Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts for Cozy Fall Indulgence

Name: Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts for Cozy Fall Indulgence
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 28, 2025

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There’s something truly magical about making Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts that fills my kitchen with the warm, cozy scents of fall. The joy of biting into a fluffy, spiced donut, knowing I whipped it up in just about 20 minutes, is simply unbeatable! Seriously, who doesn’t love a treat that comes together so quickly? With the air fryer, I can indulge in my favorite pumpkin spice flavor without the guilt of deep frying. Plus, the texture is out of this world—soft on the inside, with just a hint of crisp on the outside!

My love affair with air frying began when I was on a quest to find healthier cooking methods that still delivered on flavor. And let me tell you, these donuts are a game changer! They’re not just easy to make; they’re a fantastic way to impress family and friends. Picture this: a plate of freshly made donuts, still warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and ready for a cozy gathering or a simple afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion!

Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or freshly made)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk (can use almond milk for a dairy-free option)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Prepare Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and you’ll have a batch ready to devour in no time. Just follow these simple steps:

Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your donuts cook evenly and get that perfect texture. While it heats up, gather your ingredients to make things smoother.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This will help distribute the baking powder and spices evenly throughout the batter.
Add the wet ingredients: Now it’s time to add the star of the show—pumpkin puree! Add it to the bowl, along with the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. I find it helps to mix these together with a spatula or whisk until it’s all smooth and well combined. You want to avoid any lumps, so give it a good stir!
Fill the donut pan: Grab your donut pan and fill each cavity halfway with the batter. Don’t overfill them; otherwise, your donuts might overflow. A handy tip is to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to make filling easier and less messy!
Air fry the donuts: Carefully place the filled donut pan in the preheated air fryer. Cook the donuts for about 8-10 minutes. I like to check around the 8-minute mark to see how they’re doing. You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back slightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Once they’re done, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set and make sure they don’t get soggy. Once they’re cool enough to handle, feel free to dust them with powdered sugar or glaze them if you’re feeling fancy!

And just like that, you’ve got a batch of fluffy, pumpkin-spiced goodness ready to enjoy! Whether it’s for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a gathering with friends, these donuts are sure to impress and bring joy to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delicious donuts with minimal fuss!
Flavorful Delight: The warm notes of pumpkin spice will fill your kitchen and make your taste buds dance with joy.
Healthier Option: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying donut texture without the guilt of deep frying.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a glaze to make these donuts your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends.

Tips for Success

As you embark on your journey to make these delightful Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

Mixing Matters: Make sure to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet ones. This helps distribute the baking powder and spices evenly, resulting in a well-risen donut that’s bursting with flavor!
Check Your Donuts: Keep an eye on your donuts as they cook! Every air fryer is a bit different, so start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark. You want them to be springy to the touch and have a toothpick come out clean when inserted.
Don’t Overfill: When filling your donut pan, aim for halfway full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing and creating a mess. Using a piping bag or zip-top bag can help keep things neat!
Cooling is Key: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Get Creative: Feel free to add your personal touch! Want a sweeter treat? Drizzle some glaze on top or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra special finish.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of donuts that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to indulging in these Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Remember, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown per serving (1 donut):

Calories: 120
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 2g

These delightful donuts strike a lovely balance between treat and nutrition, making them a fantastic choice for a guilt-free snack or breakfast option. Enjoy making them your own while keeping an eye on those numbers!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these scrumptious Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best answers.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Fresh pumpkin adds a lovely flavor, but it might be a bit more watery, so adjust the other liquids accordingly.
What if I don’t have a donut pan? No worries! You can use silicone molds or even a muffin pan to create cute little pumpkin spice muffins instead. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as muffins may take a bit longer.
How do I store leftovers? These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week!
Can I make these donuts gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
How can I customize the flavor? Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for a decadent touch. The possibilities are endless!

These FAQs should help you tackle any uncertainties and make your air fryer pumpkin spice donut-making experience even more enjoyable!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers are stored properly to keep them fresh. Simply place the cooled donuts in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, the longer they sit, the less fluffy they may become.

When it’s time to enjoy them again, you can reheat the donuts in the air fryer for a quick refresh. Just pop them back in at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes until they’re warmed through. This will help bring back that delightful texture and flavor, making them taste almost freshly made again. Enjoy every last bite!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made these irresistible Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts, let’s talk about how to enjoy them to the fullest! These delightful donuts pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a cozy chai latte. The warmth of the spices in both the drink and the donut just complements each other so well—it’s like a match made in fall heaven!

If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, consider drizzling a simple glaze over the top. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a dash of vanilla for a sweet touch that takes these donuts to the next level. You could also sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch!

For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert treat. Trust me, the combination of pumpkin spice and creamy ice cream is pure bliss. Whatever you choose, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!