Craving a sweet fall treat? Look no further! These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts are easy to make and packed with flavor. In just a few simple steps, you’ll whip up warm, fluffy donuts that will brighten your day. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this recipe brings all the cozy vibes. Let’s dive in and discover how to make these delightful treats that are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
To make these tasty donuts, you will need:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cooking spray for the air fryer
These ingredients create a moist donut with a rich pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin puree is perfect because it is smooth and ready to use. Using both granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness.
Optional Toppings and Mix-ins
You can personalize your donuts with fun toppings or mix-ins:
– Cinnamon sugar: Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
– Glaze: Use powdered sugar and a bit of water for a sweet drizzle.
– Chopped nuts: Add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
– Chocolate chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a surprise inside.
These options will enhance your donuts and make them even more delicious.
Equipment Needed for Preparation
To make these donuts, gather your tools:
– Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
– Whisk for blending dry ingredients.
– Silicone donut molds or metal donut pans.
– Air fryer for cooking.
– Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
Having these tools ready will make your cooking process smooth and easy. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Pumpkin Batter
To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Then, mix these ingredients until they blend well. Next, add 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the donuts moist. Now, crack in 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix after adding each egg. Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix gives the donuts that classic pumpkin spice taste. Slowly fold this dry mix into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are fine.
Cooking Process in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, lightly spray your donut molds with cooking spray. Spoon the pumpkin batter into each mold, filling them about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise. Place the filled molds into the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching to allow air to circulate. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. You can check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cooling and Finishing Touches
Once the donuts are cooked, carefully remove the molds from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes. When cool enough to handle, gently pop the donuts out of the molds. For an extra festive touch, you can toss the warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Alternatively, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water on top. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Best Air Fryer Settings for Donuts
To make the best donuts, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature cooks the donuts evenly without drying them out. Cook the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes. Check them with a toothpick to see if they are done. If it comes out clean, they are ready!
How to Achieve Perfectly Fluffy Donuts
For fluffy donuts, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. This keeps the donuts light and airy. Also, be sure to fill the molds only two-thirds full. This gives the donuts room to rise without overflowing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is using too much flour. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it. Scooping can pack the flour, making the donuts dense. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating helps the donuts cook evenly. Follow the Full Recipe for the best results!
Variations
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
To make gluten-free donuts, swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Use a blend that works for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Start with 1.5 cups of gluten-free flour and see if the batter holds well. This change keeps your donuts tasty and safe for gluten-free diets.
Vegan-Friendly Adjustments
For vegan-friendly donuts, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. You can also swap the applesauce with a mashed banana or a bit of extra pumpkin puree. This keeps your donuts moist and delicious without any animal products.
Alternative Flavor Combinations
Feel free to get creative with flavors! Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Chopped nuts can also add a nice crunch. You could try maple syrup instead of sugar for a rich taste. Experimenting with spices can change the flavor too. Try adding cardamom or allspice for a unique kick. Mix and match to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check the complete guide.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Donuts
To keep your donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Store the container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing and Reheating Tips
If you freeze the donuts, let them cool completely first. Once cooled, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will restore their soft texture and warm them up nicely.
Shelf Life and Best Practices
These donuts taste best when eaten fresh. However, stored right, they can last. At room temperature, they stay good for three days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. For the best taste, always check for changes in smell or texture before eating. Enjoy your Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts and savor the season! For the full recipe, refer back to the recipe section.
FAQs
How do I know when the donuts are done?
You can tell the donuts are ready by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are done. If there is batter on the toothpick, they need more time. Keep an eye on them as they cook. The cooking time is usually between 8 to 10 minutes. If you are unsure, check at the 8-minute mark.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook it first. Roast or steam the pumpkin until it is soft. Then, mash it until smooth. This fresh puree can replace canned pumpkin in the recipe. The flavor may be a bit richer, and the texture might vary slightly.
What can I substitute for applesauce in this recipe?
You can use mashed bananas or yogurt as a substitute for applesauce. Both options will keep the donuts moist. If you want a sweeter donut, mashed bananas work great. Use the same amount as applesauce in the recipe. If you choose yogurt, use plain or vanilla for the best flavor.
For more details on making the donuts, check the Full Recipe.
You learned how to make delicious air fryer pumpkin spice donuts. We covered key ingredients, both essential and optional, along with the equipment you need. The step-by-step instructions guide you through preparation, cooking, and finishing touches. I shared tips for the best air fryer settings and ways to avoid common mistakes. Variations allow for gluten-free and vegan options. Lastly, storage tips help keep your donuts fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty treat!
