How to Make Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

The first one is best eaten while it is still warm. Break it open and you get a soft, tender center with a lightly golden outside and just enough vanilla and cinnamon to make it feel like a proper little treat.

These Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are made with blended cottage cheese, an egg and everyday pantry ingredients. There is no pot of frying oil to manage, and each batch cooks in 8–10 minutes.

The important part is the dough. Cottage cheese brands do not all contain the same amount of liquid, so we are looking for a soft mixture that can be portioned and gently shaped without being packed tight. I will show you what to look for, how to correct a sticky batch and how to keep the centers from remaining wet while the outsides brown.

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If you are already planning an air-fryer baking day, these Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes make a cozy seasonal companion.

📋 Recipe at a Glance

Difficulty	Easy
Prep	15 minutes
Air Fry	8–10 minutes per batch
Batches	Approximately 2
Total	Approximately 30–35 minutes
Air Fryer	350°F / 175°C
Yield	18–20 donut holes
Texture	Soft and tender inside; lightly golden outside
Best Tip	Keep the portions small and evenly sized
Best For	Breakfast treats, brunch, afternoon snacks or a small dessert

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Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

No deep frying. The air fryer gives the surface a lightly golden finish without requiring a pan of hot oil.

They are quick to cook. Once the dough is shaped and the air fryer is hot, each batch needs only 8–10 minutes.

The sweetness is flexible. The dough is only lightly sweetened, so you can serve the donut holes plain or finish them with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or a thin chocolate drizzle.

They fit several moments of the day. Put them beside coffee for breakfast, add fruit and yogurt for brunch, or serve a few warm donut holes as an afternoon treat.

For a chocolate version developed specifically for the air fryer, try these Air Fryer Chocolate Donut Holes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cottage cheese

Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese. Full-fat cottage cheese generally gives the richest flavor, but either can work. If you see a pool of loose whey in the container, drain that liquid before measuring. The curds will be blended, so small-curd and large-curd varieties are both suitable.

Egg

One large egg helps bind the dough and gives the center structure as it cooks.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla gives the donut holes a familiar bakery-style aroma without making them overly sweet.

Honey or maple syrup

Two tablespoons lightly sweeten the dough. Honey has a rounder flavor, while maple syrup adds a subtle caramel note. Use the one you prefer, but remember that different liquid sweeteners can change the softness of the dough slightly.

All-purpose flour

Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it rather than packing it down. Begin with the amount in the recipe. If the chilled dough is still impossible to portion, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time only until it becomes manageable.

Baking powder

Baking powder gives the centers a little lift. Check the date on the container if it has been sitting in the pantry for a while.

Salt and cinnamon

Salt balances the sweetness. Cinnamon is optional in the dough, but it works especially well if you plan to add a cinnamon-sugar finish.

Butter or coconut oil

A very light brushing after cooking helps cinnamon sugar adhere. It is optional if you plan to serve the donut holes plain or use powdered sugar.

Cooking spray

Use only a light coating on the basket or perforated liner. Too much oil can make the bottoms greasy.

Full Ingredient List

For the donut holes

• 1 cup cottage cheese, with loose whey drained before measuring
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more only if needed
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
• Cooking spray, for the air-fryer basket

Optional finishes

• 1–2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil, for brushing
• Powdered sugar
• Cinnamon sugar
• Melted dark chocolate or a thin glaze

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Useful Tools for This Recipe

Compact blender, food processor or immersion blender: Blending breaks down the cottage-cheese curds and creates a smoother base. A whisk alone will not create the same result.

Small cookie scoop: A one-tablespoon scoop helps keep the portions even so they finish cooking at approximately the same time.

Silicone-tipped tongs: These make it easier to turn the donut holes gently without scratching the basket.

Pastry brush: Use it to apply a thin, even layer of melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar.

Air fryer: Basket sizes and heating patterns vary, which is why the visual doneness cues matter as much as the clock.

Together, a small cookie scoop and pastry brush also make a practical holiday gift for someone who enjoys weekend baking.

How to Make Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

Step 1 — Blend the Cottage Cheese Mixture

Add the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla and honey or maple syrup to a blender or food processor. Blend until the cottage-cheese curds are mostly smooth and the mixture looks creamy.

Scrape down the sides once if necessary. A few tiny flecks are fine; large curds make the dough harder to shape evenly.

