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, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar substitute, and salt). **If you are using a 100% WHEY protein, leave the protein powder out and add it after step 3 (see notes below for full instructions with whey protein)

Step 3

Add the 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. You can make them as large as you'd like, but I was able to make 30 with mine.

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.

Step 9

For glaze coating: If you'd like to glaze the donut holes, add your powdered sugar to a large bowl and slowly stir in 1-2 tbsp of milk until it resembles a glaze. Add your donut holes to the bowl, then carefully remove the donut holes, allowing the excess glaze to run off. Place on a cooling rack to set.

Step 10

For powdered sugar coating: Add powdered sugar to a large bowl and drop the donut holes right in when they come out (I didn't weigh out how much sugar I used). Since they are hot, the powdered sugar will stick no problem. Give them a toss until fully coated, then place on a cooling rack.