Introduction
As the leaves start to turn and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy flavors of fall to get you in the spirit of the season. Enter the Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts – a delightful twist on a classic treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. These donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, thanks to the air fryer, which ensures they come out perfectly golden and fluffy without the need for a deep fryer!
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option to pair with your morning coffee, a sweet snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, or a tasty dessert to impress guests, these pumpkin spice donuts are sure to please. With a luscious pumpkin flavor and a medley of warm spices, every bite is like a hug in donut form. So grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the donut batter.
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- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
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- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick yet pourable.
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- Lightly grease your donut molds or a silicone donut pan with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
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- Spoon or pipe the batter into the molds, filling each donut about three-quarters full.
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- Place the molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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- Once cooked, carefully remove the donuts from the molds and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
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- If desired, dust the warm donuts with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 12 mini donuts
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For the base of the donuts, providing structure and a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and a hint of autumnal sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the donuts perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For an extra depth of flavor and slight caramel notes.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create that signature pumpkin spice flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: To help the donuts rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Assists in leavening and contributes to the overall fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent and helps with texture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps bring the batter together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For additional flavor complexity.
Optional:
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon) for coating after frying.
– Maple glaze for drizzling on top for an extra sweet touch!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that your donuts will cook evenly and get that perfect golden brown color.
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Prepare the Donut Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
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Fill the Donut Molds: Lightly grease your donut molds (silicone or metal) with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each mold about 2/3 full with the batter. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
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Air Fry the Donuts: Place the filled molds in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
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Cool and Glaze: Carefully remove the donut molds from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they are completely cool, you can glaze them or dust with powdered sugar. For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or cider for the perfect fall treat. Feel free to get creative with toppings, such as sprinkles or crushed nuts, to add your personal touch!
Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
These Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience:
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Coffee Companion: Pair these donuts with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced latte. Their warm flavors complement each other beautifully.
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Breakfast Delight: Serve them as a quick breakfast option. Add a side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein boost, and enjoy a balanced meal on the go.
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Dessert Dish: Drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a caramel sauce for a sweet finish. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
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Sprinkle Fest: For a fun and festive touch, top the donuts with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
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Homemade Dipping Sauces: Create a little dunking station with various sauces. Consider options like chocolate ganache, maple syrup, or a spiced cream cheese dip to satisfy different palates.
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Seasonal Garnish: Decorate your serving platter with seasonal elements, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or mini pumpkins, to enhance the fall vibes.
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Sharing is Caring: Present these donuts on a beautiful cake stand or a decorative plate during gatherings, making them a fun shareable treat for friends and family.
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Cozy Gathering: Add these donuts to a cozy fall gathering or brunch, alongside other seasonal treats like apple cider, pumpkin muffins, and spiced chai.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these pumpkin spice donuts are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite.
Conclusion
These Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the perfect way to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall without the guilt of deep-fried treats. With their warm, spiced aroma and irresistibly soft texture, these donuts are not only quick to whip up, but they also provide that delightful burst of pumpkin goodness in every bite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a chilly morning or as a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite toppings, from a dusting of powdered sugar to a drizzle of maple glaze or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Best of all, you can indulge without the deep-fryer mess, making cleanup a breeze!
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious pumpkin spice donuts today. Your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!
