Step 1

Preheat your air fryer at 370 degrees F while you prep the donut holes (about 10 minutes).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients for your donut holes (flour, protein powder, baking powder, sugar substitute, and salt). **If you are using a 100% whey protein, leave the protein powder out of this step and add it after step More in the notes below.

Step 3

Add the vanilla extract, applesauce, and butter and mix it up with a silicone spatula until a dough forms.

Step 4

Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket with nonstick spray. I recommend using parchment paper made for the air fryer as well, but that is optional!

Step 5

Break off a small piece of dough, roll it in your palms, and then place it in the air fryer basket.

Step 6

Continue forming the donut holes and placing them in the air fryer, leaving enough space in between for them to heat evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do two batches.

Step 7

Air fry the donut holes for 4 minutes total. After 2 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip each donut hole, then return to the air fryer for the remaining 2 minutes. Note: if your air fryer hasn't been fully preheated these may take a few minutes longer.

Step 8

Carefully remove from the air fryer and top/coat the donut holes however you'd like prior to serving.