Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes

Air fryer pumpkin donut holes are the ideal comforting treat for cool autumn mornings bringing the warmth of cinnamon brown sugar and pumpkin spice. Baking them in the air fryer creates a crisp golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and cake-like. Freshly brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar these are pure cozy joy. Make a batch and you will have a new fall tradition everyone looks forward to.

I was hooked from the first bite of these warmly spiced donut holes and now every year we make them to celebrate the first chilly day of fall. They are so simple the whole family can join in on rolling them in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect soft structure look for unbleached flour for best flavor
• Brown sugar: deepens the flavor and adds a bit of moisture choose dark brown for more richness
• Baking powder: guarantees a lofty tender crumb check that yours is fresh for best rise
• Pumpkin pie spice: adds the classic autumn taste find blends with cinnamon ginger nutmeg and cloves
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors pick a salt with even grains
• Pumpkin puree: brings moisture color and subtle earthy notes use pure pumpkin not pie filling
• Egg: binds everything together and contributes to softness opt for fresh free range eggs
• Whole milk: gives richness select full fat milk for best results or see tips below for subs
• Pure vanilla extract: lifts all the other flavors choose real vanilla for the best aroma
• Unsalted butter melted: helps with moistness and flavor use good quality butter
• Granulated sugar: is used for rolling providing a sparkly sweet exterior
• Ground cinnamon: forms the cozy outer coating always use a fresh jar for bold flavor

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour brown sugar baking powder pumpkin pie spice and kosher salt in a medium bowl until evenly blended to make sure every bite has balanced flavor and lift

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl stir pumpkin puree egg milk vanilla extract and melted butter until fully smooth so there are no streaks and the batter is evenly moist

Create Batter:

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet with a spatula mixing only until just blended stop as soon as you see no dry spots to keep the donut holes soft and cake like

Shape the Donut Holes:

Scoop batter into evenly sized small rounds with a spoon or small cookie scoop and place onto a parchment lined or lightly greased baking sheet for easy transfer

Cook in Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to three hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes arrange donut holes in a single layer with a bit of space so air can circulate cook in batches for eight to ten minutes until golden brown and puffed then remove while hot

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

Brush each hot donut hole with melted butter on all sides then roll gently in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon so the coating sticks evenly for sweetness and spice in every bite

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Pumpkin puree is my favorite ingredient here for both moisture and flavor depth. The first time I made these my kids could not wait to help with the cinnamon sugar and every batch since reminds me of chilly morning baking together.

Storage Tips

Let donut holes cool completely then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage freeze them uncoated then thaw and roll in cinnamon sugar just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option use unsweetened almond milk in place of whole milk which keeps the donuts moist and adds a light nutty note. Try coconut oil instead of butter for a hint of coconut flavor. You can replace half the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bite that still stays tender and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a mug of hot cider or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat. For gatherings set out bowls of cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce for dipping. These are wonderful on brunch buffets or as a sweet snack served alongside slices of fresh autumn fruit.

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A Little Pumpkin Spice History

Pumpkin spice blends date back to early American baking where drying and combining warming spices helped create comforting baked treats for fall. Using actual pumpkin in sweets became popular in the nineteenth century and now pumpkin spice is an autumn icon.

Recipe FAQs

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

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep donut holes from sticking. Make sure they aren’t touching to allow even air circulation and crisping.

→ Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, almond milk works well and gives a lighter texture with a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices.

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

Cook the donut holes at 360°F (182°C) without overcrowding. Brushing melted butter after cooking and rolling in cinnamon sugar enhances crispness and flavor.

→ Can I substitute brown sugar with a different sweetener?

While brown sugar adds moisture and depth, you may try coconut sugar or maple sugar for similar richness, adjusting to taste.

→ How can I make these donut holes more wholesome?

Replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and heartier texture, balancing the pumpkin spices beautifully.

→ What spices are used in these pumpkin bites?

A classic pumpkin pie spice blend including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger brings warm, cozy flavors to the batter.