Easy Air Fryer Donut Balls

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delicious and easy air fryer donut balls! Forget deep-frying and excessive oil; these delightful treats offer a soft, fluffy interior with a perfectly golden, crispy exterior, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you opt for the quick convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls or biscuit dough, or prefer the satisfaction of a homemade recipe, you’re in for a truly irresistible experience. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a donut haven tonight with your Ninja Foodi or any air fryer model!

There’s a reason these speedy air fryer donut creations never last long in our house. They are the epitome of comfort food, offering both quick preparation for busy weeknights and the option for a more elaborate homemade version. If you’re seeking an easy air fryer recipe that delivers incredible results, you’ve found your next favorite dessert or breakfast treat. We’ve mastered the art of creating perfectly fried textures without the deep-fryer, ensuring a much healthier indulgence. This versatile method works wonders with various dough types, making it a fantastic addition to your Ninja Foodi recipes collection or any air fryer model.

Air Fryer Donut Balls: Quick and Easy Versions

For those times when a craving hits and you need a swift solution, our semi-homemade air fryer donut balls are an absolute game-changer. These recipes elegantly bypass the need for yeast, lengthy proofing, or complex mixing, making them accessible to even the most novice bakers. We predominantly use refrigerated cinnamon rolls, which provide an inherent sweetness and a delightful cinnamon swirl, making them incredibly simple to prepare and enjoy in a hurry. Just pop open the container, cut, roll, and you’re halfway to warm, delicious donuts!

Alternatively, refrigerated biscuit dough can also be used. While slightly less sweet than cinnamon rolls, biscuits offer a neutral base that can be customized with various toppings and glazes. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous but still want convenience, consider using frozen bread dough from brands like Rhodes. Simply defrost the dough as you normally would, then proceed with shaping and air frying. This option provides a fantastic base that’s super versatile for both sweet and savory applications.

No matter which dough you choose, the air fryer guarantees a consistently delicious outcome. The circulating hot air creates that desirable crispy exterior, while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and tender. This cooking method significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional deep-frying, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite donut indulgence.

Air Fryer Essentials for Perfect Donut Balls

To ensure your air fryer donut balls turn out perfectly every time, a few key practices are essential. Firstly, always preheat your air fryer. This is a crucial step for achieving that coveted crispy texture on the outside of your donuts. Just like a conventional oven, a hot air fryer basket prevents food from sticking and ensures even, efficient cooking. For detailed guidance, learn how to preheat your air fryer effectively.

While many air fryer models perform admirably, my personal favorites for consistent results include Cosori and the Ninja Foodi with its integrated lid. These models tend to provide excellent air circulation and temperature control, which are vital for baking delicate items like donuts. For a handy reference on various cooking times, grab our printable free air fryer cooking time chart to keep on your fridge!

Donut Holes in Air Fryer: The Cinnamon Roll Secret

Let’s dive into the incredibly simple method of making quick donut holes using refrigerated cinnamon rolls. It’s truly amazing how many delicious treats you can whip up with these convenient pantry staples! This journey began in our kitchen with recipes for air fryer sticky buns and semi-homemade sticky rolls, both of which were such a hit that we decided to push the boundaries further, leading to the creation of these fantastic donut holes.

If you’re new to baking in an air fryer, you’re in for a delightful surprise. One of the greatest advantages is that you generally need very little, if any, oil for foods to achieve an extra-crispy texture. While a light spray of oil on top can enhance browning and crispiness, you certainly don’t need to submerge anything in fat, resulting in significantly fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional frying methods. This makes air-fried donuts a much lighter alternative.

For those who prefer to make everything from scratch and have a go-to dough recipe, by all means, use it! The timing provided in our recipe card is primarily for the semi-homemade version, but it can be easily adjusted for homemade donut holes by increasing the cooking time slightly if your dough pieces are thicker. Once cooked, these warm, golden bites are perfect with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or for an extra touch of indulgence, use the glaze included in the Pillsbury package. The possibilities for deliciousness are endless!

