Welcome the cozy flavors of autumn into your kitchen with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists. This delightful fall dessert requires just two main ingredients: convenient crescent roll dough and rich pumpkin pie filling. The result? Adorably twisted, perfectly golden, and irresistibly sweet treats that are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. Perfect for a quick snack, a festive breakfast, or a charming dessert, these twists embody the essence of fall baking without the fuss.
I’m an enthusiastic advocate for air fryer desserts, and my blog even features a dedicated section filled with air fryer recipes. The air fryer has revolutionized my baking experience, offering unparalleled ease, speed, and consistent results, making it nearly impossible to “screw up” a recipe. This recipe for pumpkin pie twists exemplifies everything I love about air frying – it’s convenient, quick, and yields a perfectly golden, crispy exterior with a soft, warm interior. It’s truly the simple, seasonal treat you need to make this fall.
Imagine tender, flaky crescent roll dough gracefully encasing a luscious pumpkin pie filling, creating a treat that’s both fun to make and a joy to eat. Kids especially adore the playful twisty shape. Each twist is generously brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with warm cinnamon before air frying to perfection. To elevate the experience, they’re finished with a sweet, zesty orange glaze that adds a delightful citrusy kick, complementing the rich pumpkin flavor beautifully. Pure yum!
If you’re as big a fan of using crescent rolls as I am, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes. Don’t miss out on these Air Fryer Oreos for a carnival-inspired treat, or indulge in the comforting flavors of Caramel Apple Pie Crescents. Clearly, my affection for crescent rolls in my recipes knows no bounds, and for good reason – they’re incredibly versatile and foolproof!
Why You’ll Adore These Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your fall traditions:
- Effortlessly Simple: With store-bought crescent roll dough and canned pumpkin pie filling, this recipe cuts down on prep time significantly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Quick as a Whisk: The air fryer works its magic in under 10 minutes, meaning you can satisfy your sweet cravings almost instantly. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to homemade fall deliciousness.
- Irresistible Fall Flavors: The comforting blend of pumpkin and cinnamon, enhanced by a bright orange glaze, captures the very essence of autumn. It’s like a slice of pumpkin pie in a fun, handheld format.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The process of twisting the dough is engaging for little hands, making this a wonderful activity to share with children. They’ll love creating and eating these “twisty” treats!
- Versatile Treat: Serve them warm for breakfast, as a delightful brunch item, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a charming dessert after dinner. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or just a cozy evening in.
- Foolproof Results: The air fryer ensures each twist is cooked evenly, with a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful filling. It’s truly hard to go wrong with this method.
Ingredients for Your Fall Masterpiece
Crafting these delectable pumpkin pie twists requires a handful of common ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Refer to the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
For the perfectly golden pumpkin twists, gather these essentials:
- Crescent Dough Sheet OR Crescent Roll Dough: This forms the delightful, flaky base of our twists. While a ready-to-use crescent dough sheet is the easiest option, regular crescent roll dough can be used; simply pinch the perforated lines together to create a smooth sheet. For a different texture, consider using puff pastry sheets, which will yield an even flakier, more ethereal twist – just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly. You could even experiment with your favorite homemade dough recipe for a truly bespoke touch.
- Pumpkin Pie Filling: This is the heart of our fall flavor! Pre-made pumpkin pie filling is convenient and perfectly spiced. If you only have pumpkin puree on hand, you can absolutely use it. Just remember to enhance its flavor by mixing in pumpkin pie spice, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to mimic the richness of dedicated pie filling.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the twists to achieve that beautiful golden-brown finish and add a rich, buttery flavor. If you opt for unsalted butter, a small pinch of salt added with the cinnamon will help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
- Cinnamon: A classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. A generous sprinkle adds warmth and aromatic depth to the twists. For an even more intense fall flavor profile, consider using pumpkin pie spice instead of, or in addition to, cinnamon.
To create the irresistible sweet and zesty glaze, you’ll need:
- Powdered Sugar: The foundation of any good glaze, powdered sugar provides the necessary sweetness and smooth texture.
- Orange Juice: This is my secret ingredient for a delightful citrus splash that brightens the entire dessert. The subtle tang of orange juice cuts through the richness of the pumpkin and butter, creating a wonderfully balanced flavor. However, if you prefer a more traditional, creamy glaze, simply omit the orange juice and substitute it with heavy cream or whole milk for a classic finish.
How to Craft Your Own Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists
Get ready to create these adorable and delicious air fryer pumpkin pie twists with ease! Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience. Remember, the full recipe card with detailed measurements is available at the end of the post.
