When you’re craving something crispy, fluffy, and sweet, this Air Fryer Cronut Holes recipe is the perfect solution. With just a few ingredients, you can create a treat that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. The best part? It’s ready in mere minutes, making it ideal for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a fun dessert.
In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make these air fryer cronut holes using simple, store-bought biscuit dough, with a cinnamon sugar glaze that elevates these golden treats to a whole new level. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty, hassle-free dessert.
What Are Air Fryer Cronut Holes?
The Air Fryer Cronut Holes are an easy, air-fried version of the traditional cronut (a croissant-doughnut hybrid). Instead of making croissant dough from scratch, you’re using flaky biscuit dough that is quickly fried in the air fryer until golden and crispy. These bite-sized cronut holes are then coated in a mixture of cinnamon sugar, followed by a drizzle of cinnamon sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Air Fryer Cronut Holes are perfect for those who love buttery, flaky pastries but want a quicker and lighter version. The air fryer does an excellent job of crisping them up without the mess of deep frying. Plus, the cinnamon sugar coating gives them a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the light, fluffy texture.
Origin of Air Fryer Cronut Holes
The concept of the cronut itself originated in 2013 when renowned French pastry chef Dominique Ansel created the cronut in his bakery in New York. A cronut is essentially a croissant-doughnut hybrid, combining the texture of a croissant with the shape and deep-fried sweetness of a doughnut. It became an instant hit, drawing long lines at bakeries and inspiring countless variations.
As for air fryer cronut holes, they’re a modern, quicker take on this iconic treat. By skipping the long process of making croissant dough from scratch and instead using canned biscuit dough, you can enjoy a fresh batch of cronut holes in a fraction of the time. Thanks to the air fryer, this recipe gives you all the crispy texture and buttery taste without the extra calories and oil of traditional deep-frying methods.
Ingredients
For the Cronut Holes:
- 1 can (8-count) flaky or buttermilk biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 tsp cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼–½ tsp cinnamon (to taste)
Step-by-Step Directions for Air Fryer Cronut Holes
Making Air Fryer Cronut Holes is quick and easy. Here’s how you can create these delicious treats in just a few simple steps.
1. Prep the Dough
- Start by separating the biscuits from the can. Each biscuit should be cut into 4 equal pieces. You can also use a small round cutter to punch out “holes” in each biscuit, mimicking the traditional doughnut hole shape.
- Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. This helps to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
2. Air Fry the Dough Balls
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of melted butter.
- Arrange the dough balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow even cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you might need to cook in batches.
- Air fry the dough balls for 5–6 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed.
3. Coat the Cronut Holes in Cinnamon Sugar
- While the cronut holes are air frying, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.
- Once the cronut holes are done cooking, brush them with melted butter while they’re still warm.
- Immediately roll each cronut hole in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional, to taste)
Once the glaze is smooth and creamy, drizzle it over the cinnamon-sugar-coated cronut holes. Alternatively, you can dip each cronut hole into the glaze for an extra sweet finish.
Variations of Air Fryer Cronut Holes
While the basic recipe is perfect as is, there are a few ways you can tweak the ingredients and preparation for different flavors:
1. Brown Butter Cronut Holes:
For a deeper, more caramelized flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular melted butter. Simply cook the butter in a saucepan until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Brush the cronut holes with this rich, flavorful butter before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
2. Nutmeg Twist:
If you want to add a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar glaze. This small addition can make a big difference in flavor, giving your cronut holes that classic donut-shop taste.
3. Glazed with Chocolate:
For a chocolatey variation, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate over the cinnamon-sugar-coated cronut holes. The rich chocolate adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.
4. Add-ins:
For a fruity touch, consider adding chopped berries or even chocolate chips to the dough before air frying. This will create a little surprise in each bite and elevate the flavor even more.
FAQs about Air Fryer Cronut Holes
Can I use a different type of biscuit dough?
Yes! While this recipe uses flaky biscuit dough, you can experiment with different types, such as buttermilk or even croissant dough for an even flakier texture. Just keep in mind that some doughs may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Do I have to use an air fryer for this recipe?
While this recipe is specifically designed for the air fryer, you could use a regular oven instead. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cronut holes on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The texture may vary slightly, but the taste will still be delicious.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Air fryer cronut holes are best served fresh, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time. However, you can prepare the dough in advance, store it in the fridge, and air fry them just before serving.
How do I store leftover cronut holes?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked cronut holes for up to a month. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cronut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze are a game-changer for anyone looking for a fast, easy, and delightful treat. The combination of crispy, buttery cronut holes with the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and glaze makes for an irresistible snack that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a regular morning, this recipe is sure to impress. With a little help from your air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden cronut holes without the hassle of deep frying. Get creative with the variations and make them your own, and soon enough, these delicious cronut holes will become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
