These bite-sized blueberry cottage cheese donut holes are a fast, healthier treat that crisp on the outside and stay tender and tangy inside. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a lunchbox pick-me-up, or a protein-rich snack after a workout. If you like quick air fryer desserts, they sit somewhere between a muffin and a donut—light, slightly sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes. For another fun air fryer pastry to try on a cozy morning, I also love the air fryer apple pie bombs that pair well with coffee.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe balances protein from cottage cheese and an egg with the whole-grain goodness of oat flour, so you get a sweet treat that actually helps keep you full. It’s minimal fuss: no rolling or deep-frying, no batches of sticky glaze—just scoop, air-fry, and enjoy.
“Light, moist, and surprisingly satisfying—my kids asked for seconds and I loved that they were made with cottage cheese.” — a quick reader note after trying these
Perfect occasions: quick brunches, kid-friendly snacks, post-gym bites, or when you want a lighter dessert without compromising on texture.
Step-by-step overview
You’ll blend the wet ingredients then fold in oat flour and baking powder, gently stir in fresh blueberries, portion the batter into small balls, and air fry until golden. The whole process is straightforward: mix, scoop, air fry, cool. Expect about 10–12 donut holes per batch depending on your scoop size; each batch takes roughly 8–10 minutes to cook.
What you’ll need
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (use low-fat or full-fat depending on preference)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour (use certified gluten-free oats if needed; you can make oat flour by blitzing rolled oats)
- 2 tbsp honey (substitute: maple syrup or agave for vegan)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (see tips if using frozen)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp lemon zest
Ingredient notes: If you need a grain-free version, almond flour can work but reduce quantity slightly (almond flour is denser and absorbs less moisture). For a vegan version, try a flax “egg” and plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese—texture will be different.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the basket or line with perforated parchment.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the cottage cheese, egg, honey, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt until mostly smooth. A blender works if you prefer an ultra-smooth batter.
- Add oat flour and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix. A few small lumps are fine.
- Fold in the blueberries carefully so they don’t burst and color the batter. If using frozen, toss them in a teaspoon of oat flour first (see tips).
- Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or two spoons to form dough balls. Place them in the air fryer basket leaving space for air circulation. You’ll likely fit 8–12 depending on basket size; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and set. Rotate the basket or flip the donut holes halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
- Remove and let cool 2–3 minutes before serving so they set and are easy to pick up.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these warm right out of the air fryer—no frosting required. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, drizzle with a little honey or yogurt glaze, or pair with a smear of nut butter. They’re excellent alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt and a few extra berries for brunch. For a savory contrast, plate with a small side of ricotta mixed with lemon zest. If you want a meal pairing idea, these are a nice sweet counterpoint to an easy protein like air fryer bang bang chicken for an eclectic brunch spread.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Short bursts in the air fryer (320°F / 160°C for 2–3 minutes) bring back the exterior crispness. Microwaving for 15–20 seconds is faster but yields a softer texture. Always cool slightly after reheating before serving.
Food safety: Because this recipe contains egg and cottage cheese, make sure internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) if you’re concerned about doneness; a toothpick should come out clean and the centers should be set.
Pro chef tips
- Measure oat flour by spooning into the cup and leveling—don’t pack it. Packed oat flour can make the batter too dense.
- If the batter looks too wet, add a tablespoon of oat flour at a time. Too dry? Stir in a teaspoon of milk or yogurt.
- Use a small cookie scoop for even sizing so cook times are consistent.
- Preheat the air fryer and don’t overcrowd the basket; airflow is what gives the exterior a slight crisp.
- If blueberries bleed into the batter, freeze them briefly or coat in a little flour before folding in.
Creative twists
- Lemon-blueberry: Add 1/2 tsp lemon zest to the batter and finish with a lemon glaze.
- Cinnamon-honey: Stir 1/2 tsp cinnamon into the dry mix and serve with a honey-cinnamon drizzle.
- Streusel top: Press a tiny pinch of oat crumble onto each ball before cooking for a crisp topping.
- Savory-sweet: Omit honey, add 1 tbsp chopped chives and black pepper, and serve with cream cheese for brunch.
- Muffin version: Pour batter into silicone mini muffin cups and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
Common questions
Q: How many donut holes does this recipe make and how long does it take?
A: Expect about 10–12 small donut holes depending on scoop size. Prep is ~8–10 minutes, and each batch air-fries 8–10 minutes, so total time is roughly 20–30 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes—toss frozen berries in a teaspoon of oat flour to reduce bleeding and fold in gently. Don’t thaw completely or they’ll release too much liquid.
Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in mini muffin tins or on a lined baking sheet for 12–14 minutes, checking for set centers.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: If you use certified gluten-free oat flour, they can be gluten-free. Regular oats may be cross-contaminated, so check packaging if you have celiac disease.
Q: How can I make them vegan?
A: Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg and swap cottage cheese for a thick plant-based yogurt or blended silken tofu. Texture and flavor will differ—expect a softer, less tangy result.
If you want more air fryer inspiration or pairing ideas, try the linked recipes above to mix and match textures and flavors for your next meal.
Print
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy and delicious air fryer donut holes made with cottage cheese and blueberries, perfect for brunch or a protein-rich snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the basket or line with perforated parchment.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the cottage cheese, egg, honey, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt until mostly smooth.
- Add oat flour and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the blueberries carefully.
- Use a small cookie scoop to form dough balls and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Remove and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegan version, use a flax “egg” and plant-based yogurt. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days or freeze for 2 months.