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Air fryer donut balls with a soft fluffy center, cinnamon sugar coating, powdered sugar, and chocolate drizzle
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Air Fryer Donut Balls - Quick, Cozy, and Perfectly Sweet

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – The base for a soft, tender dough.
  • Baking powder – Gives lift and that pillowy texture.
  • Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and coats the outside.
  • Salt – Balances sweetness.
  • Ground nutmeg (optional) – Classic donut shop flavor.
  • Whole milk – Adds moisture; 2% works too.
  • Unsalted butter, melted – For richness. Oil can sub if needed.
  • Egg – Binds the dough and adds structure.
  • Vanilla extract – Warm, bakery-style aroma.
  • Neutral oil spray – For the air fryer basket and a light spritz on the dough.
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Melted butter (for brushing post-air-fry)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract or a pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat the basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 1½ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk ½ cup milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter (slightly cooled), 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  • Combine: Pour wet into dry and stir gently until just combined. If the dough seems sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s soft and scoopable, not wet.
  • Shape the balls: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion 1 to 1½-tablespoon mounds. Lightly oil your hands and roll into smooth balls.
  • Air fry in batches: Arrange donut balls in a single layer without touching. Lightly mist the tops with oil. Cook 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They’re done when golden and springy to the touch.
  • Coat with cinnamon sugar: Mix ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush warm donut balls with melted butter and roll in the mixture. Work while they’re warm so the coating sticks.
  • Or glaze: Stir ¾ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a few drops of vanilla until smooth. Dip warm donut balls, then set on a rack to let the glaze set.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm. They’re best within a few hours but still tasty later with a quick reheat.