Creamy Potato Beet Salad

These pumpkin donut holes bring the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender, cakelike inside, made effortlessly with an air fryer. The warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice flavors meld beautifully to create a comforting autumn treat. After cooking, each donut hole is brushed with melted butter and rolled in a cinnamon sugar blend, adding sweetness and a delicate crunch. They are simple to prepare and can become a cozy tradition for chilly mornings or festive gatherings.

I was hooked from the first bite of these warmly spiced donut holes, and now every year we make them to celebrate the first chilly day of fall. They are so simple that the whole family can join in rolling them in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect soft structure look for unbleached flour for the best flavor
• Brown sugar: deepens the flavor and adds moisture choosing dark brown sugar adds more richness
• Baking powder: guarantees a lofty, tender crumb make sure yours is fresh for the best rise
• Pumpkin pie spice: adds the classic autumn taste find blends with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and rounds out all flavors pick salt with even grains
• Pumpkin puree: brings moisture, color, and subtle earthy notes use pure pumpkin, not pie filling
• Egg: binds everything together and contributes softness opt for fresh free range eggs
• Whole milk: gives richness select full fat for best results or see tips below for substitutions
• Pure vanilla extract: lifts all the other flavors choose real vanilla for the best aroma
• Unsalted butter: melted helps with moistness and flavor use good quality butter
• Granulated sugar: is used for rolling providing a sparkly sweet exterior
• Ground cinnamon: forms the cozy outer coating always use a fresh jar for bold flavor

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt in a medium bowl until evenly blended. This ensures every bite has balanced flavor and lift.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, stir pumpkin puree, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully smooth. Make sure there are no streaks and the batter is evenly moist.

Create Batter:

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet with a spatula, mixing only until just blended. Stop as soon as you see no dry spots to keep the donut holes soft and cakelike.

Shape the Donut Holes:

Scoop the batter into evenly sized small rounds using a spoon or small cookie scoop. Place these onto a parchment lined or lightly greased baking sheet for easy transfer.

Cook in Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Arrange the donut holes in a single layer with a little space so air can circulate. Cook in batches for eight to ten minutes until golden brown and puffed, then remove while hot.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

Brush each hot donut hole with melted butter on all sides. Then roll gently in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon so the coating sticks evenly, giving sweetness and spice in every bite.

Pumpkin puree is my favorite ingredient here for both moisture and flavor depth. The first time I made these, my kids could not wait to help with the cinnamon sugar, and every batch since reminds me of chilly morning baking together.

Storage Tips

Let donut holes cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the donut holes uncoated, then thaw and roll in cinnamon sugar just before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Unsweetened almond milk works well instead of whole milk, offering a lighter texture and a subtle nutty note that complements pumpkin and spices. Coconut oil can replace butter for a hint of tropical flavor. You can replace half of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bite that remains tender and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm with a mug of hot cider or coffee for ultimate cozy vibes. For gatherings, set out bowls of cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce for dipping. These donut holes shine on brunch buffets or as a sweet snack with fresh autumn fruit.

These air fryer pumpkin donut holes are an easy cozy treat perfect for fall. Enjoy them warm with cider or coffee.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What is the best way to cook the potatoes?

Boil diced potatoes in salted water until tender to achieve a creamy texture that complements the roasted beets.

→ How should the beets be prepared for this dish?

Roast the beets wrapped in foil at 400°F for around 40 minutes until tender, then peel and dice for a sweet, earthy flavor.

→ Can I adjust this dish for dietary preferences?

Omit the feta cheese for a plant-based version and adjust seasoning as preferred to maintain balance and flavor.

→ Which greens work well as a base?

Fresh arugula or spinach offer a peppery or mild leafy base that complements the salad's flavors beautifully.

→ How is the dressing made for this dish?

The vinaigrette combines extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a tangy, balanced finish.

→ How should this salad be stored?

Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. The salad keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days, with flavors intensifying over time.