Ingredients
Scale
🧺 INGREDIENTS
Makes 18–20 donut holes (enough for 5 people with a few extra):
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- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, depending on preference)
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- 1 large egg
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- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for slight sweetness)
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- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier twist)
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- ½ teaspoon baking powder
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- ¼ teaspoon salt
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- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
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- 1–2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted (for brushing, optional)
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- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
Optional toppings:
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- Light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
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- Drizzle of melted dark chocolate or sugar-free glaze
Instructions
🥄 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ PREP THE BATTER
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- In a medium bowl, blend cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and honey until smooth (use a hand blender or whisk).
Tip: A smoother batter gives a more uniform donut texture.
- In a medium bowl, blend cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and honey until smooth (use a hand blender or whisk).
2️⃣ MIX DRY INGREDIENTS
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- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the cottage cheese mixture until a soft dough forms.
Tip: Don’t overmix—the batter should be slightly sticky but scoopable.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the cottage cheese mixture until a soft dough forms.
3️⃣ FORM DONUT HOLES
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- Lightly flour your hands. Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of batter and roll into a ball.
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- Repeat until all batter is shaped.
Tip: Wetting your hands slightly can prevent sticking.
- Repeat until all batter is shaped.
4️⃣ PREP AIR FRYER
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- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place donut holes 1–inch apart to allow air circulation.
Tip: Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place donut holes 1–inch apart to allow air circulation.
5️⃣ AIR FRY
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- Cook donut holes for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
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- Optional: Brush lightly with melted coconut oil or butter halfway through for extra crispiness.
Tip: Adjust timing based on your air fryer model; edges should be golden and firm.
- Optional: Brush lightly with melted coconut oil or butter halfway through for extra crispiness.
6️⃣ ADD TOPPINGS
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- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
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- Dust with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with glaze if desired.
7️⃣ SERVE & ENJOY
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- Serve warm for best flavor. These donut holes store well in an airtight container for 2 days or can be lightly reheated in the air fryer.