1. Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Skip the deep fryer this season and achieve perfectly soft, cake-like donuts right in your air fryer with these incredible Pumpkin Spice Donuts. These treats are infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, offering that quintessential autumn flavor in every bite. The exterior achieves a light crispness that beautifully contrasts the tender, moist interior, especially after a generous toss in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. Since they cook quickly and require no messy oil, these are an excellent option for a weekend breakfast centerpiece or a cozy weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just blended; do not overmix.
Grease donut molds or silicone donut cups and fill the molds about 3/4 full with batter.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool slightly in the molds before carefully removing them.
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.
Brush the slightly cooled donuts with melted butter and then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts stay fresh and how should I store leftovers?
These homemade donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though they may lose a little bit of their initial fluffy texture. Reheating briefly in the air fryer can refresh them.
Can I easily substitute the pumpkin puree in this recipe?
For this recipe, it is highly recommended to use canned pumpkin puree rather than fresh roasted pumpkin, as canned puree provides a consistent, dense texture crucial for the donut batter. If you must substitute, use an equal amount of sweet potato puree, but be aware the moisture content might slightly alter the texture of your final 6 servings.
What is the best way to prevent my Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts from sticking during the 10-minute cook time?
To ensure easy release after the 10-minute cook time at 350°F (180°C), generously spray your donut molds or pan with non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter. You can also lightly dust the molds with a small amount of the all-purpose flour mixture if sticking is a recurring issue.
