Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes

Air fryer blueberry donut holes with a soft, fluffy texture and bursts of fruit flavor. Easy to make, lightly glazed, and perfect for a quick homemade treat.

When my son first encountered donut holes at our favorite donut shop, he was absolutely mind blown. I get it, if you were that young and just realized that donut holes are supposedly the dough from the middle of donuts, I'd be surprised too LOL. He kept asking questions about how they make them and whether they really come from actual donuts, and honestly, his curiosity was so adorable that I knew I had to make some at home.

What I've learned from years of baking with kids is that donut holes are actually one of the easiest pastries to make because there's no shaping precision required. When I had large bags of blueberries at home because of a good deal at the store, I decided to make these air fryer blueberry donut holes and let him help. The key technique here is tossing the fruit with a bit of dry mixture first, which prevents the berries from sinking and keeps excess moisture from making the dough too wet. This is the same principle bakers use for muffins and quick breads.

The air fryer method changes everything about making donut holes at home. Traditional donut holes require managing hot oil at precise temperatures, constant monitoring, and dealing with oil disposal afterward. The air fryer's circulating heat creates that same golden exterior and fluffy interior without any of the safety concerns or mess that comes with deep frying, which makes this a realistic project to do with young helpers.

My son loved shaping the dough into little balls the most and watching them puff up in the air fryer. He was so proud when they came out golden brown and we got to dip them in the glaze together.

These have become one of our weekend breakfast traditions now, and every time we make them, he still talks about how cool it is that we can make donut holes at home. Honestly, they taste even better than the ones from the shop because they're fresh and warm and we can control exactly how much fruit flavor goes into each batch.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt create the base for these air fryer blueberry donut holes and give them that light, fluffy structure. Melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and sour cream add moisture and richness, making the donut holes tender instead of dry. White granulated sugar and vanilla extract add sweetness and flavor, while frozen blueberries tossed with a bit of flour are the real star because they add natural sweetness and bursts of fruity flavor in every bite without making the batter too wet.

The blueberry glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and blended blueberries is just as simple and gives these a gorgeous color and extra blueberry flavor. You can strain the blended blueberries if you want a smoother glaze, or leave them as-is for a more rustic look.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes?

These air fryer blueberry donut holes are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. 

Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Make sure to mix these ingredients thoroughly to have an even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.

Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine ½ cup of white granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk the wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl of wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, this can make the donut holes dense. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Fold in the Blueberries

Take ⅔ cup of frozen blueberries and toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. This will help prevent the berries from sinking into the batter as it cooks. Gently fold the floured blueberries into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed without smashing them.

Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This resting time helps the dough firm up slightly, making it easier to shape into donut holes.

Shape the Donut Holes

Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge. Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon portions and shape them into small balls. Place the formed dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray, leaving a little space between each one.

Preheat the Air Fryer

While you shape the donut holes, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating for 3–5 minutes will make sure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the donut holes evenly.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the air fryer basket with a single sheet of parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper fits snugly without hanging over the sides of the basket, as this could prevent proper air circulation. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between each one so they cook evenly.

Air Fry the Donut Holes

Air fry the donut holes for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and puff up as they cook. Be sure to check that the donut holes are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Make the Glaze

While the donut holes are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ cup of blended blueberries. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.

Glaze the Donut Holes

Once the donut holes are finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. While they’re still warm, dip each donut hole into the glaze. You can also drizzle the glaze over them if you prefer. Place the glazed donut holes on a wire rack or a parchment-lined surface to let the glaze set.

Serve

Serve the donut holes while they’re still slightly warm for the best experience. Enjoy these delicious treats with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite hot beverage!

Storage

Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To enjoy them warm again, simply reheat them in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 300°F (150°C).

Recipe