Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Craving something sweet, warm, and packed with protein—but without the guilt? Meet your new favorite homemade snack: Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes. These golden, fluffy bites are everything you want in a donut hole: soft inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with fresh blueberries.

But what truly sets these apart is the secret ingredient: cottage cheese. It adds creaminess, protein, and richness without weighing the recipe down. Paired with oat flour and naturally sweetened with honey, these little snacks are both nutritious and indulgent.

Whether you’re following a high-protein lifestyle, trying to cut back on refined sugars, or simply want a better-for-you treat, this recipe checks every box.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

When blueberry season rolls around, fresh berries seem to end up in everything I cook. I wanted a bite-sized treat that would:

• Use simple, whole-food ingredients

• Feel like a sweet indulgence

• Be light enough for snacking

• Offer a boost of protein and fiber

The solution? This air fryer-friendly twist on classic donut holes. No deep frying, no refined sugar, and no complicated prep.

The result is a sweet, fluffy, golden snack with creamy notes from the cottage cheese and tart bursts from the fresh blueberries—perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey.

Key Benefits of This Snack

Not only are these donut holes easy to make, but they’re also full of nutritional perks. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular snack rotation:

1. High in Protein

• Thanks to the cottage cheese and egg, each serving delivers 8 grams of protein.

• Protein helps keep you full, satisfied, and supports muscle recovery.

2. Lower in Fat and Calories

• With just 5 grams of fat and 180 calories per serving, they’re a lighter choice than traditional donut holes.

• Air frying cuts down on excess oil without sacrificing crispness.

3. Naturally Sweetened

• Sweetened with honey instead of refined sugar.

• Optional powdered sugar on top adds sweetness without going overboard.

4. Quick and Convenient

• From start to finish in about 15 minutes.

• Uses just one bowl and minimal prep equipment.

5. Kid-Approved and Freezer-Friendly

• Kids love the sweet flavor and fun donut shape.

• Perfect for making in advance and freezing for later.

Ingredients Deep Dive

Let’s look more closely at the simple but powerful ingredients that bring these donut holes to life:

Cottage Cheese (½ cup)

• Adds protein, creaminess, and moisture.

• Melts beautifully into the batter for a soft texture.

• A great source of calcium and B vitamins.

Egg (1)

• Acts as a binder, giving structure to the donut holes.

• Provides richness and extra protein.

Oat Flour (½ cup)

• A fiber-rich, gluten-free flour alternative.

• Offers a mild, nutty flavor.

• Supports digestive health and keeps you fuller longer.

Honey (2 tablespoons)

• Natural sweetener with antioxidant properties.

• Adds moisture and a soft sweetness that complements the blueberries.

Fresh Blueberries (½ cup)

• Full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.

• Adds natural tartness and color.

• Juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.

Baking Powder (1 tsp)

• Helps the donut holes rise and puff up.

• Creates a light and airy texture.

Pinch of Salt

• Essential for flavor balance.

• Enhances the sweetness and richness of the batter.

Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe smooth and stress-free, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Medium mixing bowl
  For whisking together your wet and dry ingredients.

• Spatula or wooden spoon
  Helps gently fold in the blueberries without crushing them.

• Tablespoon or cookie scoop
  Ensures uniform donut holes that cook evenly.

• Air fryer
  Your best friend for golden, crisp outsides with minimal oil.

• Cooling rack or plate with paper towels
  For cooling and setting your freshly air-fried treats.

How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes (Expanded Instructions)

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This step ensures that your donut holes begin cooking evenly as soon as they hit the basket.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup cottage cheese

• 1 large egg

Whisk until the cottage cheese breaks down and the mixture is mostly smooth. Don’t worry if a few curds remain.

Next, stir in:

• ½ cup oat flour

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp baking powder

• A pinch of salt

Use a spatula to mix until you get a thick, sticky batter.

Step 3: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in ½ cup fresh blueberries. Mix just until combined—overmixing may cause the berries to break and bleed into the batter.

Step 4: Shape and Load the Basket

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop tablespoon-sized balls of batter. Lightly wet your hands and roll into smooth balls if desired.

Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each for airflow.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The donut holes should be:

• Puffy and golden on the outside

• Set and cooked through in the center

• Slightly crisp on the exterior

Use a toothpick to check doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Optional Toppings & Serving Ideas

These donut holes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to dress them up or enjoy them:

Sweet Toppings

• Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish

• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness

• Top with a vanilla glaze for a more decadent treat

Pairings

• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea

• Add to a brunch platter with fruit, yogurt, and granola

• Serve alongside a protein shake for post-workout fuel

Storage & Reheating

These donut holes taste best fresh, but they store and reheat beautifully.

Storing:

• Let cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Air fry for 2–3 minutes at 300°F to regain crispness.

• Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a softer texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooled donut holes in a zip-top bag.

• Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 350°F.

This makes them an ideal meal prep option for busy mornings or healthy snacking on the go.

How to Turn This Into a Dessert Platter

Want to serve these at a gathering? Create a dessert board with:

• Donut holes stacked on a cake stand

• Dipping sauces like Greek yogurt, honey, or melted chocolate

• Fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries

• Mint leaves or edible flowers for garnish

It’s a beautiful and unique way to offer a sweet bite-sized treat that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with nutrition.

Common Questions and Tips

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes—but toss them in a bit of oat flour before folding them into the batter. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them from sinking.

Can I bake these instead?

Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes in a mini muffin pan until golden and cooked through.

How do I make oat flour at home?

Simply blend rolled oats in a blender or food processor until fine and powdery. One cup of oats yields about ¾ cup flour.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats/oat flour.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try substituting the cottage cheese with plain dairy-free yogurt or vegan cottage cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and health. Light, fluffy, and full of juicy berries, they’re made with real ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth.

The air fryer makes them quick, easy, and mess-free. Cottage cheese keeps them high in protein. And the touch of honey and blueberries gives each bite a naturally sweet flavor that feels like a bakery treat—without any of the heaviness.

Perfect for:

• Meal preppers

• High-protein diets

• Clean-eating families

• Anyone who loves homemade sweets with a healthy twist

Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your snack rotation.

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