These air fryer pumpkin spice donut holes just might be my favorite fall treat — and they couldn’t be easier to make! The first time I made a batch, I could barely keep little hands off the plate long enough to snap a picture. They’re soft, warm, and perfectly spiced… and the whole kitchen smells like a cozy autumn day.
Making them in the air fryer means you skip all the messy frying oil, but you still get that irresistible donut shop flavor and a tender, fluffy texture. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a quick weekend baking project.
The pumpkin and spice combo is just the right amount of sweetness with that little kick of cinnamon and nutmeg. And rolling them in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating takes them over the top — like biting into a little bite of fall magic.
They’re quick, too! We’re talking about 10 minutes of prep and about 8 minutes in the air fryer. So let’s make a batch… or two — because they disappear fast!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need for these cozy pumpkin spice donut holes:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of your dough. You can swap for half whole wheat if you like a nuttier flavor.
- Pumpkin Puree – Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and that warm molasses flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – You can buy a blend or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Helps them rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Egg – For structure.
- Milk – To bring the dough together.
- Butter – Both in the dough and melted for brushing.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture – For rolling after they’re cooked.
Pro Tip: If you want to make them dairy-free, swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Line the basket with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar.
3️⃣ In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently mix until just combined — don’t overmix!
4️⃣ Shape into balls. Lightly flour your hands and roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
5️⃣ Air fry. Arrange the balls in a single layer in your basket. Air fry at 350°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until lightly golden and cooked through.
6️⃣ Coat in cinnamon sugar. While still warm, brush with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve warm!
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough — it makes them tough instead of tender.
- Crowding the basket — cook in batches if needed.
- Using pumpkin pie filling — it’s too sweet and has extra spices.
- Skipping the butter before rolling in sugar — it helps it stick.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Healthier: Use half whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Mini Muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin instead of air frying.
- Stuffed: Push a little dollop of cream cheese into the center of each dough ball before cooking for pumpkin cheesecake vibes.
- Iced: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
You can mix and shape the dough balls, then refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Cooked donut holes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them in the air fryer for a minute to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine gently into a dough.
- Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls.
- Arrange in basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 350°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.
🧡 If you make these pumpkin spice donut holes, let me know what you think! They’ve become one of my favorite fall treats, and I hope your family loves them too. Leave a comment, tag me when you share, and try my air fryer apple chips for another cozy snack idea. Happy fall!
