Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Bites

I have made a LOT of donut holes over the years, and these air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut bites might be my favorite yet. No yeast, no frying, and no waiting around. They come together faster than you'd think, and that cinnamon sugar coating is SO good you'll want to make a double batch right away.

Pumpkin season is my favorite time to bake, and I am always looking for fun ways to bring that cozy fall flavor to the breakfast table without spending a ton of time in the kitchen. These donut bites hit every single note - warm spice, soft dough, and that sweet cinnamon crunch on the outside. My boys ask for these on repeat every fall, and honestly, I don't blame them one bit!

The dough comes together fast with ingredients you probably already have on hand - no trip to the store needed. If you love easy fall baking, you should also check out my pumpkin donuts with maple glaze - they are another crowd favorite around here!

Key Ingredients

Most of these ingredients are already in your kitchen, which makes this recipe a total win on a busy morning. A few things worth noting:

• Pumpkin puree - Make sure you grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugar and spices already mixed in and will throw off the whole recipe.
• Greek yogurt - This is what gives these donut holes their soft, tender texture without any oil in the dough. Full fat or low fat both work here.
• Pumpkin pie spice - Just half a teaspoon goes a long way. If you want a stronger spice flavor, feel free to bump it up to a full teaspoon.
• Melted butter - You'll use this both before and after baking. Do not skip the second coat! That is what makes the cinnamon sugar stick so well.

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Bites

These are great for a fun breakfast treat that feels special without the extra effort.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Donut Holes

Don't skip the kneading. Five minutes feels like a lot, but it makes the dough smooth and gives you that soft, chewy texture. If you cut this short, your donut holes can turn out a little dense.

Roll them in cinnamon sugar while hot. This is important! The butter and heat help the coating stick. If you let them cool down first, the sugar won't adhere as well.

Keep the size consistent. Try to make all 12 pieces roughly the same size so they bake evenly. A kitchen scale makes this really easy if you have one, but eyeballing it works too.

Add a little orange zest to the cinnamon sugar. This is an optional twist, but it adds a really bright, fresh flavor that pairs so well with the pumpkin. My no yeast lemon blueberry donut holes use a similar trick, and it is such a fun little upgrade.

Can I Swap The Airfryer For the Oven Instead?

Absolutely! If you don't have an air fryer, just preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 6 minutes per side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They come out just as delicious. The air fryer does give them a slightly crispier outside, but the oven version is still really good.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time? These are best enjoyed fresh and warm right after rolling in the cinnamon sugar. If you need to make them ahead, store them plain (without the cinnamon sugar coating) in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, warm them up, brush with butter, and roll in the sugar.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? No - pumpkin pie filling has extra sugar and spices already added, which will change the texture and flavor of the dough. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for the best results.

What if my dough is too sticky? Just add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together and you can knead it without it sticking to your hands. This can happen depending on the brand of Greek yogurt you use.

Can I freeze these? Yes! Freeze them plain without the cinnamon sugar coating. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes, then roll in fresh cinnamon sugar.

Do I need to use parchment paper? It makes cleanup way easier and keeps the donut holes from sticking. I always recommend it for air fryer recipes like this one. My air fryer chicken drumsticks use the same trick!

How to Store Pumpkin Donut Bites

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Note that the cinnamon sugar coating will soften over time.

Fridge: You can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Warm in the air fryer for a few minutes before eating.

Freezer: Freeze plain (no coating) for up to 2 months. See the FAQ above for reheating instructions.

I'd love to hear how your pumpkin donut bites turn out! Feel free to tag me on Instagram or leave a review below. And if you're looking for even more easy donut recipes to add to your fall baking rotation, I've got you covered. Happy cooking!

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