Name: Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup cottage cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp honey; ½ cup oat flour; 1 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; ½ cup fresh blueberries

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a snack that felt indulgent yet was surprisingly wholesome, then these Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are about to become your new obsession. Bursting with juicy blueberries and perfectly tender thanks to cottage cheese, these bite-sized treats come together quickly and cook to a golden finish in the air fryer. They’re soft on the inside, lightly crisp outside, and sweetened naturally with honey—making them ideal whether you’re craving a guilt-free dessert or a satisfying breakfast bite. Let me share this gem of a recipe that’s both an effortless crowd-pleaser and a fun way to enjoy healthier ingredients.

Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy cottage cheese lending moisture and tenderness to the fresh blueberries adding pops of juicy sweetness. The oat flour keeps things light but filling, and the honey ensures a natural, delicate sweetness while the baking powder guarantees a fluffy bite every time.

½ cup cottage cheese: Provides creaminess and moisture, making the donut holes tender and rich.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together and helps with structure.
½ cup oat flour: A wholesome alternative to regular flour, it adds a subtle nuttiness and keeps them light.
2 tbsp honey: Natural sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the blueberries.
½ cup fresh blueberries: Bursting with flavor and adding beautiful color throughout.
1 tsp baking powder: The secret to that fluffy, airy texture in each bite.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from being cloying.

How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to give your donut holes a beautifully crisp, golden exterior without drying them out.

Step 2: Whisk Cottage Cheese and Egg

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and egg until you get a smooth, quasi-creamy blend. This base is what gives these donut holes their unique moist and tender texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Honey

Add the oat flour, honey, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. Stir until a thick, slightly sticky batter forms. It should be scoopable but sturdy enough to hold shape once rolled.

Step 4: Fold in Blueberries Gently

Now, the stars of the show—fresh blueberries! Gently fold them into the batter, taking care not to overmix. This keeps the berries from bursting too early and turning your batter purple.

Step 5: Shape and Arrange

Using damp hands or a small ice cream scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized scoops of batter and roll them into smooth balls. Place these in a single layer in your air fryer basket—give them enough room to puff up and cook evenly.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Air fry the donut holes for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides turn delightfully golden. Once they look puffed and cooked through, they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

These donut holes are a canvas for creativity. Try dusting them with powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar blend for an extra hint of sweetness. A light drizzle of honey or even a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side complements their natural flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes with a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of tea for a balanced, satisfying breakfast or snack. They also go surprisingly well alongside a small bowl of cottage cheese mixed with vanilla and honey for double the creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, skewer a few donut holes onto a toothpick for easy party bites or arrange them in a pyramid on a dessert plate. You could even sandwich a teaspoon of lemon curd or cream cheese between two donut holes for mini donuts that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and trust me, that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft, though they’re best eaten fresh for that perfect texture.

Freezing

To save them for longer, you can freeze these donut holes. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months without losing their charm.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, pop the frozen or refrigerated donut holes back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. This refreshes their crisp outside while warming the soft blueberry centers beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to gently thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen blueberries before folding them into the batter to avoid extra wetness.

Is oat flour the only option for this recipe?

Oat flour is preferred for its light texture and subtle flavor, but you can swap in all-purpose or whole wheat flour if needed, though the texture might be slightly different.

Do these donut holes taste cheesy because of the cottage cheese?

Not at all. Cottage cheese adds moisture and tenderness without a strong flavor. The honey and blueberries shine through to create a naturally sweet and fruity bite.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan option, you could try a plant-based cottage cheese and flax egg substitute, but keep in mind it may alter the texture and rise slightly.

How many donut holes does this recipe make?

This batch yields about 10 to 12 donut holes, depending on the size you shape them. Perfect for sharing or savoring a few over several days.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give these Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes a try because they are truly a delightful treat that balances health and indulgence effortlessly. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or even a cheeky dessert, they bring a fresh, fruity burst with a wonderfully tender crumb. Once you make them, I bet they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation, just like they did for me.

Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Delight in these light and fluffy Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes, a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Made with oat flour, fresh blueberries, and protein-rich cottage cheese, these donut holes are air-fried to golden perfection, offering a moist texture without the guilt of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

½ cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp honey

Dry Ingredients

½ cup oat flour
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

Fruit

½ cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter to ensure even cooking.
Mix Cottage Cheese and Egg: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined, providing a creamy base for the batter.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in oat flour, honey, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until a thick, consistent batter forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture light.
Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter to evenly distribute them without breaking the berries or turning the batter purple.
Form Donut Holes: Using a spoon, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter. With slightly damp hands, roll each portion into a ball shape to create uniform donut holes.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the donut holes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they have space between them for even air circulation.
Air Fry the Donut Holes: Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping the donut holes halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Using oat flour makes these donut holes gluten-free and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a vegan honey alternative or maple syrup.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American