Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes

These pumpkin donut holes combine crispiness and tender softness in every bite, made effortlessly in the air fryer. They bring together the warm flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice for a comforting autumn treat. Each donut hole is gently brushed with melted butter after cooking and rolled in cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior. Perfect for chilly mornings or casual gatherings, these donut holes offer a nostalgic, cozy feel without the mess of deep frying.

I was hooked at the very first bite of these warmly spiced donut holes. Now every fall, making them together with my family and rolling them in cinnamon sugar has become a beloved tradition.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: for a soft, tender structure choose unbleached for better flavor
• Brown sugar: adds moisture and richness dark brown sugar gives deeper flavor
• Baking powder: ensures a light and fluffy texture check freshness for best results
• Pumpkin pie spice blend: creates the classic cozy autumn taste with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
• Kosher salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor pick one with uniform grains
• Pumpkin puree: brings moisture, color, and subtle earthiness use pure pumpkin rather than pie filling
• Egg: binds ingredients and adds softness fresh free range eggs give best texture
• Whole milk: provides richness full fat is ideal but dairy free options work too
• Pure vanilla extract: lifts the flavors with aroma and depth use real vanilla when possible
• Unsalted butter: melted for moistness and flavor quality butter makes a difference
• Granulated sugar: combined with cinnamon for coating giving a sparkly sweet crunch
• Ground cinnamon: for the coating fresh cinnamon ensures a bold and warm flavor

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures the flavors and leavening are evenly dispersed for balanced taste and rise.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl stir pumpkin puree, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth with no streaks. This creates an evenly moist batter base.

Create Batter:

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet using a spatula, mixing only until no dry spots remain. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so stop as soon as blended for soft, cake like donut holes.

Shape the Donut Holes:

Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion batter into small, even rounds. Place them on a parchment lined or lightly greased sheet for easy transfer to the air fryer.

Cook in Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer with space between for air circulation. Cook in batches for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove immediately while hot for coating.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

Brush each hot donut hole generously with melted butter on all sides. Roll gently in a cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating sticks evenly. This adds sweetness and a delicate crunch on the exterior.

Pumpkin puree is my favorite ingredient because it adds both moisture and a rich flavor depth. The first time I made these donut holes my kids were eager to help roll them in cinnamon sugar and now each batch is a reminder of chilly mornings spent baking together.

Storage Tips

Allow the donut holes to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them uncoated and thaw before rolling in cinnamon sugar to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk for a lighter texture with a nutty note. Substitute coconut oil for butter to add a subtle tropical aroma. Half of the all purpose flour can be swapped for whole wheat to give a heartier flavor and texture while keeping the donut holes tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm alongside a mug of hot cider or coffee for the ultimate comforting treat. For gatherings offer cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce for dipping. These donut holes work wonderfully as part of a brunch spread or as a sweet snack accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit.

These air fryer pumpkin donut holes are an easy, cozy fall treat that come together quickly. They make mornings and gatherings feel extra special.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I prevent donut holes from sticking in the air fryer?

Line the basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange donut holes spaced apart for even air circulation and crisping.

→ Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, almond milk provides a lighter texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices.

→ What is the best way to achieve a crispy exterior?

Cook at 360°F (182°C) without overcrowding. Brush with melted butter after cooking and roll in cinnamon sugar for enhanced crispness.

→ Can brown sugar be substituted with other sweeteners?

You can try coconut sugar or maple sugar for similar moisture and depth, adjusting sweetness to taste.

→ How can I make these donut holes more wholesome?

Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and heartier texture that balances pumpkin spices.

→ What spices flavor these pumpkin bites?

A pumpkin pie spice blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger adds warm, cozy notes to the batter.