Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes

Weekends tend to demand something a bit special for breakfast around here and these air fryer blueberry cottage cheese donut holes always fit the bill. Quick to mix up lighter than you expect and packed with juicy bites of blueberry they are a fun twist on the classic donut hole but so much easier and healthier. I started making these after my daughter begged for donuts but I did not want the mess or heaviness of deep frying. Now we keep oat flour and cottage cheese on hand just for this reason.

After I made these for my family the first time we agreed store bought donut holes just cannot compare. My husband grabs a couple on his way out the door while my little one loves helping roll the dough they never last long at our house.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: Use whole milk cottage cheese for maximum creaminess and protein. Fresh and well drained is best for avoiding excess moisture in your batter.
• Egg: One large egg binds the batter and adds some lift. Choose free range if possible for richer flavor.
• Oat flour: Gives the perfect texture and a little nuttiness. Look for finely milled oat flour or make your own by pulsing old fashioned oats in a food processor until powdery.
• Honey: Provides just enough sweetness while helping the donut holes stay moist. Local honey makes a big difference in fragrance and taste.
• Fresh blueberries: Star ingredient brings pockets of juicy flavor and beautiful color. Choose firm berries to avoid sogginess. Frozen berries can work but coat lightly in oat flour to prevent bleeding.
• Baking powder: Essential for that light fluffy rise in each bite. Check that it is fresh for the best result.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the cottage cheese flavor. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for several minutes while you mix the dough. This ensures the donut holes cook evenly as soon as they hit the basket.

Blend Wet Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together cottage cheese and egg. Keep whisking until you have a mostly smooth pale mixture with no obvious lumps of cottage cheese left.

Mix in Dry Ingredients:

Sprinkle in oat flour honey baking powder and salt. Gently fold and stir until a thick scoopable batter forms. You want everything just combined with no dry streaks.

Fold in Blueberries:

Toss in the fresh blueberries and with a soft hand fold them throughout the batter. Stop as soon as they are distributed so they do not burst or overmix.

Shape the Donut Holes:

Scoop out tablespoon sized portions of batter. Dampen your hands so nothing sticks and gently roll each scoop into a round ball. Arrange the balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket leaving space so air can circulate.

Cook to Perfection:

Air fry the donut holes for about 8 to 10 minutes flipping them halfway through. They should become golden brown and firm to the touch but do not overbake or they may dry.

Let Cool and Enjoy:

Transfer baked donut holes to a wire rack for a few minutes before eating. The blueberries will be hot and juicy so do not rush this final step.

I have a soft spot for the blueberries in this recipe especially when they burst slightly while cooking. My niece will always choose the one with the most noticeable berry poking out and the memory of her blueberry stained smile always makes me laugh when I make these.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage refrigerate but warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to recapture their soft freshness. If you freeze them arrange in a single layer first then transfer to a ziptop bag so they do not stick together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of oat flour try whole wheat pastry flour or a cup for cup gluten free blend. For a vegan twist use a flax egg in place of the regular egg and maple syrup instead of honey. Cottage cheese can be swapped for Greek yogurt though the flavor will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these donut holes onto a platter and dust with a little extra oat flour or even a light drizzle of honey for extra shine. I love to pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy chai in the morning. They are also wonderful as a lunchbox surprise or sweet after school treat.

Seasonal Adaptations

In autumn fold in a handful of diced apples and a shake of cinnamon for a cozy swap Try chopped fresh strawberries or raspberries in place of blueberries for late spring A dash of lemon zest in the batter makes them extra bright for summer brunches These donut holes are super adaptable for the season and I have enjoyed mixing in peaches or blackberries when summer hits its stride.

Success Stories

Friends have sent photos of their kids happily devouring these on lazy mornings and one even told me she brought a batch camping with rave reviews. My husband likes them best dipped in creamy yogurt while my daughter insists on adding sprinkles to hers before air frying.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape the unbaked batter balls and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen store in a bag or airtight container. When ready to cook place balls in the air fryer straight from the freezer adding a few extra minutes of cook time. This is a lifesaver for busy weeks or spontaneous cravings.

Making donut holes at home no longer means wrestling with a deep fryer and ending up with a big cleanup. This little recipe keeps mornings easy and happy around here and I hope it brings a bit of bright flavor to your table too.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Do not thaw them beforehand; add directly to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

→ What can I substitute for oat flour?

You may use all-purpose or whole-wheat flour in place of oat flour. Texture and flavor may vary slightly.

→ How should I store leftover donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, bake on a lined tray at 350°F (175°C) until golden, checking after about 10–12 minutes.

→ Do I need to strain the cottage cheese?

No straining is necessary if using regular cottage cheese; just mix well until smooth for a creamy texture.