Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise with these mouthwatering Air Fryer Pumpkin Doughnut Holes! Imagine biting into a warm, perfectly crisp doughnut hole bursting with pumpkin spice flavor – no deep-frying required. These little bites of heaven are not just a treat; they're a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional doughnuts that will have your family and friends begging for more. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 doughnut holes
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking powder and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the doughnut holes. This ensures that the doughnut holes cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Once the dough is ready, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12 doughnut holes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the doughnut holes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart and not touching. This allows for even cooking and proper air circulation.
- Air fry the doughnut holes at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the doughnut holes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- If desired, roll the warm doughnut holes in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for added flavor. To make the cinnamon sugar, combine 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Serve the air fryer pumpkin doughnut holes warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Tips
- For the most tender doughnut holes, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform doughnut holes that cook evenly. This ensures each bite is consistent in size and cooking time.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation and crispy exterior.
- For extra flavor, experiment with the cinnamon sugar coating. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the sugar mixture for more depth.
- Let the doughnut holes cool slightly before rolling in sugar to help the coating stick better and prevent burning.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
