These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are a fun twist on a classic treat! They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with juicy blueberries, making them a tasty snack or breakfast option.
Plus, using cottage cheese means they have a little extra protein to start your day right! I love popping these in the air fryer for an easy, guilt-free treat that my family devours in minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add great flavor and moisture to these donut holes. If you don’t have fresh ones, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry so your batter doesn’t get too watery.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is preferred for a smooth texture, but if you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt or even silken tofu as a substitute for a similar creaminess.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free all-purpose flour, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for binding.
Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly if you want a less sweet treat or use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative. Honey or maple syrup can also work but will change the consistency slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Batter without Overmixing?
Mixing your batter just enough is key to fluffy donut holes. Start by combining wet ingredients (cottage cheese, eggs, and sugar) until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until combined. It’s okay if there are small lumps.
- Gently fold in the blueberries—this keeps them intact and your batter light.
- Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense donut holes!
Remember, the less you handle the batter, the softer your donut holes will be. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small curd works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delightful donut holes will take you about 15 minutes, with an additional 8-10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. In no time, you’ll have a batch of warm, fluffy treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure your donut holes cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly. Set the bowl aside for later.
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture. This will create the base for your donut holes and add great flavor!
4. Mix it Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them together until they’re just combined. The goal is to keep the batter light and fluffy—don’t worry if there are a few lumps!
5. Add the Blueberries:
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they’re mixed in without breaking them. This will give your donut holes nice bursts of berry flavor in every bite!
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. If you prefer, you can line it with parchment paper that’s safe for air fryers, which makes cleanup easier.
7. Scoop the Batter:
Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the batter into approximately 1.5-inch round donut hole shapes. Place them in the basket, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for expansion while cooking.
8. Air Fry the Donut Holes:
Cook the donut holes in the preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They’re done when they’re golden brown and fluffy!
9. Coat with Sugar:
Once cooked, remove the donut holes and while they’re still warm, toss them lightly in granulated sugar to coat. This adds a sweet touch and gives them that classic donut feel.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dust your donut holes with powdered sugar if desired, and serve them warm. They’re great by themselves or with a side of syrup or fresh blueberries for dipping!
Enjoy your warm, soft, and flavorful Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. Patting them dry will help prevent any excess moisture in your donut holes.
How Can I Store Leftover Donut Holes?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or microwave for a few seconds.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try using plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt to achieve a similar texture. You can also blend silken tofu for a vegan option that adds creaminess.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to cook the batter fresh for optimal fluffiness, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before scooping to make sure everything is well combined!