Air Fryer Donuts from Grands Biscuits & Other Doughs

As previously mentioned, if you’re aiming for full-sized donuts rather than just donut holes, you can certainly use large refrigerated biscuits like “Grands” biscuits. For whole donuts, I recommend baking them together for a few extra minutes compared to the smaller balls. This allows for thorough cooking while still achieving that perfect air-fried texture. You can then use the timing below for the “donut holes” created from the centers, giving you a wonderful variety of shapes and sizes to enjoy!

These air-fried donuts offer a distinctly superior texture compared to methods like our Instant Pot donuts. The air fryer truly excels at replicating the crispy exterior and soft interior of traditional fried foods, but with a significant reduction in calories and fat. This makes it an ideal appliance for satisfying those fried food cravings in a healthier way. Experiment with different biscuit brands and sizes to find your favorite texture and taste profile.

Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Donut Balls

Gathering your ingredients for these simple air fryer donut balls is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for the quick, semi-homemade version:

1. Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (not the “Grands” size if making small balls, as they are too large) or refrigerated biscuits.
2. Melted butter or a dairy-free alternative like melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
3. A delightful cinnamon and sugar mixture.
4. A small plastic baggie (like a pint-sized freezer bag) for shaking and coating the donuts. A shallow plate can be used as an alternative.

Glaze and Topping Ideas

While the frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls is convenient and delicious, there are many ways to elevate your air fryer donut balls with various glazes and toppings:

• Simple Melted Frosting: The easiest option is to melt the frosting from the cinnamon roll container in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until smooth and drizzly.
• Powdered Sugar Sprinkle: A classic choice! Lightly dust with powdered sugar, perhaps even adding a touch of cocoa powder for a mocha-like flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a homemade chocolate glaze can be drizzled over the warm donuts. Alternatively, learn how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave, adding a tiny bit of coconut oil for a smoother consistency.
• Nutty Topping: After glazing, sprinkle with finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Sprinkles: A festive addition that’s always a hit, especially with kids.

To make the process efficient, I recommend setting up a small assembly line on a flat surface while your air fryer preheats to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a fantastic activity for kids to help with – they love rolling and coating the donut balls!

Can You Make Donuts From Scratch in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely, yes! If you prefer the satisfaction of baking from scratch, the air fryer is still your ally. You would simply prepare your favorite donut dough recipe as usual, allowing for any necessary rising time. Once your dough is ready and prepped, you can follow the air frying directions provided here, adjusting the cook time based on the thickness and density of your homemade pieces. The initial steps, regardless of dough type, often begin with preparing your coating and glaze.

For the semi-homemade method using refrigerated cinnamon rolls, begin by popping open the container and carefully setting aside the vanilla icing cup. This will be your luscious glaze once your donut balls are cooked, so make sure not to discard it!

• In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter until fully liquid.
• In a separate small dish or, ideally, a pint-sized freezer bag, combine your cinnamon and sugar. A good ratio is approximately 1/3 cinnamon to 2/3 sugar, though honestly, I often eyeball it! You can usually tell by the rich brown color when the blend is just right. The baggie method is fantastic for an even coating with minimal mess.

Remember, for our quick version using cinnamon rolls cut in half, there’s no need for a lightly floured surface or the involvement of yeast. This keeps the process incredibly straightforward and quick.

How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes: Step-by-Step

Making these delightful air fryer donut holes is a simple process that yields incredible results:

• First, take each half of a cinnamon roll and roll it gently between your palms to form a small, uniform ball. If using biscuit dough, you can either roll small pieces into balls or use biscuit cutters to create traditional donut shapes with holes in the center. A pizza cutter can also be handy for slicing the dough.
• Now, it’s time to coat and cook!
• Dip each rolled dough ball into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Immediately transfer it to your baggie with the cinnamon and sugar mixture and shake until the entire surface is evenly covered.
• Carefully place the coated donut balls into your preheated air fryer basket, making sure to leave ample space between each one. This is crucial because they will “grow” and expand during cooking, and overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
• Cook for approximately 6 minutes total, flipping them halfway through (around the 3-minute mark) to ensure even browning on all sides.
• Once cooked, carefully remove the donut balls. To achieve an extra layer of sweetness and flavor, transfer them to a fresh baggie containing more of your cinnamon sugar mixture. Give them another good toss so they are thoroughly coated with this delicious goodness. The first baggie might be a bit wet from the butter, which is why a fresh one is recommended for this second coating.

