Introduction
Nothing signals the arrival of fall quite like the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the perfect way to embrace the seasonal flavors while enjoying a healthier twist on a classic treat. Imagine waking up to the delightful scent of freshly baked donuts—light, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the rich essence of pumpkin. Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and fewer calories, so you can indulge without the guilt. Whether it’s a cozy morning at home, a festive brunch with friends, or a sweet surprise to brighten someone’s day, these donuts are sure to impress. Grab your pumpkin puree and a few simple pantry staples, and let’s create a warm morning surprise that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
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- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
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- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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- Spray your donut pan (or mold) with non-stick cooking spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a silicone mold or cut-down cupcake liners.
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- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
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- Place the filled pan in the air fryer basket and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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- Once cooked, carefully remove the donuts from the pan and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
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- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet coating.
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- Brush each donut with melted butter and then roll or dip them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
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- Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 12
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to customize the spices or add-ins according to your taste!
Baking Process
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the donuts start cooking immediately and helps them rise perfectly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk them together until the mixture is well-blended and free of lumps.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until smooth. Be sure to incorporate the wet ingredients thoroughly for the best texture.
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Create the Donut Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixtures together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
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Prepare the Donut Mold: Lightly grease your silicone or metal donut mold with non-stick cooking spray or oil. This step helps the donuts come out easily after baking.
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Fill the Donut Mold: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut mold, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. You can also use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off for a neater application.
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Air Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the filled donut mold into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Donuts: Once done, remove the mold from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Gently insert a toothpick or knife around the edges to loosen the donuts, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional Glaze and Topping: While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of maple syrup and milk until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle or dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon sugar, if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your warm Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts fresh, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for a cozy morning surprise or as a treat for fall gatherings!
Feel free to experiment with chocolate or maple glazing to add a delicious twist to your pumpkin spice donuts!
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a delightful treat that can brighten any morning or special occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your warm donuts and enhance the pumpkin spice experience:
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Drizzle with Maple Glaze: Whip up a simple maple glaze using powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk. Drizzle it over the warm donuts for an irresistible sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a classic touch, lightly dust the donuts with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a lovely visual appeal and a sweet contrast to the spiced flavor.
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Serve with Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up some cream cheese frosting and serve it on the side for dipping. This creamy frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
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Pair with a Warm Beverage: Enjoy your donuts with a warm beverage like freshly brewed coffee, spiced chai, or a cozy hot chocolate. The warmth of the drink will enhance the comforting flavors of the donuts.
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Top with Whipped Cream: For an indulgent breakfast or dessert, top your donuts with a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
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Add Fresh Fruit: Pair your donuts with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pomegranate seeds. This adds a refreshing contrast and a boost of flavor.
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Create a Brunch Platter: Arrange your donuts alongside other autumn-themed treats like apple cider muffins, scones, or a fruit salad for a festive brunch spread.
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Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the donuts or incorporate them into your glaze for added crunch and nuttiness.
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Serve with Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve the donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra delight.
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Gift Wrapped Delights: Package a dozen donuts in a cute box tied with twine or a festive ribbon. They make perfect gifts for neighbors, friends, or family gatherings.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are sure to impress and make your mornings a little extra special! Enjoy!
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the perfect way to kick-start your morning with a burst of fall flavors. Light and fluffy on the inside, with a warm spice that envelops your senses, they provide a delightful surprise that impresses with minimal effort. By opting for the air fryer, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that still delivers on taste and texture.
Whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast with a warm cup of coffee or served at a seasonal gathering, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your home. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful donuts? With their enticing aroma and delectable flavor, they are bound to bring smiles and good cheer to any morning. Enjoy your baking adventure and the warm embrace of pumpkin spice!
