Remember when chocolate donut holes meant expensive bakery trips or disappointing store-bought versions that never quite hit the mark? After perfecting this recipe through countless weekend mornings (and watching my family polish off entire batches while declaring these “better than Dunkin'”), I can promise these air fryer chocolate donut holes deliver all that rich, chocolatey satisfaction with the perfect cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Donut Holes (Makes 20-24 holes)
Chocolate Donut Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional but amazing)
For Coating:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket
Pro tip: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa works too. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Method
Perfect Prep Work (10 minutes)
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl
- Make sure no cocoa lumps remain—sift if needed
- Create a well in the center for wet ingredients
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In separate bowl, whisk together cream, melted butter, egg, and vanilla
- Mix until completely smooth and well combined
- Let cool slightly if butter was very hot
Create the Perfect Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredient well
- Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in chocolate chips if using
- Batter should be thick but scoopable
Air Fryer Cooking Process
Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Time: 8-10 minutes total
Batch size: 8-10 donut holes maximum for proper air circulation
Step 1: Shape the Donut Holes
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
- Using small ice cream scoop or spoons, form 1-inch balls
- Place on parchment paper first if batter is sticky
- Don’t worry about perfect rounds—rustic shapes are charming!
Step 2: First Air Frying Phase
- Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes
- Arrange donut holes in basket with space between each
- Air fry 5 minutes without opening basket
- They should be starting to puff and set
Step 3: Check & Flip
- Gently shake basket or use tongs to turn donut holes
- Continue cooking 3-5 minutes until golden brown
- Toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs
Step 4: Finish & Glaze
- Remove immediately and brush with melted butter while warm
- Let cool 2-3 minutes before glazing
- Glaze adheres best to slightly warm donut holes
Visual cues for perfect doneness: Deep chocolate brown color, slightly crispy exterior, springs back lightly when touched, and internal temperature of 190°F if using thermometer.
Perfect Chocolate Glaze Options
Classic Chocolate Glaze
Rich and glossy—the crowd favorite
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Whisk until smooth. Adjust cream for desired consistency.
Simple Vanilla Glaze
Sweet and creamy contrast to chocolate
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of salt
Perfect for those who want chocolate donuts with lighter topping.
Peanut Butter Glaze
The ultimate chocolate-PB combo
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Warm peanut butter slightly for easier mixing.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Tangy richness that cuts through chocolate sweetness
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat cream cheese first, then gradually add other ingredients.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Classic and simple—no glaze needed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Roll warm donut holes in butter, then cinnamon sugar.
Application tip: Dip warm donut holes face-down in glaze, let excess drip off, then place on wire rack. Glaze sets in about 10 minutes.
Family-Friendly Variations That Work
Double Chocolate Chip
- Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to batter
- Use chocolate glaze and sprinkle with more chips
- Perfect for special occasions
Mocha Madness
- Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee to dry ingredients
- Use chocolate glaze with ½ teaspoon coffee extract
- Dust with cocoa powder
Cookies & Cream
- Fold in ¼ cup crushed Oreo cookies
- Use vanilla glaze and top with more cookie crumbs
- Makes cleanup worth it for the smiles
Chocolate Orange
- Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to batter
- Use chocolate glaze with 1 teaspoon orange extract
- Garnish with candied orange peel
Healthier Chocolate
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour
- Use Greek yogurt instead of some cream
- Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add stevia to taste
Gluten-Free Version
- Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if blend doesn’t include it
- May need extra 2-3 minutes cooking time
Vegan Chocolate Donut Holes
- Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk
- Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Substitute butter with melted coconut oil
- Check that chocolate chips are dairy-free
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fresh Storage:
- Room temperature: Up to 2 days in airtight container
- Best quality: Consume within 24 hours for optimal texture
- Glaze separately: Store unglazed donuts and glaze before serving
Freezing Instructions:
- Before cooking: Scoop batter onto parchment, freeze solid, transfer to bags (up to 2 months)
- After cooking: Cool completely, freeze unglazed on trays, then store in bags (up to 1 month)
Reheating Methods:
- Air fryer: 300°F for 2-3 minutes (best texture restoration)
- Microwave: 10-15 seconds (convenient but may soften exterior)
- Oven: 300°F for 5 minutes (good for larger batches)
Make-Ahead Strategy:
- Batter: Can be made 24 hours ahead and refrigerated
- Shaped: Form balls and refrigerate overnight, cook fresh in morning
- Cooked: Best fresh, but can be made morning of serving
Pro tip: For weekend entertaining, shape the donut holes the night before and store covered in refrigerator. Cook fresh in the morning for that just-made taste and aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make air fryer chocolate donut holes without heavy cream?
Absolutely! Whole milk works perfectly, though the texture will be slightly less rich. For even lighter results, try 2% milk. Buttermilk adds a slight tang that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Why do my chocolate donut holes come out dry?
Usually from overcooking or overmixing the batter. Mix ingredients just until combined, lumps are fine! Also check your air fryer temperature accuracy, as some run hot and need lower temperatures.
Can I use chocolate cake mix instead of making from scratch?
Yes! Use 1 box chocolate cake mix, add ½ cup water, ⅓ cup oil, and 2 eggs. Form into balls and cook as directed. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the donut holes are perfectly cooked?
They should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Internal temperature should reach 190°F.
Can I make these donut holes ahead for a party?
Best made fresh, but you can prep the batter the night before and cook in the morning. Already-cooked donut holes can be stored overnight and briefly reheated in the air fryer before serving.
For more family-tested air fryer desserts that bring joy to your kitchen, check out our Complete Air Fryer Desserts Collection with 15+ sweet treats that’ll make every day feel special. Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration!
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