These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet blueberry flavor! Made with cottage cheese, they’re a fun and healthy treat.
I love how easy these are to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, then let the air fryer do its magic. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack anytime—you won’t even need icing! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your donut holes. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the best results!
Cottage cheese: This adds moisture and protein. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend it more thoroughly. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu or almond yogurt; it will still give you a creamy consistency.
Fresh blueberries: These add a delightful burst of flavor. If fresh aren’t available, you can use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them first to prevent extra moisture in the batter.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar here, but you can swap in coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for a healthier option. Just be mindful that different sugars may affect the sweetness level!
Milk: This is optional for adjusting batter consistency. If you want to avoid dairy, use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk; the flavor will still be great!
How Do I Ensure My Donut Holes Are Light and Fluffy?
The secret to achieving light and fluffy donut holes lies in the mixing technique. You want to combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended. Overmixing can lead to dense results, so gentle folding is key! Here’s how:
- Whisk your dry ingredients just until they are evenly mixed.
- Combine the wet ingredients separately and blend until smooth to avoid lumps.
- When combining, use a spatula to fold the wet into the dry ingredients gently until no dry streaks remain.
- If the batter is thick, adjust with small amounts of milk to reach a scoopable consistency.
Also, remember to turn the donut holes halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly and ensures that they cook through without sogginess.
Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional for batter consistency)
Extras:
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking, plus a few minutes for cooling before serving. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your donuts in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your donut holes cook evenly and get that lovely golden color!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together well to combine. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your donut mixture.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a blender or food processor to blend until smooth. This will give your batter a nice creamy texture!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a slightly thick yet scoopable consistency.
5. Fold in the Blueberries:
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter. Be careful not to smash them too much; you want those lovely pops of blueberry in each bite!
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is an important step for easy removal after cooking!
7. Scoop the Batter:
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of batter (about 1-1.5 tablespoons each) into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each donut hole for air to circulate as they cook.
8. Air Fry the Donut Holes:
Cook the donut holes in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to turn them gently halfway through cooking for even browning. They are done when they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Cool the Donut Holes:
Once cooked, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps them set a bit before eating.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dust the warm donut holes with powdered sugar and serve them with extra fresh blueberries on top. Enjoy your light, fluffy, and delicious Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese or want a smoother texture, try using ricotta or plain yogurt. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.
Can I Make These Donut Holes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just scoop it into the air fryer and adjust the cooking time, if necessary.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits?
Yes! Feel free to replace blueberries with other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetness and texture of the fruit you use.
