Imagine crisp autumn air, the scent of pumpkin and spices swirling in your kitchen, and the warm glow of an air fryer humming away in the background. This is the scene I remember vividly from last fall when I first decided to try making pumpkin spice donuts in my air fryer. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I had just come back from a charming little farmers’ market in town, where the air was filled with the aroma of fresh produce and autumnal spices. The market was bustling with activity, and as I meandered through the stalls, I couldn’t resist picking up a small jar of pumpkin puree and a packet of pumpkin pie seasoning. The inspiration struck me like a lightning bolt: why not combine these with my favorite kitchen gadget to create something truly special?
Back at home, I was eager to experiment. I had recently bought an air fryer and was eager to test its capabilities beyond the usual fries and chicken. I pulled out a package of flaky Grands biscuits—my secret shortcut for homemade donut perfection—and set to work. The process was incredibly simple and so satisfying: cutting out the centers of the biscuits to form donut shapes, air frying them until they were golden brown and crispy, then dipping them into a luscious pumpkin glaze.
As the donuts cooled on the rack, the whole house filled with the irresistible scent of pumpkin spice, making my family’s anticipation palpable. When I finally served them up, the smiles and exclamations of delight were worth every minute of the prep work. We enjoyed them with hot cups of coffee and laughed about how these humble ingredients turned into such a delightful treat.
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts quickly became a favorite in our home, perfect for cozy weekend mornings or as a special treat to share with friends. They’re wonderfully easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and spice, making each bite a little piece of autumn bliss.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick weekend breakfast or a fun treat to enjoy with loved ones, these donuts are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy every bite and savor the flavors of fall!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 1 package of flaky Grands biscuits
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Start by setting your air fryer to 360°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Make sure not to use parchment paper during preheating.
- Use a donut cutter to create a hole in the center of each biscuit. Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook each batch at 360°F for 5 minutes. Once finished, move the donuts to a cooling rack.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla essence, and pumpkin pie seasoning. Stir in the pumpkin puree until smooth. If needed, adjust the consistency with a little more milk.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip them into the glaze and add sprinkles if desired. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice donuts!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cooking Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze. You can also substitute the pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are perfect with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai. Consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Instead of pumpkin pie seasoning, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, add chopped pecans to the glaze for a seasonal touch. In winter, you can experiment with peppermint extract in place of vanilla for a festive flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten and dairy. For gluten-free donuts, use a gluten-free biscuit mix. To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative.
FAQ:
Can I use homemade biscuits for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade biscuits. Just ensure they are similar in thickness to the store-bought ones for even cooking.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donuts and glaze ahead of time. Store the baked donuts in an airtight container and glaze them just before serving.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the center of the biscuit, or simply cut the biscuit into a donut shape with a knife.
How do I adjust the glaze thickness?
If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar.
Can I use a different type of seasoning?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite spices. A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can work well if you don’t have pumpkin pie seasoning.
How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?
Ensure the donuts are completely cooled before glazing. Also, avoid stacking them on top of each other until the glaze has fully set.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 package of flaky Grands biscuits
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon pumpkin puree
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes. (Avoid using parchment paper while preheating).
- Create a hole in the middle of each biscuit using a donut cutter. Place the donuts into the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry each batch at 360 degrees F for 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the donuts to a cooling rack.
- As the donuts are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, mix together the confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla essence, and pumpkin pie seasoning until well blended. Incorporate the pumpkin puree and stir until the mixture is smooth. Add a little more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze and sprinkle with optional toppings if you like.
