 minutes, I would open the basket and see how the doughnuts are doing. Give the air fryer basket a little shake.
- The cooking time will adjust based on the size of your doughnut holes and your air fryer.
- Whilst the doughnuts are in the air fryer, you can prepare the topping.
- In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Ensure your butter is melted and keep in a separate small bowl. 4 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Once the dough balls are done, dip them immediately in the melted butter. This helps the sugar to stick to the cooked donut holes. 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Allow the excess to drain off and dunk into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Remove and place on a baking sheet or wire rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Air Fryer Donut Holes
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Cookie-cutter
Ingredients
- 320 gram scone mix or 1 tube Pillsbury Grands Flaky Biscuits
- 150 ml milk (if using scone mix)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoon sugar granulated
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon ground
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl add scone mix. 320 gram scone mix
- Graduallly add milk and knead the mixture very lightly to form a soft, smooth dough. 150 ml milk
- Roughly pat down the dough onto a lightly floured surface until the dough is around 1-2 inch thickness.
- Using a small cookie cutter, cut the dough into doughnut rounds to make simple donut holes.
- You can also roll the dough into small equal sized balls.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper.
- Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Ensure the bites are not touching each other.
- Air Fry for 8 minutes on 190 C or 375 degrees F. At 5 minutes, I would open the basket and see how the doughnuts are doing. Give the air fryer basket a little shake.
- The cooking time will adjust based on the size of your doughnut holes and your air fryer.
- Whilst the doughnuts are in the air fryer, you can prepare the topping.
- In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Ensure your butter is melted and keep in a separate small bowl. 4 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Once the dough balls are done, dip them immediately in the melted butter. This helps the sugar to stick to the cooked donut holes. 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Allow the excess to drain off and dunk into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Remove and place on a baking sheet or wire rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
These Air Fryer Parsnips with wholegrain mustard, orange and maple syrup is an easy side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas roast dinner. Ready within 15 minutes.
My recipe yields parsnips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with an incredible sweet and nutty flavour.
I have dressed my parsnips with orange and mustard for a festive touch, but you can absolutely make plain parsnips by following the method below and omitting the dressing.
I love the winter season in the UK, humble vegetables like carrots, potato and cauliflower are available in abundance and also cheaply! The air fryer is used in full swing to make Air Fryer Potato Slices , Air Fryer Indian Potatoes , Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes and Air Fryer Garlic Fries , Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries .
Ingredients notes & substitutions
Full list with measurements available in the recipe card below.
You can jazz up these parsnips with the dressing or use simple ingredients, either way, the end product is absolutely delicious!
- Parsnips
The best Parsnip season in the UK is winter although they are available throughout the year.
Use the freshest parsnips where possible as they have the best flavour. Look for parsnips that are firm, the skin is not bruised or discoloured, and they shouldn’t smell off.
I love to roast parsnips but they’re also great added to sups like this Roasted Cauliflower, Parsnip and Walnut Soup
- Oil – I have used a neutral flavoured oil so it doesn’t interfere with the flavour of the other ingredients
Dressing:
Wholegrain mustard – alternatively, use creamy mustard such as English mustard or Dijon mustard.
Maple syrup – Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the parsnips and makes them so irresistible! You can use maple syrup, agave or honey.
Orange juice and zest – as an alternative, you can use lemon juice
Garnish: (optional)
Toasted almond flakes
Pomegranate Arils or dried Cranberries
Thyme
How to make Parsnips in the Air Fryer
I have used the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer
Firstly, prepare the dressing for later:
Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, orange zest and juice, wholegrain mustard, a little salt and pepper in a jar or small bowl.
Prepare the parsnip chips:
Wash the parsnips under cold water to remove the dirt. Peel parsnips and cut into fries or chips using a sharp knife. Ensure all chips are roughly the same size for even cooking.
You can choose whether to keep the parsnips chunky or thin. The thinner the cut, the more caramelised and crunchier the end product will be.
In a large bowl, toss the cut parsnips with the dressing until well coated.
Arrange the parsnips in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air Fry at 200 Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cooking time is approximately 7-15 minutes depending on the size of your parsnips. Essentially, what you are looking for is crispy edges and the parsnips are golden brown all over.
Mine took 7-8 minutes so I would check on the parsnips at half time and give them a little shake.
Note that the second batch may cook faster as the air fryer will be hot by the time the first batch has finished cooking.
Do not leave the veggies in the air fryer closed as the heat will continue cooking.
Tips
- Do not overcrowd the basket as this will steam the parsnips rather than air fry them
- Thinner slices will give you crispy fries whereas thick chunks of parsnip will give you softer chips.
Serving Suggestions
Parsnips are great served alongside a main course such as cauliflower cheese , nut roast or a hearty pie with oven roasted potatoes . You can also enjoy them as a snack with bread Sauce or chestnut hummus .
Storage
Parsnip fries are best eaten fresh but they can be stored away for later. Once cool, place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer, oven or microwave until hot through.
I do not recommend freezing as the parsnips will loose their texture on defrosting.
Other Thanksgiving and Christmas Recipes
- Air fryer Donut Holes (for a quick and easy breakfast)
- Air fryer Chestnut
- Instant Pot Baby Potatoes (Garlic and Thyme)
- Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
- Egg-free Nog
- Homemade Billionaire’s Hot Chocolate
- Homemade Billionaire’s Latte
- Loaded Cauliflower Cheese Balls
- Creamy Broccoli and Pear Soup
- Vegan Thyme Oatcakes
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Air Fryer Parsnips
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram parsnips
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoon orange juice
- salt
- pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 3 tablespoon almond flakes lightly toasted
- 3 tablespoon pomegranate arils
- 2 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Throughly wash parsnips in running water, then peel the skin. 1 kilogram parsnips
- Cut in to halves or quaters (if too thick) using a sharp knife.
- Pat dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a big mixing bowl combine all these ingredients. 4 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 3 tablespoon orange juice, salt, pepper
- Add parsnips and mix, make sure all the parsnips are well coated all over.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 200C/400F.
- Arrange parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry them for 8 minutes, keep checking after 5 minutes.
- Once light golden and tender, remove in to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle remaining maple-mustard dressing (optional) and garnish. 3 tablespoon almond flakes, 3 tablespoon pomegranate, 2 tablespoon thyme
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
