Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes: Your Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe
As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced treat to usher in the autumn season. These delightful Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are the quintessential fall indulgence – incredibly easy to make in your air fryer and infused with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spice. Forget the deep-fried mess; this healthier version delivers all the deliciousness with less oil. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a festive snack before trick-or-treating, or a comforting weekend pick-me-up, these homemade donut holes are sure to become a beloved family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes
For too long, I’ve held back on sharing a donut recipe, but the wait is officially over! My kids are absolutely obsessed with donut holes, and honestly, who isn’t? They’re perfectly bite-sized, incredibly fun to eat, and dangerously addictive. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to these Air Fryer Donut Holes, specifically designed with a warm, inviting pumpkin flavor that screams “fall.”
If you’re anything like me, your love for pumpkin recipes reaches its peak during autumn. From a comforting Pumpkin Spice Latte to fluffy Pumpkin Muffins, and even savory dishes like Pumpkin Ravioli, pumpkin is simply indispensable. These donut holes join that esteemed list, offering a sweet, spiced escape that’s hard to resist.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While designed for the air fryer, you can easily bake them in a traditional oven if you don’t have an air fryer. No matter your method, you’ll end up with a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts, significantly cutting down on oil without sacrificing flavor or that delightful texture. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Embracing Autumn with Homemade Donut Holes
Fall has always been synonymous with visiting local orchards, picking apples, and indulging in the irresistible scent and taste of fresh apple cider and pumpkin spice donuts. This year, my trip to the apple orchard was missing one crucial element: the donuts! It was a small disappointment, but it inspired me to perfect this homemade recipe, ensuring that the craving for those warm, sugary, spiced treats can always be satisfied right in my own kitchen. Having this Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes recipe in my back pocket means I can whip up that autumn magic anytime, regardless of what the local orchard has in stock.
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes is surprisingly simple. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly tender, spiced, and golden-brown treats every time.
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
The first step involves combining all your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent flavor and rise throughout your donut holes. This aromatic blend is the foundation of our fall-flavored treat.
Adding the Wet Ingredients to Form the Dough
Once your dry mix is ready, it’s time for the wet ingredients. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, a single egg, milk, and oil directly into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir everything together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes, so mix only until no dry streaks of flour remain. The dough will start to come together, taking on a beautiful orange hue from the pumpkin.
Kneading the Dough to Perfection
Now, it’s time to knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving your donut holes a wonderful texture. It should feel pliable and not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour; if it’s too dry, a drop of milk will help.
Shaping and Preparing for the Air Fryer
Divide the kneaded dough into 25 small, uniform balls. The size doesn’t have to be exact, but aiming for consistency helps them cook evenly. Place these little pumpkin dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Before air frying, prepare your coating by mixing sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture will give your donut holes that classic sweet and spiced finish.
Air Frying for Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Once preheated, arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Work in batches if necessary to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Lightly spray the donut holes with oil—this is key for achieving that beautiful golden crust. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they still look a bit doughy, air fry for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
The Finishing Touch: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
As soon as each batch of donut holes comes out of the air fryer, while they are still warm, roll them generously in the prepared cinnamon and sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar adhere beautifully, creating that signature sweet, slightly crunchy coating. Place the coated donut holes on a wire rack to cool slightly and continue with the remaining batches until all your delicious pumpkin donut holes are ready to be devoured.
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Ingredients
- 2 ¾ Cups all-purpose flour
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Large egg
- ¼ Cup milk (any kind)
- 2 tbsp milk (for coating, if desired for better sugar adherence)
- ½ Cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar, for coating
- Cooking spray, for air fryer basket
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until well combined.
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Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, egg, milk, and oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 2-3 minutes.
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Divide the dough into 25 small, uniform balls. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons of milk for coating. Briefly roll each donut hole in the milk, then immediately roll in the cinnamon and sugar mixture, ensuring an even coat. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the coated donut holes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Lightly spray the donut holes in the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness; if not fully cooked, continue air frying for a few more minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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Once cooked, immediately remove the donut holes from the air fryer. If they lost some sugar during cooking, you can roll them again briefly in the cinnamon and sugar mixture while still warm. Set on a wire rack to cool slightly.
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Repeat the air frying and coating process with the remaining donut holes until all are cooked and coated. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Pumpkin Puree Alternative: You can also use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin puree to give them a different, equally delicious fall flavor! The consistency is very similar, making it a great substitute.
- Oven Baking Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake these donut holes in a preheated convection oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The end result is very similar in taste and texture, just slightly less crispy on the outside.
- Storage: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes, or in a microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Glaze Variation: Instead of cinnamon sugar, you can make a simple powdered sugar glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water until smooth. Dip warm donut holes into the glaze.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is crucial for air frying! Donut holes need space for the hot air to circulate around them, ensuring they cook evenly and get that desirable crispy exterior. Cook in batches if needed.
- Spray Generously with Oil: A light, even coat of cooking spray on the donut holes before air frying helps them achieve a beautiful golden brown color and a slight crispness, mimicking the texture of fried donuts.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models can vary in cooking power. Keep an eye on your donut holes, especially during the first batch. They should be golden brown and feel light when done.
- Roll While Warm: The cinnamon sugar coating adheres best when the donut holes are still warm from the air fryer. This creates a delicious, slightly melted sugary crust.
- Even Dough Balls: Try to make your dough balls as uniform in size as possible. This ensures they cook at roughly the same rate.
Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Donut Holes
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Breakfast Treat: Start your fall morning with a warm batch alongside a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk.
- Weekend Snack: An easy and satisfying snack for kids and adults alike on a lazy autumn afternoon.
- Pre-Trick-or-Treating Fuel: Serve them up before the kids head out for Halloween fun for a quick energy boost.
- Dessert Delight: Elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, yet elegant dessert.
- Holiday Gathering: They make a fantastic addition to any fall potluck, Thanksgiving brunch, or festive holiday spread.
Air Frying vs. Traditional Baking vs. Deep Frying
You might be wondering about the best cooking method for these delicious treats. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Air Frying (Our Method): This is truly a game-changer! It uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making it a much healthier option. The air fryer circulates hot air, giving the donut holes a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. It’s also less messy and quicker than deep frying.
- Traditional Baking (Oven): As mentioned in the notes, you can easily bake these in a convection oven for around 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The result is very similar to air frying, perhaps slightly less crispy on the outside, but still a fantastic, healthier alternative to deep frying. It’s a great option if you don’t own an air fryer.
- Deep Frying: While deep-fried donuts offer a classic, rich flavor and texture, they require a lot more oil, cleanup, and can be heavier. Our air fryer method aims to capture that deliciousness without the added fat and fuss.
The air fryer offers the best of both worlds: a healthier profile like baking, but with a crispier texture that rivals traditional frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use self-rising flour?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour and baking powder, you might be able to substitute with self-rising flour. If you do, omit the baking powder from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains a leavening agent. However, results may vary slightly in texture.
What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
The consistency of the dough is key. If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable but still soft. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it comes together into a cohesive, elastic ball.
Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?
I haven’t tested this specific recipe with gluten-free flour, but many readers have success substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
How do I store leftover Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they still make a delightful treat the next day!
Can I freeze the dough or cooked donut holes?
You can freeze the uncooked dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before air frying. Cooked donut holes can also be frozen for up to 1 month and reheated from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through.
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are truly a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Enjoy creating and savoring these sweet little bites!