Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Recipe

The Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. These mini donut holes are light, fluffy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and health-conscious approach—thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy these donuts without the guilt of deep frying. Made with canned pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the dough is easily mixed, rolled into small balls, and cooked in the air fryer until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. After they’re cooked, a dusting of cinnamon-sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are a must-try for anyone craving the flavors of autumn in a fun, bite-sized form.

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Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about fall flavors, and few combinations are as iconic as pumpkin and spice. If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, then this Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes recipe will quickly become your go-to treat for the season. These soft, fluffy donut holes are infused with warm pumpkin spice and baked to perfection in the air fryer, creating a golden-brown exterior with a tender, moist center. Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it also saves you from the frying oil and the long wait for donuts to be ready. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these donut holes are a great snack or dessert for your fall celebrations.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weekend brunch, an autumn gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these air fryer pumpkin spice donut holes will satisfy your cravings without the mess or added calories of traditional fried donuts. The air fryer ensures a healthier version of your favorite donut treat, but still gives you that irresistible crunch and delicious taste.

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Nutrition:

Each serving of these air fryer pumpkin spice donut holes contains a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. They are slightly lighter compared to traditional deep-fried donuts, making them a great choice for those looking to indulge in a healthier yet still delicious treat. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per donut hole:

• Calories: 90-100 per donut hole
• Carbohydrates: 14-16g
• Protein: 1-2g
• Fat: 3-5g (depending on the oil used for brushing)
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 6-8g
• Sodium: 50-60mg

These nutritional values can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes. To reduce the sugar content, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe or use sugar substitutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 12-15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Snack
Servings: 12-14 donut holes
Calories per Serving: 90-100 calories per donut hole

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Small brush (optional for oil)
• Baking spray (optional)
• Cooling rack (optional)

Ingredients:

For the donut holes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the coating:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your donut holes cook evenly and achieve that golden brown texture.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This step ensures that your donut holes are properly spiced and fluffy.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to form a thick batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make your donut holes dense.
5. Shape the donut holes: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out small portions of the batter, rolling them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the donut holes in batches.
6. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of melted butter or oil. This prevents the donut holes from sticking to the basket and allows them to cook evenly.
7. Cook the donut holes: Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the donut holes are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to flip them halfway through for even browning.
8. Coat the donut holes: While the donut holes are air frying, prepare the coating. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Once the donut holes are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately brush them with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Serve: Let the donut holes cool slightly on a cooling rack or plate before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor!

Additional Tips:

• Canned pumpkin: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
• Adjusting the sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or the coating.
• Storage: These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
• Make it dairy-free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk.

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are a must-try fall dessert that’s easy to make, healthier than traditional fried donuts, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these light and fluffy donut holes will have everyone asking for more. The air fryer ensures that you get a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist, and the cinnamon-sugar coating adds that extra touch of fall warmth. With minimal prep time and effort, you’ll have a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts in just about 25 minutes.

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.