These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are a tasty treat that’s simple to make! They’re fluffy, sweet, and packed with juicy blueberries, making them a perfect snack or breakfast.
Who knew that cottage cheese could make such delightful donuts? I love how quick they cook in the air fryer! Just pop them in, and before you know it, you have a warm batch ready to enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your donut holes. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, which works quite well in baked goods.
Granulated Sugar: You can use coconut sugar or honey for a different flavor profile. Just remember, if using honey, it may require adjusting the liquid content slightly.
Cottage Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. It will still keep the donut holes moist with a nice tang.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great, but frozen ones work too. If using frozen, don’t thaw them beforehand to prevent them from turning mushy in the batter.
Powdered Sugar: If you’re avoiding sugar, you can dust them with cocoa powder or a sugar-free alternative to give a nice finishing touch.
How Do You Ensure Fluffy Donut Holes?
The key to making your donut holes fluffy lies in the mixing technique. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes. Mix just until you see no dry flour.
- After mixing wet and dry ingredients, gently fold in the blueberries.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes, which helps them cook evenly.
- Make sure your air fryer is preheated; this helps create a nice rise and golden color.
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for serving)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Cooking spray or oil, for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare, and then about 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll have warm, fluffy donut holes ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
Start by measuring out your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, whisk them together until they are well combined. This ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed for fluffy donut holes.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, add the cottage cheese, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until the mixture is smooth. This step helps incorporate moisture into the batter for soft donut holes.
3. Combine Batter:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, using a spatula to gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Now, gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them.
4. Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for getting that nice golden texture on your donut holes.
5. Form Donut Holes:
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion the batter into small round shapes, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This helps to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Prepare Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking. Make sure to cover the bottom well for easy removal of the donut holes after cooking.
7. Air Fry Donut Holes:
Carefully place the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching, as they will expand while cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook them in batches.
8. Cooking Time:
Air fry the donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. They are ready when they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving. Feel free to serve with extra fresh blueberries and a drizzle of blueberry syrup or sauce for an extra special treat!
Enjoy these soft, moist, blueberry-studded donut holes with a subtle tang from the cottage cheese, all made lighter and easier with your air fryer!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent them from becoming mushy. The cooking time will remain the same.
How Can I Make These Donut Holes Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free donut holes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This should work well without needing additional adjustments to the recipe.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Donut Holes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to add extra flavor. Just be mindful of the total volume so it doesn’t affect the batter consistency.
