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Homemade Air Fryer Doughnut Holes: A Delightful Treat

Doughnut holes are a beloved sweet treat that have delighted taste buds for generations. These delightful little bites are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack. With the rise of air fryers in recent years, making doughnut holes has never been easier or healthier. This article will guide you through the simple process of preparing homemade air fryer doughnut holes, ensuring a fluffy, flavourful result that’s hard to resist.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

To whip up a batch of delicious doughnut holes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250g (2 cups) plain flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 125ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
• 50g (1/4 cup) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray or a little extra melted butter for greasing

For Coating (optional)

• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spoon or ice cream scoop
• Parchment paper (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Doughnut Hole Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense doughnuts.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnut Holes

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Form the Doughnut Holes: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or directly into the air fryer basket.

3. Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s space between each doughnut hole for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 3: Air Fry the Doughnut Holes

1. Lightly Grease: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little melted butter to prevent sticking.

2. Air Fry: Cook the doughnut holes in the air fryer basket for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown, flipping them halfway through to promote even cooking.

3. Check for Doneness: The doughnut holes should be golden and spring back when gently pressed. If they need more time, continue to cook in 1-minute intervals.

Step 4: Coating (Optional)

1. Prepare the Coating: If you choose to coat your doughnut holes, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

2. Coat the Doughnut Holes: Once cooked, toss the warm doughnut holes in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

Enjoying Your Doughnut Holes

Your homemade air fryer doughnut holes are now ready to be savoured! They can be enjoyed warm on their own or served with a selection of dips, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or a fruity glaze.

Final Thoughts

The joy of making homemade treats is unmatched, and these air fryer doughnut holes provide a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also incredibly delicious, making them a fantastic option for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these doughnut holes are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy!