Prepare the Dough: 

First things first, preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. The blend of these warm spices is what gives your pumpkin donut holes that signature autumnal flavor.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Gradually, incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, or your donut holes may become dense instead of light and fluffy!

Air Fryer Method:

If you’re using an air fryer, you’re in for a treat. Air frying these donut holes makes them light and perfectly crispy on the outside. Here’s what you do:

1. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
2. Arrange the dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow for even cooking.
3. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Oven Method:

If you prefer the traditional route, baking these pumpkin donut holes in the oven is equally satisfying:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Coating:

Now for the fun part – the coating! In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another small bowl, melt the butter. Once your donut holes have cooled slightly, dip each one into the melted butter, followed by a generous roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The result? A perfectly sweet and spiced coating that’s simply irresistible.