These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are a tasty treat! They are fluffy, fruity, and easy to make, perfect for a snack or breakfast.
Plus, they are made healthier with cottage cheese, so you can enjoy without the guilt! I like to pair them with a cup of coffee. Yum! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your donut holes, giving them structure. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness. If you want fewer calories, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just check for equivalent measures!
Cottage Cheese: It adds moisture and protein. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute Greek yogurt or ricotta for a different flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are tasty, but frozen work too – just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. You can also swap in other berries, like raspberries or chopped strawberries!
Powdered Sugar: This is for dusting. You could leave this out for a healthier option or use coconut sugar as a more natural alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Donut Holes?
The texture of these donut holes depends a lot on the mixing technique. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly fluffy:
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately to keep things light.
- Combine them gently. Overmixing can make the donut holes dense.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps it rise better in the air fryer.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions, so all donut holes cook evenly!
These simple steps will help you achieve that delightful, fluffy texture every time! Happy cooking! 🍩
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Donut Holes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. So, you can have these tasty donut holes ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps to combine the ingredients evenly and ensures there are no lumps.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir well until the mixture is smooth (you can blend or mash the cottage cheese a bit for an even texture).
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Add the wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the donut holes dense.
4. Gently Fold in Blueberries:
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them too much.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes, so the donut holes cook evenly.
6. Prepare the Cooking Basket:
Lightly spray or grease the air fryer basket or silicone molds with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
7. Portion the Batter:
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop about 1-1.5 tablespoons of batter into the air fryer basket or silicone molds, leaving some space between each one, as they will rise while cooking.
8. Air Fry the Donut Holes:
Cook the donut holes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip them or shake the basket halfway through for even cooking, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Cool and Dust:
Carefully remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them set a bit and makes them easier to handle.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dust the donut holes with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh blueberries. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful, fluffy treat!
These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of the day. Enjoy! 🍩
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be a great alternative to cottage cheese, adding creaminess and protein. Just use the same amount (1/2 cup), and you’ll achieve a similar texture in your donut holes.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Blueberries?
No worries! You can use frozen blueberries instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing into the batter to avoid excess moisture. Alternatively, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead! Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, give it a good stir to recombine and air fry as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Donut Holes?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them briefly in the air fryer or microwave to enjoy them warm again!
