Get ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these absolutely delightful Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes! Imagine perfectly golden, fluffy bites of pumpkin goodness, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, all coated in a sweet, buttery cinnamon sugar. This recipe is a dream come true for anyone craving homemade donuts without the deep-frying mess. It’s quick, easy, and yields a batch of irresistible treats that are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about warm, perfectly spiced donut holes? This recipe has become a true favorite in my kitchen for so many reasons. The air fryer works its magic, giving these donut holes a fantastic exterior without any of the greasy aftermath of traditional frying. The combination of pumpkin puree and classic fall spices creates an aroma that fills your home with coziness, while the buttermilk keeps them incredibly tender. Plus, rolling them in that simple cinnamon sugar coating is the perfect finishing touch, adding an addictive sweetness and texture. They’re quick enough for a spontaneous craving and impressive enough for a fall gathering!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes:
For the Pumpkin Donut Holes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup melted butter (4 tablespoons, 28 grams)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (110 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (169 grams)
- ½ cup buttermilk (125 ml)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup melted butter (57 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Swaps and Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already spiced and sweetened.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute: simply add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the 1/2 cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates that classic pumpkin spice flavor. You can use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice if you have it on hand, in place of the individual spices.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal. For a gluten-free option, a good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend should work well.
- Donut Hole Pan: If you don’t have a specific donut hole pan, a miniature muffin pan or silicone egg bite pan are excellent alternatives for shaping.
- Coating Butter: You can use unsalted or salted butter for the coating.
Instructions
Let’s get these warm, spiced donut holes baking in your air fryer!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined. Set this bowl aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, begin by whisking the melted butter with the light brown sugar until smooth. Then, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Next, add the pumpkin puree and buttermilk, and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet ingredients. Stir or whisk gently until there is no visible flour remaining. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Spray your donut hole pan, small miniature muffin pan, or silicone egg bite pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. Scoop about one tablespoon of batter into each cup, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Air Fry: Carefully place the pan into your air fryer basket. Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the donut holes are golden brown, puffed up, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Cool: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer. Let the donut holes cool for several minutes in the pan before gently turning them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up.
- Prepare Coating: When you’re ready to coat the donut holes, melt the butter in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for your delicious cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat the Donut Holes: Working one at a time, roll each cooled donut hole completely in the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, immediately transfer it to the cinnamon sugar mixture and roll until evenly coated. Place the coated donut holes back on the cooling rack or a serving platter.
Enjoy your warm, spiced Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture. Mix just until combined.
- Don’t Overfill Pans: Filling the cups about two-thirds full will give you perfectly shaped donut holes that cook evenly.
- Air Fryer Models Vary: Keep an eye on your donut holes during the baking time, as air fryer temperatures and cooking speeds can differ. A quick peek at 6 minutes is a good idea.
- Cool Completely Before Coating: While tempting to coat warm, letting them cool ensures the butter and cinnamon sugar adhere properly without melting off.
- Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have individual spices, a mix of 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and 1/8 tsp cloves will give you a homemade pumpkin spice blend.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are incredibly versatile and perfect for many occasions:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- Fall Snack: A delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Dessert: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.
- Coffee Pairing: They’re absolutely divine with a cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte to really lean into the fall vibes.
- If you’re in the mood for more fall baking, you’ll love These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat them.
- Room Temperature: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The coating might become slightly less crisp over time.
- Reheating: To revive their freshness, pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 300°F (150°C) or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: Uncoated donut holes can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then coat as directed before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the warm, spiced flavors of these donut holes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other delicious sweet treats:
- For another amazing fall dessert, try This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.
- If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent treats, check out These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- And for another classic baked good that uses up overripe fruit, don’t miss This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- For a truly classic dessert, you simply must try The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are an absolute delight, bringing the beloved flavors of fall directly to your kitchen with incredible ease. They’re fluffy, perfectly spiced, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar – truly a treat that embodies comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy morning, a festive gathering, or just a sweet craving, they are guaranteed to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let the cozy fall baking begin! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your delicious creations in the comments below. And as always, for more fantastic recipes that simplify baking and bring joy to your table, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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