These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are a tasty, healthy treat! Packed with juicy blueberries and creamy cottage cheese, they are both fluffy and flavorful.
I love making these for breakfast—they’re quick and easy! Plus, they feel like a little dessert without all the guilt. Perfect for when sweet cravings hit! 🍩💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the donut holes their structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese adds moisture and protein. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a similar texture, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you want to cut back on sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but adjust quantities per the product’s instructions.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for a burst of flavor. If not available, you can substitute frozen blueberries, just remember to thaw and drain excess moisture first.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. For a vegan option, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) can work well.
How Do You Get a Nice Texture for Donut Holes?
To achieve fluffy donut holes, incorporate the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing. Here’s how:
- Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl, and whisk the wet ingredients in another.
- When combining, gently fold until just mixed. A few lumps are okay; overmixing will lead to dense donut holes.
- When adding blueberries, fold them in gently to keep them intact, which prevents color bleeding.
These steps ensure your donut holes are light and airy, giving you that perfect bite! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry And Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. You’ll be enjoying your warm, delicious donut holes in around 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix will give your donut holes a lovely structure.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix your cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the moist texture comes from!
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if there are a few lumps!
4. Add the Blueberries:
Now it’s time to add the blueberries. Carefully fold them into the batter, ensuring you keep them intact to prevent too much color bleeding into the batter.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking!
6. Fill the Molds:
Lightly grease your donut hole molds or use silicone molds that fit in your air fryer basket. Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each one about three-quarters full to give them room to rise.
7. Air Fry the Donut Holes:
Place the filled molds in the air fryer and cook them for about 8-10 minutes. They should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Brush and Dust:
Remove the donut holes from the molds while they are still warm. If you like, brush them lightly with melted butter for that extra touch. Dust with powdered sugar to make them look even more delicious!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the donut holes warm, garnished with extra fresh blueberries. Enjoy this delightful treat any time of the day!
These fluffy, blueberry-studded donut holes are sure to be a hit at home. Enjoy the crispy edges and moist interior—it’s a perfect match!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen blueberries to prevent the batter from becoming too wet. Gently fold them into the batter to maintain their shape.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but still add moisture and a creamy texture to your donut holes.
How Should I Store Leftover Donut Holes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, lightly reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes or in the microwave, but be careful not to dry them out!
Can These Donut Holes Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just stir gently before filling the molds and air frying to ensure it stays well mixed.