💡 Best Tip: Drain any visibly loose whey before measuring the cottage cheese. Starting with a less watery base makes the final consistency much more predictable.

Step 2 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, if using.

Whisk for about 20 seconds so the baking powder and salt are distributed before the dry ingredients meet the wet mixture.

💡 Best Tip: Spoon and level the flour. A firmly packed cup can produce heavy donut holes, while too little flour leaves the dough difficult to handle.

Step 3 — Make and Rest the Dough

Add the dry ingredients to the cottage-cheese mixture. Fold gently with a flexible spatula just until no dry pockets of flour remain.

The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before deciding whether it needs more flour. This gives the flour time to absorb moisture and often makes the dough easier to handle without changing the final texture.

If the rested dough is still too loose to portion, fold in additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Stop as soon as the dough can hold a small rounded portion.

💡 Best Tip: Do not keep adding flour until the dough feels completely dry. A soft dough produces a more tender center.

Step 4 — Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 4 minutes.

Lightly mist the clean basket or a perforated air-fryer liner with cooking spray. If using parchment or a lightweight liner, never preheat it in an empty basket; place food on it so it cannot lift into the heating element.

Step 5 — Portion the Donut Holes

Use a small cookie scoop to divide the dough into 18–20 even portions, approximately 1 level tablespoon each.

With lightly damp or lightly floured hands, gently round each portion. Do not squeeze or compress the dough tightly.

💡 Best Tip: Uniform size matters more than perfectly round shapes. Oversized pieces can brown outside before the center has finished cooking.

Why a Cookie Scoop Works Better Than a Spoon

You can portion the dough with an ordinary tablespoon, but a small spring-loaded cookie scoop makes this step much more consistent. It measures approximately the same amount each time and releases sticky dough more cleanly than a regular spoon.

That consistency matters in the air fryer. When every donut hole is close to the same size, the centers finish cooking at roughly the same time instead of leaving larger pieces undercooked while smaller ones become too dark.

A stainless-steel scoop is generally sturdier than a lightweight plastic version, and its built-in sweeper releases the dough without requiring you to scrape it out with your fingers. It is also an inexpensive, genuinely useful kitchen tool that makes a practical stocking stuffer for someone who enjoys baking.

Step 6 — Arrange the First Batch

Place the donut holes in the basket in a single layer, leaving approximately 1 inch between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will probably need two batches.

Keep the remaining dough covered while the first batch cooks.

Step 7 — Air Fry Until Lightly Golden

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Gently turn the donut holes after approximately 5 minutes, then continue cooking until they are lightly golden and set.

Open the largest donut hole from the first batch. The center should look tender and cooked, with no glossy or wet line of dough. If needed, return the batch to the air fryer for 1 additional minute.

💡 Best Tip: Use the first batch to learn your air fryer. If the outsides darken too quickly, cook the next batch at 340°F and allow an extra minute or two.

Step 8 — Add the Finish

Let the cooked donut holes rest for 2–3 minutes.

For cinnamon sugar, brush them with the thinnest possible layer of melted butter or coconut oil, then roll them in the sugar mixture while they are still warm. For powdered sugar, allow them to cool a little longer so the sugar does not immediately dissolve.

Repeat with the remaining dough and serve warm.

If crisp apple pieces sound better than a smooth cottage-cheese center today, these Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters offer a different kind of warm bite.

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What Should the Dough Look Like?

The dough should be soft, tacky and able to hold a rounded scoop. It should not pour like pancake batter, but it also should not feel as firm as bread dough.

Because cottage cheese varies by brand, use the resting period before reaching for more flour. If the mixture remains loose after 5–10 minutes, add flour gradually rather than adding a large amount at once.

This is also why blending is better than whisking. Smooth cottage cheese disperses evenly through the dough, while intact curds and pockets of whey can create uneven wet spots.

How to Know When the Donut Holes Are Done

Do not judge them only by color. Look for all four signs:

• The surface looks dry and lightly golden.
• The donut holes feel set when gently lifted.
• The bottoms release without leaving wet dough behind.
• The largest donut hole has a tender center with no glossy, uncooked line.

Air-fryer models heat differently, and a batch of 18 small pieces can cook more evenly than a batch of 12 oversized ones. Keep the portions consistent and check the largest piece before removing the entire batch.

Troubleshooting

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

First, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. If it is still too loose, fold in flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Also check whether loose whey was included when the cottage cheese was measured.

