Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes

These air fryer pumpkin donut holes capture the nostalgic flavors of fall with cozy cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tenderly cakelike on the inside, they are an easy, delightful treat to make any cool morning feel special. Brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these donut holes quickly became a beloved weekend tradition in my house, offering comfort and sweetness with every bite.

I first whipped these up during a chilly October weekend and now my family asks for them every Sunday morning because they bring such warmth and happiness to the table.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: This is the base providing structure and a tender crumb so choose fresh flour with a good protein content
• Brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes that deepen the flavor and give gentle sweetness
• Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help donut holes rise and be fluffy so check it’s fresh for best results
• Pumpkin pie spice: Brings classic autumn flavor a blend of cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves preferably use a quality mix or homemade for freshness
• Kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor balance rounding out sweetness and spices
• Pumpkin purée: Adds moisture and that signature rich pumpkin taste pick pureed pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling to avoid excess sugar
• Large egg: Binds the batter giving richness and structure so choose large fresh eggs
• Whole milk: Creates a smooth batter and tender results you can substitute but whole milk gives the best moisture
• Pure vanilla extract: Offers a mellow sweetness and aroma so use a good quality pure extract
• Unsalted butter melted: Enriches the batter and keeps donut holes tender use unsalted to control seasoning better
• For the coating melted unsalted butter: Provides a sticky surface so the cinnamon sugar adheres perfectly
• Granulated sugar: Adds crunch and sweetness in the coating
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice in the sugar coating use fresh ground cinnamon for more vibrant flavor

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until evenly mixed. This ensures your spices and leavening are well distributed for consistent flavor and rise.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin purée, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until smooth without any lumps, fully integrating the ingredients for a uniform batter.

Create Batter:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until you see no flour patches remaining. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep your donut holes tender and light.

Shape the Donut Holes:

Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion the batter into evenly sized rounds. Place each on a parchment lined or lightly greased tray to keep them from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Cook in Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit which is about 182 degrees Celsius. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer with small gaps between them as overcrowding prevents them from crisping properly. Cook in batches if necessary for 8 to 10 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

While still warm, brush each donut hole lightly with melted butter. Immediately roll them in a bowl of granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, coating them evenly for that perfect sweet and spiced finish.

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the pumpkin pie spice which instantly evokes the feeling of fall and brings back fond memories of guessing the spice blend as a child now shared with my own family.

Storage Tips

Store these donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them separated by parchment paper in a freezer safe bag and thaw at room temperature before warming gently in an oven or air fryer to revive crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk for a lighter texture and subtle nutty flavor that pairs nicely with pumpkin. Use melted coconut oil in place of butter for a slight coconut undertone that complements the pumpkin spice notes. For a heartier earthier taste try substituting half the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour which adds fiber and depth while keeping the donut holes tender.

Serving Suggestions

These donut holes taste wonderful on their own or paired with a warm caramel dipping sauce for a touch of indulgence. Drizzling melted chocolate over them or sprinkling finely chopped pecans adds sophistication and crunch; to elevate the cozy factor serve alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider making your fall mornings extra comforting and memorable.

These air fryer pumpkin donut holes are a cozy easy treat that brighten cool mornings. They are perfect for sharing or freezing for quick indulgences.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why are the donut holes overly dense?

Overmixing batter leads to dense donut holes. Stir ingredients just until combined to keep them light and tender.

→ Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, homemade puree works well if strained thoroughly to ensure similar thickness as canned puree.

→ Do I need to adjust cooking time if I double the batch?

No time adjustment needed, but cook in multiple smaller batches for even, consistent results.

→ Can these donut holes be made ahead?

They can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Warm slightly before serving.

→ How can I boost the pumpkin flavor?

Lightly cooking the pumpkin puree before mixing intensifies its flavor for richer taste.