Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes (Printer-Friendly)
Golden soft donut holes feature pumpkin spice and cinnamon sugar, baked quickly with an air fryer for a cozy autumn treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
02 -
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
03 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
04 -
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
05 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 -
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
07 -
1 large egg
08 -
1/3 cup whole milk (full fat)
09 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Coating
11 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
02 -
In a separate bowl, stir pumpkin puree, egg, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully smooth and uniform.
03 -
Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently using a spatula, mixing only until no dry spots remain to preserve a tender, cake-like texture.
04 -
Scoop batter into small, evenly sized rounds using a spoon or small cookie scoop and place on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet for easy transfer.
05 -
Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for several minutes before cooking.
06 -
Arrange donut holes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, spacing them to allow air circulation. Cook in batches for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove while hot.
07 -
Brush each donut hole with melted butter on all sides, then roll gently in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon to create a sweet, crisp exterior.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For uniform size, dip your cookie scoop in water between scoops. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
02 -
Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Freeze uncoated and add cinnamon sugar after thawing to maintain freshness.
03 -
Substitute almond milk for whole milk to lighten texture or coconut oil for butter to infuse subtle tropical flavor.