Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts

These pumpkin donut holes strike the perfect balance between a crisp outer layer and a soft, tender inside, made effortlessly in an air fryer. The warm notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice combine beautifully to create a comforting autumn treat. Once cooked, each bite is brushed with melted butter and rolled in a cinnamon sugar blend, giving a sweet, slightly crunchy finish that feels nostalgic and cozy. Simple to prepare, they are excellent for chilly mornings or sharing at gatherings.

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 substitutes
• 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. This ensures every bite delivers 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.

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 instead 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.

These pumpkin donut holes are a quick cozy treat perfect for chilly mornings or gatherings. They taste best warm and freshly coated in cinnamon sugar.

Common Recipe Questions

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

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange donut holes spaced apart to allow even air circulation and prevent sticking.

→ Can almond milk be used instead of whole milk?

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

→ What’s the best way to get a crispy exterior on these donut holes?

Cook at 360°F without overcrowding. Brushing with melted butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar after cooking enhances crispness and flavor.

→ Can I substitute brown sugar with another sweetener?

Coconut sugar or maple sugar can replace brown sugar for similar moisture and depth, though taste adjustments may be needed.

→ How can I make these donut holes more wholesome?

Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nuttiness and a heartier texture that pairs well with pumpkin spices.

→ What spices are used in these pumpkin bites?

A classic pumpkin pie spice blend including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that imparts warm autumn flavors.