Are you ready to enjoy a sweet, seasonal treat? These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are a simple delight that everyone will love. This recipe combines warm spices with fluffy pumpkin goodness, all made easy in your air fryer. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bites in no time. Let’s dive into the tasty details and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (for rolling)
Measurements and Substitutions
For sweeteners, you can use alternatives like honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the amount to taste. If you need gluten-free options, try almond or coconut flour. For dairy-free milk, almond or oat milk works well. Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg for a vegan option.
Using these tips can help you adapt the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy the process of making these donut holes. The flavors will shine through with each tasty bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Next, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until mixed well. This mix gives your donut holes a great flavor.
2. Mix wet ingredients: Take another bowl and add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until you see a smooth mix. Adding pumpkin puree makes these donut holes moist and tasty.
Cooking Steps
1. Preheating the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. This step is vital for even cooking.
2. Rolling and arranging donut holes: Lightly grease your hands. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place these balls on a parchment-lined plate. This helps keep them from sticking.
3. Cooking time and tips for even cooking: Once preheated, put the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently to help them cook evenly. They should be golden brown when done.
Coating and Serving
1. Rolling in sugar mixture: While the donut holes cook, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice in a small bowl. This mix will give the donut holes a sweet and spicy coat.
2. Ideal serving suggestions: As soon as you take the donut holes out of the air fryer, roll them in the sugar mixture. Serve these warm for the best taste. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture for your donut holes, start by mixing carefully. If you overmix, the donut holes may turn out tough. You want your batter to be slightly lumpy. This helps keep them soft.
Next, cooking temperature matters. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This heat cooks the donut holes evenly and gives them a nice golden color. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to help even cooking.
Air Fryer Benefits
Using an air fryer to make these donut holes has great perks. First, it is a healthier cooking method. You use less oil than frying, which keeps the calories lower.
Second, air fryers save time. You can whip up these tasty treats in just 25 minutes. That includes prep and cooking time! Plus, air fryers heat up quickly. You will spend less time waiting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you may face issues with your donut holes. If they do not rise, check your baking powder and baking soda. Make sure they are fresh. If they are old, your donut holes may not puff up as expected.
If your donut holes stick to the basket, use cooking spray or oil. Lightly grease the basket before adding the donut holes. This will help them release easily after cooking.
Variations
Flavor Modifications
You can make these donut holes even more fun. Adding chocolate chips is an easy way to do it. Just fold in about half a cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter. They melt and create a delightful surprise in each bite. You can also switch up the spices. Instead of just pumpkin spice, try using cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Each spice adds a new twist to the flavor.
Glazed vs. Sugar Coated
You can choose to glaze your donut holes or roll them in sugar. To create a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor. You can even tint the glaze with food coloring for fun! For flavor options, try adding maple syrup or a dash of orange zest to your glaze. This gives a unique touch to your donut holes.
Seasonal Variations
Fall brings the perfect chance for seasonal flavors. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to your batter. These nuts add crunch and warmth. You can also use festive toppings like sprinkles or crushed candy corn. These toppings make your donut holes look extra special. Another idea is to drizzle caramel sauce over them. This gives a sweet finish and enhances the pumpkin flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these fun variations!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works well. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They stay good for up to three days at room temperature.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose their crunch.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to two months in the freezer. To eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or heat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
How long do Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes last?
Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are best fresh. They last about 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they cool down completely before freezing. When ready to eat, heat them in the air fryer for a few minutes for extra warmth.
Can I bake these donut holes instead?
Yes, you can bake these donut holes! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Fill each cup about halfway with the batter. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Baking gives a different texture, but they will still taste great!
What can I serve with Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes?
You can serve these donut holes with many things! A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs well. You can also try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over them. Enjoying them with friends and family makes these treats even better!
Making Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes is fun and simple. We covered the ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step cooking instructions. Tips for perfect texture and troubleshooting common issues help you succeed. You can explore variations like chocolate chips or seasonal flavors to keep things exciting. Finally, storage and reheating tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. These treats are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing them with friends and family!
