Are you ready to create the most delicious holiday treat in minutes? My Air Fryer Gingerbread Donut Holes are easy to whip up and bursting with festive flavors. With a golden brown exterior and a soft, spiced inside, these donut holes are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Follow along for a step-by-step guide that will have you mastering this delightful recipe in no time!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– ⅓ cup milk
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Silicone donut hole mold or mini muffin pan
– Measuring cups and spoons
When I make these air fryer gingerbread donut holes, I carefully choose my ingredients. Each one adds to the warm, spicy flavor.
I start with 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. It gives the donut holes their shape. Next, I add ½ cup of packed brown sugar for sweetness. Then, I mix in 1 teaspoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. These help the donut holes rise.
Next, I bring in the spices. I use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. These spices give a cozy flavor. I also add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a warm touch. A pinch of ¼ teaspoon of salt balances all the sweet flavors.
Now, for the wet ingredients: I melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. It helps make the donut holes rich. I add 1 large egg, ⅓ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of molasses, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. These make the batter smooth and tasty.
To bake the donut holes, I need an air fryer, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a silicone mold. The mold helps shape the donut holes perfectly. I measure everything with my cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
With my ingredients ready, I’m excited to create these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. A properly heated air fryer helps your donut holes rise and cook nicely.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon salt
Use a whisk to mix them well. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly spread out.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, blend the following wet ingredients:
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– ⅓ cup milk
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk these together until the mixture looks smooth. This helps to create a rich flavor in your donut holes.
Combining the Mixtures
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your donut holes soft.
Filling the Molds
Lightly grease your donut hole mold or mini muffin pan with non-stick spray or melted butter. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each mold halfway with batter. This helps the donut holes to puff up nicely.
Cooking the Donut Holes
Place the filled mold in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Check for a golden brown color. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This means they are ready!
Let them cool for a few minutes, then enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To make the best air fryer gingerbread donut holes, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Stir until just combined. If you mix too much, the texture will become tough. Remember, we want soft and fluffy donut holes.
Checking Doneness
Use a toothpick to check if the donut holes are done. Insert the toothpick into the center of one donut hole. If it comes out clean, they are ready. This simple test helps ensure they are cooked all the way through.
Enhancing Flavor
Add a cinnamon sugar coating for extra flavor. While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. This adds a sweet touch and makes them even more delicious. A little extra flavor goes a long way!
Variations
Alternative Flavors
You can change the flavor of your gingerbread donut holes easily. Try a pumpkin spice version. Just swap some spices. Use pumpkin pie spice instead of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This gives a warm fall taste.
Another fun option is chocolate gingerbread donut holes. Add cocoa powder to the dry mix. About ¼ cup works well. This makes them rich and fluffy. Kids and adults love this twist!
Glazing Options
Glazing can take your donut holes to the next level. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar is easy. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth and drizzle over warm donut holes.
For chocolate lovers, a chocolate dip is perfect. Melt some chocolate chips in a bowl. Dip each donut hole in the melted chocolate. Let them set on parchment paper. This adds a rich touch!
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing these donut holes with coffee or hot cocoa. The flavors mix so well together. It makes for a cozy treat!
For a festive touch, present the donut holes in a colorful bowl. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also add cinnamon sticks for a warm vibe. This makes your snack table look inviting during the holidays!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Donut Holes
To keep your leftover donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This keeps them soft. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your gingerbread donut holes, first let them cool completely. Once cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your donut holes, use your air fryer. Set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the donut holes in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 3-4 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy again. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy. Enjoy your tasty treat!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and a nutty taste. However, use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for better texture. A good ratio is 50/50. This way, you keep the donut holes light and soft.
How long do the donut holes last?
These donut holes last about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They can last up to a week in the fridge.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the batter a few hours ahead. Store it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh. Just remember to stir it again before you fill the molds. If you store it too long, it may lose some rise.
What air fryer temperature is best for baking?
For baking, 350°F (175°C) is perfect. This temperature cooks evenly without burning. It works well for many baked goods. Always check the recipe for specific temps, but 350°F is a great starting point.
You learned how to make delicious air fryer donut holes with simple ingredients. We covered mixing dry and wet items, combining them, and cooking to perfection. Remember, avoid overmixing for the best texture. You can try different flavors and glazes to mix things up. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later. Enjoy your tasty treats with coffee or hot cocoa. These tips will help you create fun, easy desserts anytime. Trust me; you’ll impress your friends and family!
