Indulging in delicious treats while following a keto diet can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Enter the Air Fryer Keto Cinnamon Donut Holes – a delightful, guilt-free snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your diet. These donut holes are light, fluffy, and infused with a warm cinnamon flavor that makes them irresistible. Best of all, they’re made in the air fryer, which means they’re lower in calories and fat compared to traditional fried donuts. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe that promises to bring joy to your keto lifestyle.
Ingredients:
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup erythritol or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Coating:
- 1/4 cup erythritol or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Prepare the Donut Holes:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the donut holes cook evenly and get a nice, crispy exterior.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, erythritol, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agent and sweetener throughout the batter, ensuring a uniform texture and flavor in the final product.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, unsweetened almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is not too hot, as it could cook the eggs. The almond milk and eggs should be at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.
- Form the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can result in dense donut holes. The batter should be thick but not too dry. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Shape the Donut Holes: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the batter into small, bite-sized balls. You should be able to make about 20-24 donut holes, depending on the size. If the batter is sticky, you can lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil or butter to make it easier to handle.
Cook the Donut Holes:
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook the donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut hole; if it comes out clean, they are done. Halfway through the cooking time, you can shake the basket or turn the donut holes to ensure even cooking.
- Cool: Once cooked, transfer the donut holes to a wire rack to cool slightly. They should be warm but not too hot to handle when you start the coating process.
Prepare the Cinnamon Coating:
- Mix Cinnamon and Sweetener: In a small bowl, combine the erythritol and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the sweetener and cinnamon are evenly distributed.
- Melt Butter: In a separate bowl, melt the butter. This will be used to help the cinnamon-sweetener mixture adhere to the donut holes.
Coat the Donut Holes:
- Dip in Butter: Working one at a time, dip each donut hole into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. This step is crucial for the cinnamon-sweetener mixture to stick to the donut holes and add that classic donut flavor.
- Roll in Cinnamon-Sweetener: Immediately after dipping in butter, roll the donut hole in the cinnamon-sweetener mixture until fully coated. Place the coated donut holes back on the wire rack to allow the coating to set slightly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish: If desired, you can add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon-sweetener mixture over the top for a finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the donut holes warm for the best flavor and texture. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a cup of keto-friendly coffee or tea.
- Storage: Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Conclusion
The Air Fryer Keto Cinnamon Donut Holes are a perfect example of how you can enjoy delicious treats while sticking to a keto diet. With their light and fluffy texture, combined with the warm cinnamon flavor, these donut holes are a delightful snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The use of the air fryer makes them a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, while still providing that satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a keto-friendly brunch, looking for a sweet snack, or simply craving a treat, these donut holes are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of these delightful bites, and relish in the joy of a delicious, keto-friendly treat.
