Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Craving a cozy fall breakfast treat that’s both quick and irresistible? These air fryer pumpkin donuts are here to save your morning! Busy moms will love how effortlessly these sweet bites come together—with simple pantry staples and that iconic pumpkin spice flavor we all adore.
Whether you’re whipping them up on a chilly weekend or need a fun breakfast idea the kids will cheer for, these donuts are the perfect combo of crunchy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside. Plus, they’re made in the air fryer, which means less mess and more donut joy, fast. I have a lot of other Easy Pumpkin Recipes as well!
These donuts offer all the warm spices of fall wrapped in a simple, no-fry-required recipe. They’re light, craveable, and perfect for dunking in coffee or serving at brunch. Ready to see why they’re a family favorite?
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping a holiday breakfast board, or simply treating yourself, these donuts deliver big flavor without the fuss. Let’s dig into what makes these fluffy pumpkin gems so irresistible!
Be certain to check out my other easy donut recipes, too! Perfect for Sunday brunch recipes!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
These epic donuts aren’t just easy—they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they’ll earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation:
- Quick & Easy Breakfast — They come together in minutes and cook fast in the air fryer.
- Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe — Even picky eaters will love these sweet, soft donuts!
- Mess-Free Morning Treat — No deep fryer, no oil splatters—just simple, clean cooking.
- Perfect for Fall Gatherings — Serve them at school events, brunches, or Thanksgiving morning.
- Versatile & Customizable — Add chocolate chips, cinnamon glaze, or even a maple drizzle!
You can also dust them with powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate, or roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm—yum!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
You’ll love how easy and pantry-friendly this ingredient list is. These donuts prove that simple really is better!
- Pumpkin puree — Adds rich flavor, moisture, and that signature orange hue.
- Spice cake mix — A shortcut that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
- Eggs — Help bind the mixture and keep the donuts fluffy.
- Oil — Keeps everything moist and helps with that just-right texture.
- Cinnamon sugar — For rolling, because every donut deserves a sweet finish.
Want exact measurements and a printable version of the recipe? Scroll to the recipe card below for all the details you need to get started!
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Instructions to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Whipping up these delicious donuts is easier than you think. Here’s how it’s done:
- Mix the batter — Combine the pumpkin, cake mix, eggs, and oil in a bowl. Stir until just mixed.
- Fill the donut pan — Lightly grease a silicone donut mold and fill each cavity about ¾ full.
- Air fry — Pop the mold into your preheated air fryer and cook until golden and set.
- Cool and coat — Once cool enough to handle, brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
These donuts are best served warm with a cup of coffee or milk. Try topping them with a maple glaze for a bakery-style touch!
Breakfast Tips and Tricks
- Use silicone donut molds that fit your air fryer for perfect shapes every time.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Want them extra crisp? Give them a quick spray of oil before baking for a golden finish.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
- Donuts sticking to the pan? Lightly grease or use silicone molds for easy release.
- Undercooked centers? Add an extra minute or two of cooking time.
- Too soft? Let them cool slightly before handling—they’ll firm up as they rest.
Recommended Resources
Make sure you have the right tools at hand to create this recipe with ease! Here are my top picks for preparing and serving air fryer pumpkin donuts:
- Mixing Bowl Set with Pour Spout – Makes it easy to mix and fill the donut molds without spills.
- Silicone Donut Molds – Perfectly shaped donuts every time, no sticking or breaking.
- Pastry Brush Set – Ideal for evenly brushing butter before the cinnamon sugar dip.
Customizing this Breakfast Recipe for Every Diet
Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to mix things up, this recipe is easy to adapt:
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- Vegan — Use egg replacers like flax eggs and a plant-based cake mix.
- Gluten-Free — Use a gluten-free spice cake mix to make these celiac-friendly.
- Dairy-Free — Swap butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Low Sugar — Skip the cinnamon sugar coating or use a sugar substitute.
Making a Meal Out of Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
When it comes to meal planning, you’re going to find out that it’s an easy way to get prepared for the week. It’s saved my time and sanity so much over the years!
Main Dish: Italian Hamburger Soup
Vegetable Side: Cooked Asparagus
Starch Side: Pan Fried Potatoes
Refreshing Drink: Strawberry Thyme Lemonade
Best Breakfast Recipes:
Once you make this homemade donut recipe, you’re going to have breakfast on your mind! Luckily you can eat and enjoy breakfast food any time of the day! Below are some of my favorite breakfast recipes that I think you’re going to love and enjoy.
You’re not going to want to miss this 3 Minute Breakfast Sandwich!
Whip up these Double Peanut Breakfast Bars for everyone in the house to enjoy!
Check out this Kid Friendly Breakfast Sushi Recipe that makes eating breakfast so much fun!
This list of Breakfast Recipes Using Apple Butter is wonderful and tastes great!
These Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Cups have such an awesome flavor!
The kids are going to love these Creamy and Beautiful Blueberry Breakfast Bars!
This Easy Skillet Breakfast is one of my favorite things to make!
FAQs about Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze.
To reheat:
- In the air fryer: Reheat for 2-3 minutes at 300°F.
- In the microwave: 15 seconds should do the trick.
Leftovers are perfect for a donut sundae! Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and chopped nuts for a fun twist.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ Cup(s) of Granulated white sugar
- ¼ Cup(s) of Brown sugar
- 2 ½ T room temp butter
- 2 Egg yolks
- 2 ¼ Cup(s) of All-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp of Baking powder
- 1 tsp of Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ¾ Cup(s) of Sour cream
- ½ Cup(s) extra of granulated white sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Start by mixing 1/2 cup of the white sugar and the butter in a bowl. It should be crumbly. Add in the egg yolks and stir.
- Next add the flour, salt, and baking powder to a different bowl. Pour in 1/3 of the flour mixture, 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of the sour cream into the egg mixture and stir. Mix in the rest of the flour and sour cream and put in the fridge.
- Put 1 tsp of pumpkin spice, 2 1/2 tsp of white sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon in a bowl.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 3/4″ thick. Cut out six large circles and then cut wholes in the middle, too.
- Put 1/2 of the melted butter on both sides of the doughnuts.
- Put 1/2 of them in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Take them out and brush with melted butter and dip in the pumpkin spice and sugar mixture asap. Repeat for all the doughnuts.
Nutrition
More Pumpkin Recipes:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake Mix Muffins
- Pumpkin Cobbler
- Mock Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie Monkey Bread
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Bread Machine Pumpkin Seed Bread
- Pumpkin Mini Muffins
These air fryer pumpkin donuts are proof that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring—or complicated. Save this recipe for cozy fall mornings, and don’t forget to share it with friends or pin it for later.
With their light texture, warm spice, and sweet finish, these donuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite for your family!
We love making donuts in the Air Fryer! Haven’t tried Pumpkin yet but going to give these a try for sure. Thanks!