Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Byarlo Jack

If you’re craving something sweet, fluffy, and bakery-worthy but still want to keep things light and protein-packed, these Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are exactly what you need. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with juicy blueberries, they deliver all the joy of donuts, without deep frying or heavy ingredients. Made with cottage cheese for moisture and protein, these donut holes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or guilt-free dessert. Best of all, the air fryer makes them quick, easy, and irresistibly golden.

Why You’ll Love These Donut Holes

  • Air-fried, not deep-fried
  • High in protein thanks to cottage cheese
  • Soft, fluffy, and tender
  • Naturally sweet with bursts of blueberry
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved
  • Ready in under 20 minutes

Why Cottage Cheese Works in Donuts

It replaces some of the fat typically found in donuts while keeping the texture soft and cake-like. Cottage cheese may seem unexpected in donuts, but once blended, it becomes a smooth, creamy base that adds:

  • Protein
  • Moisture
  • Tender crumb
  • Light richness without heaviness

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • Cooking spray

Optional topping: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a light glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese

Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. No curds should remain.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the blended cottage cheese, egg, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix, the batter should be thick but scoopable.

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Step 4: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in blueberries. If using frozen berries, do not thaw to prevent excess moisture.

Step 5: Shape the Donut Holes

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop batter and gently roll into balls. Lightly grease your hands if needed.

Step 6: Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket and place donut holes inside, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, roll in cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with glaze if desired.

Texture and Flavor

The blueberries add juicy pops that pair beautifully with the subtle creaminess of cottage cheese. These donut holes are:

  • Light and fluffy
  • Soft and cake-like inside
  • Gently crisp on the outside
  • Sweet but not overpowering

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donut Holes

  • Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth
  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Keep donut holes small for even cooking
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer
  • Shake or turn halfway through cooking

Delicious Variations

Lemon Blueberry Donut Holes

Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Chocolate Chip Version

Swap blueberries for mini chocolate chips.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Skip fruit and roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar.

Protein Boost

Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and a splash of milk if needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with coffee or tea
  • Add to brunch spreads
  • Pair with yogurt and fruit
  • Pack for lunchbox treats
  • Serve as a light dessert
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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
  • Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore texture
  • Freezing is possible, but best enjoyed fresh

Nutritional Highlights

  • Higher in protein than traditional donuts
  • Lower in fat
  • Air-fried instead of deep-fried
  • Made with simple, wholesome ingredients

Conclusion

Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Light, fluffy, and bursting with blueberry flavor, they give you everything you love about donuts, without deep frying or heavy ingredients. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a fun brunch treat, or a healthier dessert, these donut holes are guaranteed to disappear fast. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your air fryer rotation, because sometimes, the best treats really can be both wholesome and indulgent. 🍩💙

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Do air fryer blueberry cottage cheese donut holes taste like cottage cheese?
No, once the cottage cheese is blended and cooked, its flavor completely disappears. It only adds moisture and protein, leaving a mild, sweet donut taste.

What type of cottage cheese works best for donut holes?
Full-fat cottage cheese works best because it blends smoother and creates a softer, fluffier texture, though low-fat cottage cheese can also be used.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Add them directly from the freezer and fold gently into the batter to prevent excess moisture and color bleeding.

Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, blending the cottage cheese is important to achieve a smooth batter and light texture. Unblended cottage cheese can make the donut holes lumpy.

Can I bake these donut holes instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden and set in the center.

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Why are my donut holes not fluffy?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed, the cottage cheese isn’t blended smooth, or the air fryer temperature is too low.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I make these donut holes sugar-free?
Yes, you can use a sugar-free sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol instead of honey or maple syrup.

Are air fryer blueberry cottage cheese donut holes healthy?
They are a healthier alternative to traditional donuts because they are air-fried, higher in protein, and lower in fat than deep-fried versions.

Can kids eat these donut holes?
Yes, they are soft, mildly sweet, and kid-friendly, making them great for breakfast or snacks.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the batter right away, but you can refrigerate it for up to 12 hours if needed and stir gently before air frying.

How long do these donut holes last?
They stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze air fryer donut holes?
Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore texture.

What toppings go best with these donut holes?
Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, a light glaze, yogurt drizzle, or a dusting of coconut sugar all pair beautifully.

Why should I avoid overcrowding the air fryer?
Leaving space between donut holes allows hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and a golden exterior.