Delightful Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes – A Fall Treat!
Hey there, pumpkin lovers! ???? With fall in the air and leaves starting to change, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some cozy treats.
Today, I’m super excited to share my recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes—a sweet and tasty snack that’s perfect for this season.
These little donut holes are light and fluffy, filled with delicious pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Plus, they’re made in the air fryer, so you get all the yummy flavor without the extra oil from frying.
We’ll be using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of brown sugar to make these delightful bites.
If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet smell of pumpkin, let’s get started!
Print The Recipe!
Print the recipe if you’re on hurry.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes
10 mins
15 mins
25 mins
Dessert
American
12 donut holes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin puree | ¾ cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¼ cups |
| Plant-based milk | 1 cup |
| Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil (coconut or vegetable) | 1 tablespoon |
Calories: 137
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 7 grams
Carbs: 19 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Vitamin A: 209% of the Daily Value (DV)
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure it’s evenly mixed.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Grease the air fryer basket and form the mixture into donut hole shapes. Place them in the basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with powdered sugar or your favorite glaze!
Ingredients Details – With Alternatives
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | or Whole Wheat Flour / Oat Flour (gluten-free option) |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon | helps give the donuts that nice rise and fluffy texture |
| Baking Soda | ½ teaspoon | keeps them soft and airy |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | the key spice for all things fall |
| Ground Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon | adds warmth and cozy autumn flavor |
| Ground Ginger | ¼ teaspoon | small pinch for an extra kick of spice |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | balances the sweetness |
| Pumpkin Puree | ¾ cup | pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup | deeper, caramel-like sweetness |
| Large Egg | 1 | helps bind everything together |
| Melted Butter | 2 tablespoons | or coconut oil / vegetable oil |
| Buttermilk | ¼ cup | or regular milk with vinegar/lemon juice |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | rounds out the flavors beautifully |
Ingredient Alternatives
- Flours: If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use a gluten-free all-purpose blend or oat flour.
- Sweeteners: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different twist.
- Dairy Alternatives: Swap buttermilk with any non-dairy milk if you’re going dairy-free. Just remember to add a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, let’s gather all our ingredients. I love having everything laid out so I can just grab what I need as I go.
This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
The spices will add a beautiful aroma to your kitchen as you prepare!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
This is where the magic starts to happen! The pumpkin puree gives these donut holes a lovely color and moist texture.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay!
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as it ensures that your donut holes cook evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.
Step 6: Form the Donut Holes
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon of the batter and roll it into a ball. You can also use your hands to shape them if you prefer.
Place the donut holes on a parchment-lined tray or directly in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
Step 7: Air Fry the Donut Holes
Now, carefully place the tray or basket in the preheated air fryer. Cook the donut holes for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make sure to check on them halfway through to ensure they’re cooking evenly.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once they’re done, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll be warm and fluffy, perfect for snacking!
Optional Toppings
While these Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are delicious on their own, you can add a little extra flair:
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once the donut holes are slightly cooled, toss them in the mixture for a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the donut holes for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a decadent treat!
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with your morning coffee.
They make an excellent snack for fall gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a delightful breakfast treat.
Enjoy It!
And there you have it—delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes made right in your kitchen!
They’re not only quick and easy to make, but they’re also a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Plus, the aroma of pumpkin and spices will have everyone coming back for more.
I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations with me! Happy baking, and let’s embrace all the wonderful flavors of fall together! ????????