- Step One: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This ensures that the twists start cooking immediately and achieve that perfect golden crispness. If your air fryer doesn’t have a 320°F setting, 325°F (165°C) will work perfectly fine. - Step Two: Unroll the Dough
Carefully remove the crescent dough from its can and unroll the entire sheet onto a clean, flat surface, such as a cutting board or a lightly floured countertop. If you’re using crescent roll dough (the kind with perforations), gently pinch and press along all the perforated lines to seal them, creating a single, smooth, flat dough sheet. This is crucial for forming neat, consistent twists. - Step Three: Cut and Fill the Dough
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the rolled-out dough into four equally sized squares. Next, take your pumpkin pie filling and divide it in half. Spread one portion evenly over the surface of two of the four dough squares, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will help seal the twists later.
- Step Four: Create the Dough Sandwiches
Carefully take one of the un-filled dough squares and place it directly on top of a pumpkin-covered square, aligning the edges and corners as precisely as possible. Gently press down on the edges to seal the filling inside, forming a neat dough “sandwich” with the pumpkin filling nestled in the middle. Repeat this for the other two squares. You should now have two filled dough rectangles. - Step Five: Slice into Strips
Take each of your filled dough rectangles and cut them lengthwise into four even strips. You will end up with eight long strips in total. These will be twisted into your individual pumpkin treats. - Step Six: Twist Your Creations
Now for the fun part! Pick up one dough strip from each end and gently twist it from the top all the way down to the bottom. Be careful to maintain the layers as you twist, ensuring the pumpkin filling stays securely within the dough. Lay the twisted strips onto a clean surface. - Step Seven: Butter and Spice
Using a pastry brush, generously coat each twisted strip with melted salted butter. This not only adds flavor but helps achieve that beautiful golden crust. Then, sprinkle each buttered twist with cinnamon. For an extra festive touch, you can use pumpkin pie spice here!
- Step Eight: Air Fry to Perfection
Carefully place the twisted pumpkin treats into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 9 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are puffed up and flaky. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
- Step Nine: Prepare the Zesty Glaze
While your pumpkin twists are air frying, prepare the simple glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with ½ to 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency – you want it thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle.
- Step Ten: Glaze and Serve
Once the air fryer pumpkin pie twists are beautifully golden brown and removed from the air fryer, immediately drizzle them generously with the prepared orange glaze. Serve them warm to enjoy their fresh-baked flavor and delightful texture. These are truly best when enjoyed fresh!
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Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Twists
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your air fryer pumpkin pie twists from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Mind the Dough Temperature: Cold crescent roll dough is easier to handle, cut, and twist without sticking. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly or chill the dough for a few minutes before shaping.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on pumpkin filling, too much can cause it to seep out during cooking. A thin, even layer is best to ensure everything stays contained and cooks properly.
- Seal the Edges Well: When creating your dough “sandwiches,” take a moment to firmly press around the edges. This prevents the filling from escaping as the dough puffs up in the air fryer.
- Even Twisting is Key: Aim for consistent twists. This not only makes them look appealing but also helps them cook evenly. Uneven twists might result in some parts being undercooked or overcooked.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overfilling the basket restricts this airflow, leading to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring enough space between each twist.
- Line Your Air Fryer Basket: For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, consider lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers, or spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice (or milk) drop by drop. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar until it reaches a drizzly, yet opaque consistency.
- Serve Warm: These twists are absolutely at their best when served warm, straight out of the air fryer and freshly glazed. The warm, soft filling and crisp dough are a match made in heaven.
Storage Instructions
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover pumpkin pie twists, proper storage will help maintain their deliciousness. Store your air fryer pumpkin pie twists in an airtight container or wrapped snugly in aluminum foil. Place them on a shelf in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for 3 to 5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. For a softer, slightly chewier twist, gently warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. If you prefer a crunchier texture that mimics their fresh-from-the-air-fryer state, reheat them in your air fryer for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) or in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
Creative Variations and Simple Substitutions
These easy pumpkin twists are utterly delicious as is, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some fantastic options to customize them and make them uniquely your own:
- Adjust the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the amount of pumpkin pie mix. If you prefer a lighter pumpkin flavor, use slightly less. If you’re a pumpkin enthusiast, add a bit more, ensuring not to overfill so it doesn’t leak during baking.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture and a nutty flavor, mix finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar into your pumpkin pie filling before spreading it onto the dough.
- Dough Alternatives: As mentioned, puff pastry sheets are a wonderful substitute for crescent dough, offering a significantly flakier texture. Just remember that puff pastry might require a slightly longer cooking time and possibly a different temperature, so monitor closely. You could also try phyllo dough for an even crispier, lighter option, though handling might be trickier.
- Bite-Sized Treats: For smaller, more delicate appetizers or kid-friendly portions, simply cut each twisted strip in half before air frying. These mini twists are perfect for party platters!
- Spice It Up: Instead of just cinnamon, sprinkle the twists with a blend of classic pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves) for an even more pronounced autumnal flavor. A pinch of cardamom could also add an intriguing note.
