These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are a fun twist on a classic treat! They’re light, fluffy, and bursting with juicy blueberries, plus they have a surprising boost of protein from cottage cheese.
Making these donut holes is super easy! Just mix the ingredients, shape them, and let the air fryer do its magic. I love enjoying them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar—perfect for sharing or a tasty snack! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to the donut holes. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour can work, though the texture may vary.
Cottage Cheese: It adds moisture and protein. If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a similar texture and taste.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen blueberries, but don’t thaw them first. They may burst more while cooking but will still taste great.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar, but you can easily swap it with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
How Do I Get the Donut Holes Air Fried Perfectly?
Getting the perfect texture with your air fryer may take a little practice. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the dough for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; space them out for airflow and even browning.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Start checking around 8 minutes, and use a toothpick to ensure they’re cooked through.
- Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
These steps will help you achieve soft and fluffy donut holes that are a hit every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Air Fryer Blueberry And Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll be enjoying warm, fluffy donut holes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a nice rise. This creates the base for your donut holes.
2. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and milk together until it’s smooth. This will add moisture and a delightful flavor to the donut holes.
3. Bringing it All Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy — avoid overmixing. This keeps your donut holes light and fluffy.
4. Folding in the Blueberries:
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, being gentle to avoid breaking them. This will distribute the juicy blueberries throughout the batter without mashing them up.
5. Prepping the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little oil, or use a silicone mold if you’ve got one that fits.
6. Scooping and Air Frying:
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket or molds, leaving some space between each to allow them to expand. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and set. Flip them halfway through cooking if necessary for even browning.
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, carefully remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar and serve them warm with extra fresh blueberries. They make a delightful treat at any time of day!
Enjoy these delightful, fluffy donut holes with a nice balance of sweetness and blueberry bursts made healthier with the cottage cheese addition!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen blueberries for fresh! Just add them straight to the batter without thawing. They might release a bit more moisture, but they’ll still work well in the recipe.
Can I Make These Donut Holes Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them briefly in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their fluffiness!
Can I Add Other Flavorings or Ingredients?
Definitely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips could also be great additions if you want to mix things up!
