If you are looking for a quick, protein-packed breakfast that satisfies your sweet tooth, this Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes recipe is the perfect solution. These bite-sized treats combine the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the bright, jammy burst of fresh blueberries. They are incredibly easy to make, and using your air fryer ensures a perfect, fluffy texture in just minutes. Whether you are prepping for a busy weekday morning or hosting a cozy weekend brunch, these healthy donut holes are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this simple and delicious air fryer recipe.
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
12 donuts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High protein content thanks to the addition of cottage cheese.
- Uses the air fryer for a crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Perfect portion-controlled sizes for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Flexible recipe that works with fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients
To make these healthy Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes, you will need a few pantry staples along with some fresh dairy components. The cottage cheese creates a surprisingly tender crumb that keeps these donuts moist.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable. Follow these tips to ensure the best results every time you bake.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the richest texture and moisture.
- If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent bleeding.
- Substitute the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor profile.
- Ensure your air fryer basket is lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.

How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Running the machine for about 5 minutes before adding your food is essential for ensuring your donut holes cook evenly and rise into perfectly fluffy spheres.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This whisking step is vital because it ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, preventing dense spots in your final treat.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly. Add the cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until well incorporated. It is okay if there are tiny curds of cottage cheese left, as they will melt during the air frying process.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Do not overmix the batter. The dough should look thick and slightly rustic, with a few small lumps remaining. Overmixing can lead to tougher, chewy donut holes.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Add your blueberries to the batter. Fold them in with a light touch so you do not break the berries or turn the batter purple. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture for a burst of fruit in every bite.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Grease your mini muffin pan or individual silicone cups. Scoop the batter into each mold, filling them about 3/4 of the way to the top. This spacing gives the donut holes enough head-room to expand without overflowing the edges.
Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. You will know they are ready when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Remove the pan from the air fryer and let the donuts cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. While still warm, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar to give them that classic bakery-style finish.
Pro Tips
- Use a small cookie scoop to get uniform sizes and easier filling for your mini muffin cups.
- If you do not have a mini muffin pan, you can form small dough balls by hand, but they may lean towards a flatter cookie shape.
- Always use room temperature eggs to ensure a better rise in your batter.
- If the blueberries seem too watery, omit the rinsing step immediately before adding them to the batter.

Serving Suggestions
These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can dress them up for any occasion with these simple ideas.
- Serve warm with a side of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Drizzle with a quick glaze made of lemon juice and powdered sugar.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for a mid-morning pick-me-up.
- Pack them in a lunchbox as a healthier alternative to store-bought pastries.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly, but do not thaw them beforehand. Toss them directly from the freezer into your batter.
Do I have to use a muffin pan?
Using a mini muffin pan or silicone insert significantly helps maintain the shape of the donut holes. Without them, the wet batter may spread too much.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the cottage cheese with a thick dairy-free yogurt alternative, though the texture and protein count will vary.
Why are my donut holes dense?
Dense donut holes are usually the result of overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Mix only until the flour is just combined.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet breakfast treat that feels wholesome and satisfying. The combination of cottage cheese and fresh fruit ensures every bite is flavorful, while the air fryer method keeps cooking time fast and mess-free. These little bites are perfect for family mornings, brunch gatherings, or simply treating yourself during the week. They are light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to pull together. We think you will absolutely love the texture and simplicity of this recipe. Give it a try, and do not forget to share your experience with us in the comments below!
PrintAir Fryer Blueberry Cottage Cheese Donut Holes
These delightful, protein-packed breakfast treats combine the creaminess of cottage cheese with the bright, jammy burst of fresh blueberries. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these bite-sized donut holes achieve a lovely fluffy texture inside with a beautiful golden exterior, making them an ideal choice for a quick morning snack or a festive weekend brunch. They are a healthier, easy-to-make alternative to deep-fried donuts that your whole family will absolutely love.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg
1 cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter or oil
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
Lightly grease your air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and drop them into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the donut holes are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the air fryer and dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for the richest texture and moisture. If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding color. If the batter is too sticky to handle, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg

