If you’re looking for a healthier way to satisfy your donut cravings, these Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are about to become your new favorite treat. Soft on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and bursting with juicy blueberries, these bite-sized delights are made with wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese, oat flour, and honey. Best of all, they’re air-fried instead of deep-fried — meaning less oil, less mess, and more nutrition.
Whether you’re meal prepping breakfast, planning a healthy snack, or looking for a kid-friendly recipe that feels indulgent but isn’t loaded with sugar, this recipe checks every box.
Let’s dive into how to make these delicious, protein-packed donut holes step by step.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
These aren’t your average donut holes.
Here’s why they stand out:
- High in protein
- Naturally sweetened with honey
- Made with oat flour (gluten-friendly option)
- No deep frying
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks
The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, while the blueberries bring natural sweetness and antioxidants.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple recipe uses wholesome, everyday ingredients.
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup oat flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Why These Ingredients Work
Cottage Cheese
- Boosts protein
- Keeps donut holes moist
- Adds subtle creaminess
Oat Flour
- Provides structure
- Adds fiber
- Naturally gluten-friendly (if certified gluten-free)
Honey
- Natural sweetener
- Enhances flavor without refined sugar
Blueberries
- Add bursts of sweetness
- Provide antioxidants
- Keep the texture juicy
Nutritional Benefits of These Healthy Donut Holes
These air fryer blueberry cottage cheese donut holes are a smarter alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Higher Protein Content
Cottage cheese and egg increase protein levels, which:
- Supports muscle recovery
- Keeps you fuller longer
- Stabilizes blood sugar
Lower in Oil
Air frying drastically reduces oil usage compared to deep frying.
Naturally Sweetened
Honey replaces refined sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together quickly.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating ensures even cooking and better texture.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender or food processor:
- Add cottage cheese.
- Crack in the egg.
- Add honey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Blending removes curds and creates a smoother batter.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
- Mix oat flour
- Baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Stir well to evenly distribute baking powder.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour blended mixture into dry ingredients.
- Stir until combined.
- Gently fold in fresh blueberries.
Be careful not to crush the berries.
The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Step 5: Shape the Donut Holes
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon:
- Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Roll gently with slightly damp hands if needed.
- Place on parchment-lined air fryer tray.
Do not overcrowd the basket.
Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until:
- Light golden brown
- Firm on the outside
- Cooked through inside
Flip halfway through if your air fryer requires it.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional toppings:
- Light drizzle of honey
- Dusting of powdered sugar
- Greek yogurt dip
- Lemon glaze
Texture & Flavor Expectations
These are not deep-fried, sugar-heavy donut holes.
Instead, expect:
- Soft, cake-like interior
- Slightly crisp outer layer
- Natural sweetness
- Juicy blueberry bursts
They taste like a cross between a mini muffin and a donut hole — but healthier.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
1. Blend Cottage Cheese Well
This ensures smooth texture without lumps.
2. Use Fresh Blueberries
Frozen berries release excess moisture.
3. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make them dense.
4. Avoid Overcrowding
Air circulation is key for even cooking.
5. Check Early
Air fryers vary — start checking at 8 minutes.
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to switch things up?
Lemon Blueberry Donut Holes
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
Chocolate Chip Version
Swap blueberries for mini chocolate chips.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Lightly brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Protein Boost
Add 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder (reduce oat flour slightly).
Mixed Berry Version
Combine raspberries and blueberries.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage
- Store in airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat
- Air fry at 320°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Freezing
- Freeze fully cooled donut holes.
- Reheat directly in air fryer.
Why Air Fryer Donut Holes Are Better Than Deep-Fried
Traditional donut holes:
- High in oil
- High in sugar
- Low in protein
Air fryer blueberry cottage cheese donut holes:
- Lower fat
- Higher protein
- Naturally sweetened
- Less greasy
You still get a satisfying texture without heavy frying.
Perfect Occasions for These Donut Holes
These bite-sized treats are ideal for:
- Healthy breakfast
- Brunch spreads
- Kid-friendly snacks
- Post-workout bites
- Lunchbox additions
- Afternoon tea
They’re especially great when you want something sweet but balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make air fryer blueberry cottage cheese donut holes without oat flour?
Yes. You can substitute with all-purpose flour or almond flour. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly.
2. Are blueberry cottage cheese donut holes healthy?
Compared to traditional donut holes, yes. They’re lower in fat, naturally sweetened, and contain protein from cottage cheese and egg.
3. Can I use frozen blueberries in air fryer donut holes?
Fresh blueberries are recommended. Frozen berries can release excess moisture and make the batter too wet.
4. How do I prevent donut holes from sticking in the air fryer?
Use parchment liners designed for air fryers or lightly spray the basket with oil.
5. Can I make these cottage cheese donut holes dairy-free?
You would need to replace cottage cheese with a thick dairy-free yogurt alternative. The texture may change slightly.
6. Why are my air fryer donut holes dense?
Possible reasons:
- Overmixing batter
- Too much flour
- Expired baking powder
- Not blending cottage cheese smoothly
Troubleshooting Guide
Too Wet?
Add 1 tablespoon oat flour.
Too Dry?
Add 1 teaspoon milk.
Not Sweet Enough?
Drizzle extra honey after cooking.
Browning Too Quickly?
Lower temperature to 325°F and cook slightly longer.
Comparison: Donut Holes vs Mini Muffins
You might wonder how these differ from mini muffins.
Air fryer donut holes:
- Slightly crisp exterior
- Faster cooking time
- Less oil
- Smaller, snackable size
Mini muffins:
- Baked in oven
- Softer exterior
- Longer baking time
Both are delicious — but air fryer donut holes feel lighter and quicker.
Final Thoughts: Try These Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Today
These Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes prove that healthy recipes don’t have to be boring or complicated. With wholesome ingredients, natural sweetness, and a protein boost, they offer the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
They’re quick, beginner-friendly, and adaptable — making them ideal for busy mornings or guilt-free snacking.
– Ready to upgrade your breakfast or snack game?
Grab your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and make a batch of these delicious donut holes today.
If you loved this recipe, save it, share it, and make it part of your healthy baking rotation!