Finally, drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll frosting generously over the warm donut balls and enjoy them immediately! They are best served fresh and warm.

How Do You Bake Donuts in an Air Fryer? Tips & Tricks

Tip: For optimal results, lightly grease your air fryer basket with a non-stick spray before adding your donut balls. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfectly golden crust. Once cooked, transferring them to a cooling rack is great for maintaining crispiness, though they tend to disappear quickly!

I typically air fry in batches, placing only half of the halved cinnamon rolls (about 8 pieces) in the basket at a time. This allows each donut ball enough space to expand and cook evenly without steaming. So, one standard package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will usually require two batches to cook perfectly. The total cooking time is generally 5-6 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your air fryer model and how crispy you prefer the outsides.

• While you can enjoy them straight out of the basket, we find that a second toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture provides an irresistible boost of sweetness and texture, making our air fryer doughnuts truly exceptional.

Through various experiments, I’ve found that slicing the cinnamon rolls in half before rolling them into balls yields the best results. Attempting to roll an entire cinnamon roll piece into a single ball often leads to uneven cooking; the outsides tend to overcook and get too done before the centers have a chance to cook through properly. Moreover, they expand too much, losing the desirable “donut hole” shape. Therefore, I highly recommend cutting them for consistent and delicious outcomes.

Can You Make Donuts Out of Cinnamon Rolls? Absolutely!

Yes, that’s exactly what we’ve done here, and the results are truly fantastic! When these come out of the air fryer, they resemble those perfectly round donut cut-outs that are often overlooked but absolutely shouldn’t be. We believe they’re just as delicious as a full-sized doughnut, and arguably even more fun to eat because they’re the perfect bite-sized morsel to pop right into your mouth! They make a seriously perfect air fryer breakfast or a quick anytime snack.

Of course, these mini delights always benefit from a bit of extra sweetness on top, which is where the convenience of using cinnamon rolls truly shines. Every package comes with a small container of frosting. Simply pop that into your microwave for about 15 seconds, and it will transform into a smooth, pourable glaze. Don’t limit yourself to the included frosting; feel free to experiment with any other tub of frosting flavors you enjoy to customize your donut balls even further.

Served alongside our donut muffins, your brunch spread will undoubtedly be a huge hit. Here are a few common questions you might have before you start cooking:

Ninja Air Fryer Donuts: Homemade with Yeast

While we love the speed of semi-homemade options, for the traditionalists and baking enthusiasts, crafting donuts from scratch with yeast in your Ninja Foodi or any air fryer delivers an unparalleled freshness and texture. The process is a labor of love, but the results are incredibly rewarding, producing light, airy donuts with that distinct yeasty flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic homemade yeast donut dough:

• 1 1/4 cups milk (lukewarm)
• 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 1/2 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• Glaze: For simplicity, I often “cheat” and melt a tub of vanilla frosting, or you can make a simple powdered sugar glaze.

This homemade donut recipe is seriously one of our favorite Ninja Foodi breakfast treats that my kiddos adore. Which version I choose to make truly depends on how much time I have available that day!

How to Make Homemade Donuts in Air Fryer from Scratch

For those looking to make biscuit donuts, follow the quick method. But for truly homemade, yeast-risen donuts, here’s the detailed process:

Start by gently warming the milk. You can do this in the microwave for about 60 seconds until it reaches approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit – warm to the touch but not hot. Transfer the lukewarm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in the active dry yeast until it dissolves completely, then allow it to rest for about 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.

