The Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick, delicious treats that bring joy with every bite. Imagine golden, tender donut holes bursting with juicy blueberries, perfectly cooked in your air fryer for a delightfully crispy outside and soft inside. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between a classic comfort flavor and a fresh fruity twist, making it a favorite snack or breakfast indulgence that will have you reaching for more again and again.
Ingredients You'll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect texture, vibrant blueberry flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and chewiness to your donut holes.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives your donuts that lovely lift and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the blueberries.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and moisture for tender bites.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Gives a subtle tang and keeps the donuts soft and moist.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and helps achieve a light texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Enhances tenderness and lends a creamy richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the dough.
- ⅔ cup frozen blueberries: Bursts of juicy fruitiness that make these donut holes unforgettable.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that’s the perfect finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to a smooth, dunkable consistency.
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, and sea salt together in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough, setting the foundation for perfectly risen donut holes.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture combines richness and moisture, crucial for that tender crumb you'll love.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the donut holes tough, so stop as soon as there are no visible flour patches.
Step 4: Add the Blueberries
Toss your frozen blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking or bleeding too much into the dough. Then fold them carefully into the batter, preserving their shape and sweetness.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to roll and helping the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 6: Shape the Donut Holes
Once chilled, roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and set them on a parchment-lined tray. The uniform size ensures even cooking in the air fryer, resulting in consistent golden-brown perfection.
Step 7: Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Line the basket with a sheet of parchment paper and arrange the donut holes in a single layer, leaving space between each so they crisp up nicely all around.
Step 8: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook the donut holes for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. This step locks in tenderness while delivering a satisfying exterior crunch.
Step 9: Make the Blueberry Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and strained blended blueberries until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding milk or more powdered sugar, creating a luscious glaze that complements these treats beautifully.
Step 10: Glaze and Set
Dip each warm donut hole into the glaze, then place them on a wire rack or parchment-lined surface. This final touch adds a glossy, sweet coating that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
How to Serve Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special presentation, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or fresh blueberries on top of the glazed donut holes. A tiny twist of lemon zest can also add a surprising burst of brightness that complements the blueberry flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These donut holes pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. You can also serve them alongside a refreshing fruit salad or vanilla yogurt to turn your snack into a delightful brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the donut holes on a decorative skewer for a fun party appetizer or individual serving. You can also place them in small cupcake liners or a festive bowl to make them feel like a special occasion treat at any time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft yet fresh enough to enjoy without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled donut holes on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, perfect for whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated donut holes in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. This method revives their crispiness without drying them out, as a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work just as well. If you use fresh, toss them in a little flour just as you would frozen to prevent them from sinking and bleeding into the batter.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a lovely tang and tenderness, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity.
Is parchment paper necessary in the air fryer basket?
Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier. Just be sure to use air fryer-safe parchment that allows air flow and never block the entire basket.
Can I make the glaze without the blueberries?
Yes, you can create a simple powdered sugar glaze with just milk and powdered sugar if you prefer a more classic sweetness without the fruity touch.
How many donut holes does this recipe make?
This Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes Recipe yields about 25 delicious donut holes—perfect for sharing or saving some for later!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat with less fuss and more flavor. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a fun dessert, these donut holes are sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate—you might just find a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 25 donut holes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these fluffy, homemade Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes, perfectly golden and bursting with juicy blueberries. This easy recipe combines a tender buttermilk dough with a sweet blueberry glaze for a delicious treat that's quick to prepare using an air fryer, making it a healthier twist on classic fried donuts.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup frozen blueberries
Glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Additional strained blended blueberries (from the ⅔ cup frozen blueberries)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender dough.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Toss the frozen blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking, then fold them gently into the dough to evenly distribute the berries without breaking them.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to handle.
- Shape Donut Holes: After chilling, roll the dough into 1-tablespoon portions and shape each into a ball. Place the shaped donut holes on a parchment-lined tray to prepare for cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with a single sheet of parchment paper. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer with space between each to allow hot air circulation.
- Air Fry Donut Holes: Cook the donut holes in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an even golden brown color. Cook remaining dough in batches as needed.
- Make the Blueberry Glaze: While the donut holes cook, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and strained blended blueberries until smooth. Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
- Glaze and Set: Dip the warm donut holes into the blueberry glaze, then place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen blueberries to prevent the dough from becoming too wet; toss them in flour before folding to keep them evenly distributed.
- Do not overmix the dough to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the donut holes.
- Ensure air fryer has enough space between donut holes to allow for even air circulation and cooking.
- Adjust the glaze consistency depending on your preference for a thicker or thinner coating.
- Serving donut holes warm enhances their soft texture and allows the glaze to melt slightly for a delicious finish.

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