These Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are soft, tasty, and packed with juicy blueberries. The best part? They’re quick to make and guilt-free!
Every time I make these, my house smells amazing! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Trust me, you’ll want to share, but you might just keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the donut holes and helps achieve a good dough texture. If you want to make them gluten-free, consider using a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese adds moisture and protein. If you don’t have it, Greek yogurt or ricotta can work as alternatives, offering a similar consistency.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries create a lovely burst of flavor. Frozen blueberries are okay too; just make sure to add them directly from the freezer to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness. For a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, but start with a smaller amount since they are liquid sweeteners.
How Do I Ensure My Donut Holes Are Fluffy and Not Dense?
Achieving fluffy donut holes is all about mixing and not over-mixing. The key steps include:
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
- Be cautious when folding in blueberries. Overmixing can break them and lead to a denser texture.
- Make sure your air fryer is preheated; this helps the donut holes rise properly without drying out.
And remember, letting them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar gives the best presentation!
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry and Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the air fryer basket
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook. After that, let them cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. You’ll have tasty donut holes ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This should take about 5 minutes and is crucial for cooking the donut holes evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and set this mixture aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg. Then add the cottage cheese, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined; it’s alright if you still have some small curds of cottage cheese in the mixture!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or you might end up with dense donut holes.
5. Fold in the Blueberries:
Next, carefully fold in the blueberries into the batter. Try not to break them too much to prevent staining the rest of the mixture.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly grease your air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help to keep the donut holes from sticking.
7. Scoop the Batter:
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the batter into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they are shaped well for even cooking.
8. Air Fry the Donut Holes:
Place the batter balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between them so they can expand while cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to do this in batches.
9. Cook to Perfection:
Air fry the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake for even cooking. You want them golden brown and cooked through!
10. Cool and Dust:
Once done, carefully remove the donut holes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that sweet finishing touch!
Enjoy your light and fluffy blueberry and cottage cheese donut holes made effortlessly in the air fryer!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While small curd cottage cheese gives the best texture, you can also use ricotta cheese for a creamier flavor. Greek yogurt is another alternative but may slightly alter the final taste and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Donut Holes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their fluffiness.
Can I Prepare the Batter in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time! Store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to fold in the blueberries just before cooking to maintain their freshness and prevent excess moisture in the batter.
What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar?
If you’re looking for a substitute, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember that liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can also be used, but reduce the amount of milk slightly to balance the moisture.
