Get ready to satisfy your seasonal cravings with our scrumptious Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes! These little bites of heaven are soft, moist, and bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The best part? They’re air-fried to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Why You Will Love These Pumpkin Donut Holes:
- Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Flavor: These little bites are infused with the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. With the perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, each donut hole is a delightful explosion of fall goodness in your mouth.
- Healthier Option: By using the air fryer, we’ve made these pumpkin donut holes a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. They are still deliciously satisfying without the excess oil, making them a guilt-free treat.
- Quick and Easy: With the convenience of the air fryer, these donut holes come together in a breeze. From mixing the dough to air frying and coating, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time.
- Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: The combination of pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt in the dough ensures that each donut hole is soft, moist, and full of irresistible texture. You’ll find yourself savoring every delectable bite.
- Kid-Friendly: These pumpkin donut holes are not only loved by adults but also make a fantastic kid-friendly snack. Children will adore the pumpkin spice flavor and enjoy rolling the bites in cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Versatile Coating Options: While the classic cinnamon-sugar coating is heavenly, you can get creative and try other coatings like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a delightful twist.
- Fall Festive Delight: Embrace the spirit of autumn with these seasonal pumpkin donut holes. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy day at home, these treats will add a festive touch to any occasion.
- Perfect Pairing: These donut holes are an excellent accompaniment to your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a sweet ending to your dinner. They’re versatile enough to enjoy any time of the day.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own personal touch to the recipe. You can adjust the level of sweetness, experiment with different spices, or even try making mini donuts instead of donut holes.
- Deliciously Addictive: Warning! These pumpkin donut holes are utterly addictive. You might find yourself reaching for one more, and then another, unable to resist their scrumptious allure!
Pumpkin Donut Holes Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree (canned or homemade): The star ingredient, lending a moist and delicious pumpkin flavor to the donut holes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the donut holes, ensuring a delightful bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the earthy pumpkin flavor.
- Baking powder: Essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the donut holes rise and creates a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the donut holes with that classic pumpkin spice aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon, adding depth to the spice profile.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture without the need for extra oil.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and enhances the flavor of the pumpkin.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the taste and adds a delightful aroma.
For Coating:
- Granulated sugar: Provides a sweet and crunchy coating.
- Ground cinnamon: Perfectly complements the pumpkin spice profile.
- Melted butter: Gives the donut holes a luscious buttery finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Add the unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the pumpkin mixture. Stir together until a soft and sticky dough forms.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small portions of the pumpkin dough into the air fryer basket, leaving space between the bites for even cooking.
- Air fry the pumpkin bites at 375°F for 6-8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- While the pumpkin bites are cooking, prepare the coating by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- As soon as the pumpkin bites are done cooking, transfer them to the sugar-cinnamon mixture and gently roll them until evenly coated. (If they do not stick, brush them or roll them in melted butter)
- Serve the air-fried cinnamon sugar pumpkin bites while they are still warm and enjoy the delightful combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and sweetness.
Tips and Storage Options:
- For a fun twist, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the warm donut holes for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough for a more intense pumpkin spice experience.
- These pumpkin donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat the donut holes, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their delightful crispiness.
- Serve these pumpkin donut holes with a steaming cup of coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy fall treat that’s simply irresistible!
How Long do They Last?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh and warm on the day they are made. The texture and flavors are at their peak when the donut holes are freshly air-fried and coated with the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their delightful crispiness. Just be sure to let them cool slightly before storing them in an airtight container to avoid condensation.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pumpkin donut holes. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. Frozen donut holes will last for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy.
Keep in mind that the texture and taste might slightly change after freezing, so it’s always best to enjoy these delightful treats as soon as possible for the freshest and most flavorful experience.
More Pumpkin Recipe the Whole Family with Love:
- Easy Banana Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Paleo Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Healthy Pumpkin Spice Muffins
If you make these Pumpkin Donut Holes , I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Fall Recipes page.
Pumpkin Donut Holes (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Add the unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the pumpkin mixture. Stir together until a soft and sticky dough forms.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small portions of the pumpkin dough into the air fryer basket, leaving space between the bites for even cooking.
- Air fry the pumpkin bites at 375°F for 6-8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- While the pumpkin bites are cooking, prepare the coating by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. (You will need to dip them in melted butter first so it will stick)
- As soon as the pumpkin bites are done cooking, transfer them to the sugar-cinnamon mixture and gently roll them until evenly coated.
- Serve the air-fried cinnamon sugar pumpkin bites while they are still warm and enjoy the delightful combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and sweetness.