With the paddle attachment, beat in the eggs, melted butter (ensuring it’s cooled to lukewarm), sugar, salt, and 4 cups of the all-purpose flour until just combined. Switch to a dough hook attachment and knead at medium speed, gradually adding the remaining 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of flour until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. The exact amount of flour can vary depending on humidity.

1. Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled significantly in size.
2. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough evenly to about ½ inch thickness.
3. Using round cookie cutters in two sizes (one larger for the donut, one smaller for the hole, or just one for donut balls), cut the dough into your desired shapes. Carefully place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are at least 1 inch apart. Gather any scrap pieces of dough, gently knead them together into a mound, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
4. Cover the shaped doughnuts again and place them in a warm, draft-free spot for a second rise, for about 1 hour or until they have doubled in size. This second proofing is crucial for light and airy donuts.

This versatile dough can also be adapted for other treats, such as homemade churros, which are traditionally deep-fried but also excellent when air-fried for a healthier option.

After the second rise, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place the proofed doughnuts into the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spritz the tops of the donuts lightly with oil spray for enhanced browning. Air fry each side for approximately 3 to 6 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your donuts.

From there, your homemade donuts are a canvas for creativity! You can use a piping tip and bag to insert ganache, fruit curd, or a creamy filling for delectable lemon filled donuts or chocolate-filled delights.

Alternatively, make your own simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk) or simply pour on melted store-bought frosting to make them wonderfully sweet. Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or anything else you like for a personalized touch, then enjoy your freshly made, warm homemade donuts!

If you’re still considering the simpler route, remember we also have dedicated directions for using regular refrigerated biscuit donuts in your air fryer! These are incredibly easy to make and produce a wonderfully satisfying result, offering a similar quick fix. They’re a fantastic alternative if you don’t have cinnamon rolls on hand or prefer a less sweet base.

For another inspired air fryer treat, we’ve made something quite similar in our Instant Pot – what we called pressure cooker churros. They’ve also received rave reviews, highlighting the versatility of modern kitchen appliances for creating indulgent desserts.

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Donut Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Delight

By
Justine

This easy air fryer donut recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls, coated in cinnamon and sugar! Enjoy soft insides and perfectly crispy outsides. Make these quick and delicious donuts in your Ninja Foodi tonight!

Prep:

10 mins

Cook:

6 mins

Servings:
6

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Equipment

• 1 air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 roll refrigerated cinnamon rolls, not Grands, cut in half and rolled into balls
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 c cinnamon
• 1/2 c sugar

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Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). While it preheats, cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll in half and gently roll each half into a tight, uniform ball.
• Melt the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. In a pint-sized plastic baggie (or a shallow dish), combine the cinnamon and sugar, shaking or stirring until well mixed.
• Dip each rolled cinnamon roll ball into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Immediately transfer the buttered ball into the baggie with the cinnamon sugar mixture and shake well until the outside is thoroughly coated.
• Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated donut balls into the basket, leaving ample space between them, as they will expand slightly during cooking. For a typical basket, I recommend placing about 8 pieces per batch (half of a standard container).
• Close the air fryer lid and cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) for a total of 5-6 minutes. Flip the donut balls halfway through the cooking time (around minute 3). Check for doneness at minute 5; if not perfectly golden and cooked through, continue for the last minute.
• For an extra burst of flavor and sweetness, transfer the remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture into a new, dry baggie (the previous one may be damp from the butter). Take each cooked donut ball out one at a time and shake it in the new baggie to recoat thoroughly with more sugar and cinnamon.
• Finally, drizzle or dip each warm donut ball in the frosting that came with your cinnamon roll container. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

(Video placeholder: A demonstration of making air fryer donut balls)

Nutrition

Serving: 2oz

,

Calories: 312kcal

,

Carbohydrates: 47g

,

Protein: 3g

,

Fat: 13g

,

Saturated Fat: 6g

,

Cholesterol: 10mg

,

Sodium: 474mg

,

Fiber: 1g

,

Sugar: 30g

,

Vitamin A: 118IU

,

Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine:
American

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