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Delicious easy pumpkin shaped iced donuts, right from the air fryer – using pumpkin (or regular) canned cinnamon rolls for a perfect fall treat everyone loves!
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts
Picture this: a batch of fluffy, golden-brown donuts with a hint of autumn spice, lovingly crafted to perfection in your trusty air fryer. These pillowy rounds of joy are like little edible hugs for your taste buds. The best part? They’re the epitome of fuss-free baking – minimal effort, maximum deliciousness.
But wait, there’s more! These pumpkin donuts aren’t just any old treats. They’re a celebration of seasonal flavors, a canvas for creative toppings, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most delightful. From the moment you pop them into the air fryer to the second you drizzle them with vibrant orange and green icing, you’re in for a culinary escapade that’ll leave your kitchen smelling like a pumpkin paradise.
So, my friends, put on your apron, dust off your air fryer, and prepare for a symphony of pumpkin spice and sweet satisfaction. These Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts are about to become your favorite go-to for fall festivities, cozy weekends, and those “just because” moments that deserve a touch of sweetness. Get ready to treat yourself to a bite of autumn magic!
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Store-Bought Cinnamon Roll Dough (1 Package, pack of 5): These pre-made cinnamon roll dough rounds are your ticket to donut bliss. They bring the fluffy and slightly sweet foundation that’ll transform into pumpkin-spiced magic.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tablespoon): This is where the autumn enchantment happens. Pumpkin pie spice adds that warm, aromatic dance of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, infusing your donuts with cozy vibes.
- Melted Butter (1/8 cup): Butter, oh glorious butter! Melted to perfection, it adds richness and that buttery hug we all crave in a good donut. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
- Orange Icing (½ cup): Get ready to take the pumpkin patch to your plate! The orange icing is the pop of pumpkin-y sweetness that makes these donuts sing. It’s like a flavorful costume for your donuts, transforming them into mini pumpkin delights.
- Green Icing (¼ cup): It’s not fall without a hint of green, right? This icing is like a whimsical touch of leaves on your pumpkin. A little dash here and there, and your donuts are officially festive.
- Whole Milk (1 tablespoon): This tiny bit of milk helps to create a smooth and drizzle-worthy consistency for your icing. It’s like the conductor that ensures your donuts are dressed to impress.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this process:
- Prep the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F and spray the basket with non-stick baking spray.
- Prepare the dough. Cut a 1-inch hole in the center of each cinnamon roll and arrange them in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Brush the “donuts” with butter, and sprinkle with pumpkin spice.
- Air fry. Air fry the cinnamon rolls for 6 minutes. If the holes close up when expanding, that’s ok, just recut the hole.
- Prepare the icing. Transfer the orange icing to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. Whisk the milk into the icing to thin it out a bit.
- Ice the donuts. Dip the top of each “donut” into the orange icing. Arrange them on a cooling rack and set aside until the excess icing stops dripping.
- Decorate. Pipe green icing in the shape of a stem at the top of each donut to imitate pumpkin tops. Then pipe small vines on either side of the stem. You can use a piping bag with an icing tip or a Ziplock with a small hole cut in the corner.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Choose the Right Dough: Opt for a pre-made dough that’s designed for baking, such as biscuit or cinnamon roll dough. These doughs are usually more suitable for the air fryer and will yield better results.
Let the Dough Come to Room Temperature: If the dough is refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before working with it. This makes it easier to handle and shape.
Roll and Shape Gently: When shaping the dough into donuts, be gentle. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can result in tough donuts.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the donuts. This helps ensure even cooking from the start.
Grease the Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent the donuts from sticking. You can use non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave enough space between the donuts in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from touching and sticking together.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the donuts as they cook. Air fryer cooking times can vary, so it’s important to check them periodically to avoid overcooking.
Flip Midway: If your air fryer allows, flip the donuts halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure even browning on both sides.
Test with a Toothpick: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready.
