Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delightful snack that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are exactly what you need. Imagine little bites where tender, moist cottage cheese dough meets juicy pockets of fresh blueberries, all baked to golden perfection in the air fryer for a crisp outside and soft inside. They’re a perfect marriage of nutritious ingredients and comforting sweetness, making them an irresistible treat any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up these delightful donut holes? The ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition that makes these treats stand out.

• ½ cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and tenderness to the batter while packing a protein punch.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binder and enriches the donut holes with moisture and structure.
• ½ cup oat flour: Provides a gentle and slightly nutty base that keeps things light and wholesome.
• 2 tbsp honey: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that complements the blueberries.
• ½ cup fresh blueberries: Bursting with juicy freshness, they add vibrant color and natural tartness.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a light, fluffy rise to the donut holes.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

To start off on the right foot, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donut holes cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust while staying tender inside.

Step 2: Whisk Cottage Cheese and Egg

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and the egg until the mixture is smooth and somewhat creamy. This step is key to creating a uniform batter that blends beautifully with the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sweetener

Add the oat flour, honey, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the bowl and stir gently until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix because you want your donut holes to be light and fluffy without becoming dense.

Step 4: Fold in Fresh Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries to preserve their beautiful shape and prevent them from bursting too much in the batter. These little bursts of fruit will give your donut holes pockets of juicy sweetness inside.

Step 5: Shape the Donut Holes

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter and roll them into balls with damp hands. This moist touch helps keep the batter from sticking and keeps the shapes nicely rounded for even cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Place the donut holes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden on the outside, baked through, and slightly springy to the touch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Garnishes

These donut holes shine on their own, but you can elevate the experience by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a little honey or lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and charm.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes with a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee, or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a balanced and delightful breakfast or snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, thread the donut holes onto small skewers with fresh berries or mint leaves between each one—perfect for a brunch party or a kid-friendly treat base that’s as fun to display as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any donut holes left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their tenderness and flavor so they’re just as enjoyable later.

Freezing

These little bites freeze wonderfully! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy them anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat frozen donut holes, reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for about 3 to 4 minutes. This refreshes their crisp exterior while warming the blueberry-filled center deliciously.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding in to prevent the batter from becoming watery. Frozen blueberries will still give you that delightful burst of flavor.

Is oat flour necessary, or can I substitute it?

Oat flour works beautifully here for its mild flavor and nutrition, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour or almond flour if you prefer—just keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.

Can these donut holes be made without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the donut holes in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

How do I make them less sweet?

You can easily reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon or substitute with a sugar-free syrup if you prefer a less sweet snack. The blueberries still provide a natural fruity sweetness on their own.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?

Using oat flour typically makes this recipe gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free oat flour if you have sensitivities or allergies. Otherwise, they’re a great gluten-free option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try these Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes. They’re such a refreshing twist on traditional donut holes, combining nourishing ingredients with sweet, juicy berries in a way that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, snack time, or a special treat, they’re sure to brighten your day and become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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