Why are my donut holes wet in the middle?

They may be too large, packed too tightly or removed too soon. Keep each portion close to one level tablespoon and check the largest piece before ending the cooking time.

Why are they dense?

The dough may have been overmixed, compressed while shaping or given too much additional flour. Fold only until the flour disappears and shape with a light hand.

Why are the outsides getting dark too quickly?

Your air fryer may run hot. Reduce the next batch to 340°F and cook slightly longer, checking the center rather than relying on color alone.

Why are they sticking?

Use a light coating of cooking spray, leave space between the pieces and turn them gently once the bottoms have begun to set.

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Finishing Ideas

Cinnamon sugar: Brush the warm donut holes lightly with melted butter, then roll them in cinnamon sugar.

Powdered sugar: Let them cool for several minutes before dusting so the sugar stays visible.

Dark chocolate: Drizzle a small amount of melted dark chocolate over completely cooled donut holes.

Lemon: Add finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a brighter vanilla-lemon flavor. This changes flavor without adding the substantial moisture that pumpkin purée would introduce.

Mini chocolate chips: Fold in a small handful after the dough comes together. Keep the pieces miniature so they do not interfere with shaping.

For a single-serving dessert on a day when you do not need a full batch, try this Low-Carb Coconut Mug Cake.

What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Donut Holes

These are especially good served warm with coffee, cappuccino, chai or black tea.

For breakfast or brunch, add fresh berries, sliced fruit or plain yogurt. The fruit gives the plate freshness, while the yogurt makes it feel more complete without covering the flavor of the donut holes.

For a sweet-and-savory brunch, serve the donut holes alongside Cottage Cheese Egg Bites.

If you are planning a larger breakfast spread, these High Protein Air Fryer Egg Muffins add a savory option that uses the same main appliance.

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Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Refrigerator

Let the donut holes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If they have been coated with powdered sugar, expect the coating to dissolve as they sit.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked, completely cooled donut holes before adding powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate or glaze. Arrange them in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Freezing the cooked donut holes is more predictable than freezing the unbaked dough. The baking powder begins working once the dough is mixed, and the raw mixture may change consistency while it waits.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed donut holes in the air fryer at 300°F (149°C) for approximately 2–3 minutes. Check early because the small pieces heat quickly.

Add powdered sugar or another finish after reheating.

For another cottage-cheese breakfast that can be prepared ahead, see this Cottage Cheese, Semolina and Raspberry Bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these traditional donuts?

No. They are small, air-fried cottage-cheese dough bites with a soft center and lightly golden outside. They do not use yeast, and they are not submerged in frying oil.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?

Blending is strongly recommended. It distributes the cottage cheese more evenly and makes the dough easier to portion. A whisk will not break down the curds in the same way.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes. Full-fat and low-fat cottage cheese can both be used. Drain any visibly loose liquid before measuring, especially with a wetter brand.

Can I make them gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour. Gluten-free blends absorb liquid differently, so a straight 1:1 substitution is not recommended without adjusting the dough by consistency.

Are cottage cheese donut holes high in protein?

They contain cottage cheese and egg, which contribute protein. The exact amount per serving depends on the cottage-cheese brand, final yield and serving size, so this recipe does not make a specific high-protein claim.

Can I prepare the dough ahead?

For the most predictable lift and consistency, mix and cook the dough in the same session. The cooked donut holes are the better make-ahead option because they refrigerate and freeze well.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Greek yogurt has a different moisture level and structure. It has not been included as a direct substitution in this recipe because it would require separate testing and may need a different amount of flour.

Can I make the donut holes larger?

Keep them close to one level tablespoon each. Larger pieces can darken on the outside while remaining undercooked in the center.

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Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Donut Holes are at their best when we keep the method simple: blend the cottage cheese until smooth, give the flour a few minutes to absorb the moisture, portion the dough evenly and check the largest piece before calling the batch done.

Serve them warm with a light cinnamon-sugar coat, a dusting of powdered sugar or no topping at all. They are small enough for a coffee break, but easy to turn into part of a fuller breakfast with fruit, yogurt or something savory beside them.

For another soft cottage-cheese bake with a completely different texture, try this Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread.

And when you need a full breakfast rather than a small sweet bite, this High Protein Breakfast Egg Wrap is ready in approximately 20 minutes.

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