Customize with Toppings: Have fun with toppings and glazes! Dip the warm donuts in powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or drizzle with icing. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips can also add a delightful touch.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before adding glazes or icings. This prevents them from melting too quickly and helps the toppings set.
Store Properly: Air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Try different doughs, spices, and glazes to create your own unique variations.
Keep It Light: Remember that air fryer donuts are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, but they might not have the exact same texture. Embrace their light and slightly crisp nature.
FAQs
While the recipe suggests using store-bought cinnamon roll dough, you can certainly experiment with homemade dough. Just make sure the dough is suitable for baking in an air fryer and adjust the cooking time as needed.
To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil before placing the donuts in it. This will help the donuts release easily once they’re cooked.
Yes, you can freeze these donuts. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again or let them thaw at room temperature and warm them in the microwave.
Feel free to get creative with the icing and glaze! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar, and you can experiment with different flavors like vanilla extract, maple syrup, or even pumpkin spice.
Absolutely! You can use a variety of toppings such as powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel.
These donuts are best enjoyed when they are freshly made. However, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to shape and air fry the donuts.
Yes, you can bake these pumpkin donuts in a regular oven. Follow the same steps for shaping and seasoning the dough, then bake in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
Certainly! You can adjust the amount of sugar used in the dough and the icing to your preference. Just keep in mind that altering the sugar content might affect the texture and sweetness of the final product.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Hot Beverages: Pair your pumpkin donuts with a warm drink like coffee, chai tea, hot cocoa, or a spiced latte. The cozy flavors will harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin spice in the donuts.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Create an indulgent dessert by serving your air fryer pumpkin donuts with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm donuts and cold ice cream make for a delicious contrast.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to your donuts. You can also sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top for extra flavor.
Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or even a berry compote can provide a refreshing and slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add a satisfying crunch to your dessert. Sprinkle them on top or serve them on the side.
Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy element that pairs well with the sweetness of the donuts.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: If you’re in a festive mood, whip up a homemade pumpkin spice latte to enjoy alongside your pumpkin donuts. The flavors will harmonize beautifully.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the donuts for an extra layer of richness and sweetness.
Berries and Cream: Create a mini dessert platter with a mix of fresh berries and a small bowl of whipped cream for dipping – or Berries and Creme Anglaise!
Tea: Pairing your pumpkin donuts with a cup of tea, such as herbal chai or spiced tea, can create a well-rounded and comforting dessert experience.
Citrus Sorbet: For a refreshing contrast, serve your pumpkin donuts with a scoop of citrus-flavored sorbet. The tanginess of the sorbet can balance out the sweetness of the donuts.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Equipment
- Ninja FD302 Foodi 11-in-1 Pro 6.5 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer that Steams, Slow Cooks, Sears, Sautés, Dehydrates & More, with 4.6 qt. Crisper Plate, Nesting Broil Rack & Recipe Book, Silver/Black
Ingredients
- 1 Package Store-bought cinnamon roll dough pack of 5
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ cup melted butter
- ½ cup orange icing
- ¼ cup green icing
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
Instructions
- Prep the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F and spray the basket with non-stick baking spray.
- Prepare the dough. Cut a 1-inch hole in the center of each cinnamon roll and arrange them in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Brush the “donuts” with butter, and sprinkle with pumpkin spice. NOTE: It is important not to crowd the air fryer. You might have to air fry the cinnamon rolls individually or in small batches.
- Air fry. Air fry the cinnamon rolls for 6 minutes. If the holes close up when expanding, that’s ok, just recut the hole.
- Prepare the icing. Transfer the orange icing to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. Whisk the milk into the icing to thin it out a bit.
- Ice the donuts. Dip the top of each “donut” into the orange icing. Arrange them on a cooling rack and set aside until the excess icing stops dripping.
- Decorate. Pipe green icing in the shape of a stem at the top of each donut to imitate pumpkin tops. Then pipe small vines on either side of the stem. You can use a piping bag with an icing tip or a Ziplock with a small hole cut in the corner.
