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To make the best air fryer pumpkin donut holes, you need: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 cup milk (whole or almond milk works) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted These ingredients mix together to form a soft, sweet batter. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor. The sugars give a nice sweetness, while the spices create warmth. For a tasty finish, consider adding a cinnamon sugar coating. You can make it with: - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon This mix adds a sweet and spiced crunch to your warm donut holes. You roll them in the sugar right after they come out of the air fryer. It's a must-try step! If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. - Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter. - Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). These substitutes keep the flavors intact while making the recipe suitable for different diets. Feel free to mix and match! In a large mixing bowl, I start with the wet ingredients. I add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I use a whisk to mix these ingredients until smooth. This step is key for a good flavor base. Next, I grab another bowl for the dry ingredients. Here, I combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. I whisk these together well to make sure there are no lumps. This ensures even rising and flavor throughout. Now, I incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture. I add the dry ingredients in parts, alternating with 1/4 cup of milk. This keeps the batter smooth. I stir gently until just combined. I make sure not to overmix. Next, I pour in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and mix until it’s fully combined. The batter should feel thick but still easy to handle. I preheat my air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, I scoop small portions of the batter. I form them into balls about 1 inch wide. If I want, I can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. I arrange the dough balls in a single layer. I make sure to leave space between each ball for even cooking. I cook the donut holes for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, I flip them for even browning. They should look golden and cooked through. Depending on my air fryer’s size, I might need to cook in batches. Once done, I immediately roll the warm donut holes in a mix of cinnamon sugar. This adds a sweet finish. I let them cool slightly before enjoying. Serving them warm gives the best taste! To get perfect donut holes, focus on mixing well. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. This keeps the batter smooth. Avoid overmixing, as it can make your donut holes tough. When forming the balls, aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly in the air fryer. One big mistake is not preheating the air fryer. If it is not hot enough, the donut holes will not cook right. Another error is overcrowding the basket. This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Always leave space between each donut hole. Lastly, don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating; it adds great flavor! Air frying is quick and easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) before cooking. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. If needed, do this in batches. This way, they stay warm and delicious! Enjoy your tasty treats fresh out of the air fryer. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors in your donut holes. Here are some ideas: - Maple: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the wet ingredients. This gives a nice twist. - Chocolate: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside. - Nutmeg: Replace pumpkin pie spice with ground nutmeg for a different spice profile. - Cranberry: Fold in dried cranberries for a tart kick that pairs well with pumpkin. These small changes can really make your treat unique and fun. Coatings can transform your donut holes. Here are some tasty options: - Powdered Sugar: Roll the warm donut holes in powdered sugar for a sweet touch. - Chocolate Glaze: Dip them in melted chocolate for a rich finish. Let it set before serving. - Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for a festive look. - Toasted Coconut: Roll in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair. These coatings can elevate your donut holes and impress your guests. You can make these donut holes for special diets. Here’s how: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Look for one that has a good binding agent. - Vegan: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Use almond milk and a plant-based butter. - Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of milk and butter. These adaptations keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy these tasty treats with everyone! To store your leftover pumpkin donut holes, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option. In the fridge, they stay fresh for about five days. To reheat your donut holes, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the donut holes in the basket. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes. This will make them warm and soft again. You can also use a microwave, but they may not stay as crisp. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough. Freezing is a great way to store pumpkin donut holes for longer. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. The best air fryers for donut holes have a basket design. They allow good air flow. Look for air fryers with a temperature range of 300°F to 400°F. This helps achieve a crispy exterior. Popular brands include Ninja, Philips, and Cosori. These models cook evenly and have easy-to-use controls. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Start by roasting a pumpkin until soft. Scoop the flesh and blend it until smooth. Use this fresh puree instead of canned pumpkin. However, make sure to drain excess moisture. This keeps the dough from getting too wet. To make these donut holes healthier, consider a few swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the sugar by half. This change still keeps them sweet. Lastly, try using applesauce instead of butter. This lowers fat content while adding moisture. These donut holes taste best fresh, but they last a few days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They may stay good for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just warm them up before serving! In this article, we explored how to make delicious air fryer pumpkin donut holes. We covered the main ingredients and optional cinnamon sugar coating. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You learned tips for perfect consistency and common mistakes to avoid. We discussed fun variations and dietary adaptations. Lastly, I provided storage methods to keep your donut holes fresh. Enjoy making these tasty treats and share them with friends!

Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes

Indulge in the delightful taste of Air Fryer Pumpkin Donut Holes, perfect for fall cravings! Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, spices, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a heavenly treat in just 30 minutes. Whether for breakfast or a sweet snack, these donut holes will become a favorite! Click to discover the full recipe and bring this seasonal favorite to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup milk (can use whole or almond milk)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon sugar for coating: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spoon to mix these together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

    Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Ensure that the dry ingredients are well blended and free of lumps.

      Mix the Batter: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add them in parts, alternating with the milk, to maintain a smooth batter. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

        Incorporate Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter into the batter, mixing until fully incorporated. The final batter should be thick yet easy to handle.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 350°F (175°C). During this time, scoop out small portions of the batter, forming them into balls about 1 inch in diameter using a spoon or small cookie scoop.

            Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: If desired, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the dough balls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there’s space between them for even cooking.

              Air Fry the Donut Holes: Cook the donut holes in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning. They should be golden and fully cooked when done; you may need to proceed in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

                Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Once cooked, immediately roll the warm donut holes in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated, adding delicious flavor and sweetness.

                  Serving: Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before enjoying. Serve warm for the best taste experience!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: Approximately 12 donut holes

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the donut holes in a decorative bowl, dusted with additional cinnamon sugar for presentation. Consider garnishing with a few sprigs of mint for a pop of color!