These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are light and tasty! Made with fresh blueberries and creamy cottage cheese, they’re a fun treat without the guilt!
I love how quick and easy they are to whip up! They go great with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack anytime. Plus, who can resist a little donut hole magic? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for our donut holes. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well, though it may slightly change the texture.
Cottage Cheese: I love using low-fat cottage cheese for its creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese or a silken tofu blend instead.
Fresh Blueberries: Blueberries add a burst of flavor! If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen blueberries are a good alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding.
Milk: Any milk will work, but I usually opt for almond milk for a lighter touch. You can also use oat milk or any other non-dairy milk based on your preference.
How Do You Keep Donut Holes Light and Fluffy?
The secret to light and fluffy donut holes is all in the mixing! When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes, so be gentle!
- After whisking the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients and fold them gently.
- When adding blueberries, fold them in carefully to avoid breaking them.
Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated! This helps the batter rise nicely, leading to fluffier results. Keep an eye on them as they air fry, ensuring you don’t overcook them for that perfect golden finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the air fryer basket
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll need another 8-10 minutes for cooking. Plus, letting the donut holes sit for a couple of minutes before serving really helps them set nicely. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your donut holes cook evenly and come out nice and fluffy!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures everything is well combined for a consistent batter.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then, add in the cottage cheese, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix all these ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this will keep your donut holes light and fluffy.
5. Add the Blueberries:
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil. This will help prevent the donut holes from sticking.
7. Scoop the Batter:
Using a spoon or small scoop, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the batter into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each to allow them to expand while cooking.
8. Air Fry the Donut Holes:
Air fry the batter for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and shake the basket or flip the donut holes halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and turn golden brown.
9. Cool Slightly:
Once cooked, remove the donut holes from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Generously dust the warm donut holes with powdered sugar to add a sweet finishing touch!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious donut holes while they’re warm, garnished with a few extra fresh blueberries. They pair beautifully with coffee or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy each fluffy, slightly tangy, sweet bite filled with blueberry goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. This helps maintain the right consistency in your donut holes without making them too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Donut Holes?
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that freshly cooked texture!
Can I Make These Donut Holes Vegan?
Yes! To make these donut holes vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk alternative. You can also replace cottage cheese with a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu for creaminess.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Golden Brown Color?
To get that perfect golden brown finish, ensure your air fryer is fully preheated before adding the batter. Additionally, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through cooking allows for even browning and prevents the bottoms from cooking too quickly.