- Glaze Modifications: The orange juice glaze is bright and zesty, but you can certainly change it up. Use more or less orange juice to achieve your preferred consistency and citrus intensity. For a simpler finish, skip the liquid entirely and just dust the warm twists with powdered sugar. A cream cheese glaze (powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk) would also be divine!
- Different Fillings: While pumpkin is king here, the concept works beautifully with other fillings. Try apple pie filling, cherry pie filling, or even a simple cinnamon sugar mixture for year-round enjoyment.
Delightful Serving Ideas
While these Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists are absolutely fantastic on their own, especially when warm, pairing them with a dip or an accompaniment can elevate the experience even further. Here are some suggestions:
- Pumpkin Pie Dip: Double down on the pumpkin goodness by serving them alongside a creamy pumpkin pie dip. It’s an indulgent combination.
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dip: The tang and richness of a cinnamon cream cheese dip perfectly complement the sweet pumpkin.
- Caramel or Butterscotch Sauce: For a decadent treat, dip your twists into warm caramel sauce or a sweet butterscotch sauce.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Surprisingly, a rich hot fudge sauce can offer a wonderful contrast to the pumpkin, making for a truly tasty dipping experience.
- A La Mode: Serve the warm twists with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the warm, crispy twist is pure bliss.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
- Coffee or Tea: These twists are a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of hot tea.
No Air Fryer? No Problem! Oven Instructions
Don’t have an air fryer? No worries at all! You can still whip up these delightful pumpkin pie twists using a conventional oven. The results will be equally delicious, just with a slightly different texture – a bit softer and less intensely crispy, but still wonderfully flaky and flavorful.
To bake them in the oven, follow all the preparation directions exactly as described above, up until the point where you would place the twists into the air fryer. Instead, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the prepared, buttered, and cinnamon-sprinkled twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, drizzle with the orange glaze and serve warm, just as you would with the air-fried version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making these Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists:
- Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade crescent dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure it’s rolled out to a thin, even rectangle before cutting and filling. Cooking times might need slight adjustment. - What if I don’t have pumpkin pie filling, only pumpkin puree?
No problem! You can easily make your own ‘pie filling’ from puree. For ¼ cup of pumpkin puree, mix in about 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves) and 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, to taste. - Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the twists up to the point of air frying. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, proceed with air frying or baking, adding a minute or two to the cooking time if they are very cold. - Can I freeze the pumpkin pie twists?
Yes, you can freeze them! After they’ve cooled completely (before glazing), arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy. Glaze after reheating. - My twists are burning on the outside but still doughy inside. What happened?
This usually means the temperature is too high or they’re cooking for too long. Ensure your air fryer is preheated correctly to 320°F (or 325°F) and check them at the 8-minute mark. Air fryer models vary, so slight adjustments might be needed. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket.
More Delicious Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these pumpkin pie twists, you’re in for a treat! The world of pumpkin desserts is vast and wonderful. Here are some other delightful pumpkin recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Pumpkin Ribbon Bread
- Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
- Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish Bake
- Pumpkin Gingerbread Pudding
And for more air fryer inspiration, especially with those versatile crescent rolls, you’ll also love these Air Fryer Caramel Cheesecake Chimichangas and classic Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists. Happy baking!
Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists
Stacie Vaughan
8
15 minutes
9 minutes
24 minutes
Saved!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Pie Twists
- 1 can crescent dough sheet OR crescent roll dough (8oz/235g)
- ¼ cup pumpkin pie filling
- 2 tbsp salted butter melted
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ to 1 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
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Remove all the dough from the can and roll out the sheet on a flat surface. If you are not using crescent dough sheets, seal any perforated lines by pinching the dough together to create a smooth sheet.
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Use a knife to cut the rolled-out dough into four even squares. Divide the pumpkin pie filling in half and spread evenly on two of the four squares.
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Place the non-pumpkin-covered square on top of the pumpkin pie filling, forming a sandwich with the two layers. The filling should be on the inside and the dry sides outside. Be sure to place it evenly so the edges and corners of the squares match up.
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Cut each square into 4 even strips. You will now have 8 long pumpkin twists.
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Twist the strips from the top to the bottom, being careful to keep the layers together in the process.
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Use a pastry brush to coat the twists with melted butter and sprinkle each twist with cinnamon.
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Place the twists in the air fryer to cook for 9 minutes or until golden brown. Cook in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding.
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In the meantime, make the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar and orange juice together until combined and smooth.
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Once the pumpkin pie twists are out of the air fryer, drizzle generously with the glaze and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1g
|
Calories:
215kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
27g
|
Protein:
1g
|
Fat:
11g
|
Saturated Fat:
5g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
5g
|
Cholesterol:
12mg
|
Sodium:
187mg
|
Fiber:
1g
|
Sugar:
8g
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Desserts
American
air fryer baking, air fryer desserts, pumpkin desserts, pumpkin pie twists, pumpkin twists
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