Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Glaze: Irresistibly Spiced and Glazed Delights

As a health-conscious foodie and a busy mom constantly trying to balance nourishing meals with a packed family schedule, I found myself stuck in the same struggle many face: how to make quick, delicious meals without relying on greasy pans or deep-frying. I didn’t want to give up my favorite comfort foods—crispy fries, golden chicken, flaky pastries—but I did want to serve better-for-you versions to my family.

That’s when I discovered the air fryer, and everything changed. What started as late-night kitchen experiments soon became an obsession. I began transforming classic dishes into lighter, air-fried versions—without sacrificing taste, texture, or joy. Fries that didn’t require gallons of oil. Wings that stayed juicy inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Even warm, sweet donuts that didn’t leave you feeling guilty.

Friends and family started asking for recipes. Then, strangers online. I realized I wasn’t alone in this craving for smarter, faster, tastier food—and so Fryero was born. At Fryero, I share the best air fryer recipes I’ve created and perfected: from satisfying mains and snackable sides to sweet treats and healthy staples. My goal is simple—to help you make meals that look indulgent but feel light, using the magic of your air fryer.

Whether you’re brand new to air frying or you’re already hooked, Fryero is your space to learn, explore, and fall in love with cooking all over again—one crispy bite at a time.

Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Glaze

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• Author: Hazel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 donuts
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with our recipe for Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Glaze. Learn how to make these flavorful and easy donuts today!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) golden brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 ml) baking powder
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) cold, unsalted butter, cut into tiny pieces
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Line the two mesh trays of the GoWISE Air Fryer Oven with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg. Use a whisk to mix these thoroughly.
3. Add the cold butter pieces and work them into the dry mixture with your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, which should take around a minute.
5. Create a hollow in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a large spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which could make the donuts tough.
6. Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, roll it into a ball with your hands, and place it on one of the parchment-lined trays. Repeat this process until all the dough is used, ensuring you have about 20 balls, 10 per tray, with some space between them.
7. Insert the trays into the GoWISE Air Fryer Oven on two of the three rack levels, ensuring there is enough space for the lower tray.
8. Select the “Bake” function on the air fryer, set it to 350°F, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn the air fryer on and let it bake until the donuts are golden on top.
9. Carefully take out the trays and transfer the donuts to a cooling rack, allowing them to cool for at least 10 minutes.
10. While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, spices, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
11. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a cooling rack on it. Once the donuts have cooled, dip each one into the glaze, ensuring they’re fully coated, and let the excess glaze drip back into the bowl before placing them on the rack.
12. Let the glaze harden, which should take about 20 minutes, and then the donuts are ready to enjoy.

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Notes

• Use unsalted butter for a more intense flavor in the dough.
• Enhance pumpkin taste by adding a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the dry mixture.
• Allow donuts to cool completely before dipping in glaze to prevent quick melting.

Creating Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Glaze

Fundamentals

The magic of air fryer spiced pumpkin donuts with glaze lies in the unique blend of spices and ingredients. These donuts offer a delightful mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that capture the essence of fall. The air fryer ensures a healthier version, using less oil and maintaining that crispy exterior we love in donuts.

The key ingredients include a combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, golden brown sugar, and baking powder to create the perfect dough base. The addition of pumpkin puree not only infuses the donuts with flavor but also adds moisture, resulting in a soft and tender crumb.

Preparation/setup

Start by gathering all your ingredients: flour, sugars, baking powder, spices, and pumpkin puree. Line the two mesh trays of your GoWISE Air Fryer Oven with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your donuts.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl—flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly using a whisk to distribute the spices evenly. Add the cold butter pieces and work them into the dry mixture with your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: low-fat milk, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. Create a hollow in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a large spoon until just combined to maintain the donuts’ soft texture.

Mastering the Air Fryer Technique for Donuts

Technique

The air fryer technique for making donuts involves precision and a touch of patience. Once your dough is ready, scoop approximately two tablespoons of dough using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop. Roll it into a ball with your hands and place it on one of the parchment-lined trays. Repeat until all the dough is used, ensuring you have about 20 balls, 10 per tray, with some space between them.

Insert the trays into the air fryer oven on two of the three rack levels, ensuring there is enough space for the lower tray. Select the “Bake” function, set it to 350°F, and cook for 10 minutes. This method ensures that the donuts bake evenly and achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Tips/tricks

For optimal results, avoid overmixing your dough, which can make the donuts tough. Use cold butter to create a flaky texture, and ensure your dough balls are evenly sized for consistent cooking. If you love creative comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries with Cinnamon Dip—a fun twist on classic flavors.

While the donuts bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, spices, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, complementing the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully.

Perfecting Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect air fryer spiced pumpkin donuts with glaze requires attention to detail. Once the donuts are golden on top, carefully remove the trays and transfer the donuts to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes to set their structure.

Once cooled, dip each donut into the prepared glaze, ensuring they’re fully coated. Let the excess glaze drip back into the bowl before placing them on a rack lined with parchment. This process ensures an even, luscious coating that will harden beautifully.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your donuts turn out dense, you may have overmixed the dough. Ensure your butter is cold for a lighter texture. Experiment with variations by adjusting spices or adding a touch of ginger for an extra zing. For more air fryer inspirations, try these Air Fryer Butternut Squash Bites with Maple Glaze.

For troubleshooting, always check your air fryer’s manual for specific settings and adjustments. This can help tailor the process to your specific model, ensuring the best results every time.

Serving and Storing Your Donuts

Serving/presentation

Present your air fryer spiced pumpkin donuts with glaze on a decorative platter for a stunning effect. The warm, inviting colors of the glaze and spices make them a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Consider pairing these donuts with a cup of hot cocoa or a spiced latte to enhance the autumnal experience.

For a creative serving idea, try stacking them in a donut tower or arranging them around a small bowl of pumpkin-flavored dip. The visual appeal will captivate your guests and make these treats even more enticing.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them without the glaze and applying it fresh after reheating. Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes? Check out these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts with Pecans.

Pair your donuts with seasonal drinks or enjoy them as a standalone treat. Their rich flavors and satisfying texture make them a versatile addition to any dessert table.

Conclusion

Air fryer spiced pumpkin donuts with glaze demonstrate the versatility and convenience of air frying, creating a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried treats. These donuts capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet glaze, making them a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire.

The air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors and texture of these donuts. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or new to this cooking technique, these donuts are sure to impress with their taste, ease, and visual appeal.

Embrace the art of air frying and enjoy these delectable donuts, perfect for any occasion. Their blend of spices and the sweet, creamy glaze make them a crowd-pleaser that your family and friends will love.

FAQs – Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Glaze