Craving something sweet but don’t want the guilt that comes with traditional fried treats? Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes are your answer! These little bites of heaven are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and best of all, they’re made in the air fryer—no deep frying required! This means they’re lower in fat and calories compared to their deep-fried counterparts, making them the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without the excess.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack, a quick breakfast, or a delicious dessert to pair with your coffee, Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes are the perfect choice. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
There’s a lot to love about Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes. Here are just a few reasons why they’ll become your go-to treat:
• Low in Fat: By using the air fryer instead of deep-frying, you cut down on the excess fat and calories that are typically found in fried donuts. These donut holes are lighter and healthier, but still satisfy your cravings.
• Protein-Packed: Thanks to ingredients like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs, these donut holes are high in protein, making them more filling and helping you stay satisfied longer. They’re a great snack or even a light breakfast option.
• No Added Sugar: Unlike traditional donuts, these donut holes are made without refined sugar. Instead, they’re sweetened with erythritol, a zero-calorie natural sweetener that gives them a delicious sweetness without the sugar rush.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have these healthy donut holes ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes!
• Versatile Flavor: You can customize the flavor of your donut holes to suit your preferences. From classic cinnamon sugar to a more exotic twist with spices like nutmeg or cardamom, the flavor possibilities are endless.
Key Ingredients for Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
To make the best Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
• Cottage Cheese: Dry curd cottage cheese is a key ingredient in these donut holes. It adds protein, moisture, and texture to the dough, helping create that soft, chewy interior. You can also use farmer’s cheese as an alternative.
• Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt provides additional moisture and a touch of tang, which balances the sweetness. It also adds to the protein content of the donut holes.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the donut holes. They also contribute to the texture, making them light and fluffy.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking to keep these donut holes gluten-free, make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This helps create the desired texture without the gluten.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is essential for helping the donut holes rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• Erythritol: A zero-calorie sweetener, erythritol is a great substitute for sugar, keeping these donut holes low in calories without compromising on sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is used in both the donut dough and the coating, giving the donut holes a warm, comforting flavor. You can also use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
• Butter: A small amount of melted butter is used to coat the donut holes before they are rolled in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a rich flavor and helps the coating stick.
How to Make Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
Making Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes is as easy as it gets, with minimal ingredients and prep time. Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of light, protein-packed donut holes.
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of dry curd cottage cheese, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, and 2 medium eggs until smooth. Stir in 1/3 cup erythritol and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Once well combined, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until the dough is smooth. It may be slightly sticky, but that’s okay—it should be firm enough to roll into balls.
2. Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough into even pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make about 15-18 donut holes, depending on the size.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the right temperature for evenly cooking the donut holes.
4. Air Fry the Donut Holes
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a small amount of cooking spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking. Arrange the dough balls in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. You may need to cook the donut holes in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the donut holes at 320°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donut holes are air frying, prepare the coating. In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp erythritol (or your preferred sugar substitute) with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
Once the donut holes are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately brush them with melted butter. Roll each donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. The warm donut holes will soak up the sweet cinnamon flavor, creating that perfect crunchy exterior.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or treat with a cup of coffee or tea. These Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes are the perfect sweet bite that’s light, satisfying, and packed with protein.
Tips for Perfect Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
To ensure your Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes come out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense donut holes. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
• Roll the Dough Balls Firmly: While the dough is slightly sticky, make sure the dough balls are rolled tightly to hold their shape during cooking.
• Air Fry in Batches: If necessary, cook the donut holes in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent them from cooking evenly and getting crispy.
• Adjust Sweeteners to Taste: If you prefer your donut holes a bit sweeter, adjust the amount of erythritol to suit your taste. You can also substitute erythritol with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Store Properly: For any leftovers, store your donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Flavor Variations for Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
While the cinnamon-sugar coating is a classic choice, you can customize your Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes with different flavor variations:
• Chocolate Donut Holes: Add 2 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. After air frying, coat the donut holes in a mix of powdered erythritol and cocoa powder for a chocolate-sugar crust.
• Maple Donut Holes: For a maple flavor, substitute the vanilla extract with 1 tsp maple extract. You can also drizzle a sugar-free maple syrup glaze over the donut holes for extra sweetness.
• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp of poppy seeds to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist. Coat the donut holes in a lemon glaze made from powdered erythritol and a little lemon juice.
• Pumpkin Spice: For a fall-inspired version, add 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice to the dough, and coat the donut holes in a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Nutritional Benefits of Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes are not just delicious, they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. Thanks to ingredients like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs, these donut holes offer more than just a sweet indulgence—they can be part of a balanced, healthy diet. Here’s what makes them a great snack choice:
• High in Protein: Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt provide a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Each serving of Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes contains about 16 grams of protein, making them a filling and satisfying option.
• Low in Sugar: These donut holes are sweetened using erythritol, a zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar. Unlike traditional donuts that are loaded with refined sugar, these donut holes are a much healthier choice.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: The use of butter and eggs adds healthy fats, which are important for hormone regulation and brain function. These fats also help to keep you feeling satisfied after your snack.
• Low in Carbs: These donut holes are low in carbs, especially when compared to traditional donuts. This makes them suitable for people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, as well as those managing their blood sugar levels.
• Packed with Nutrients: Ingredients like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese contribute calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, and other vitamins such as B12 and riboflavin, which help convert food into energy.
How to Store and Reheat Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat your Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes:
• Storing:
Allow the donut holes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To avoid sogginess, be sure they are fully cooled before sealing them in a container.
• Reheating:
To restore the donut holes’ crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 320°F (160°C). This will bring back their texture and make them feel freshly baked.
Serving Suggestions for Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
These donut holes are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of dips and drinks for a more indulgent experience:
• With Coffee or Tea: Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The warm, cinnamon-sugar coating is the perfect complement to a hot cup of java or tea.
• With Sugar-Free Jam: Serve these donut holes with a side of sugar-free strawberry or raspberry jam for a fruity twist. The sweetness of the jam pairs beautifully with the cinnamon coating.
• For Breakfast: These donut holes make an excellent breakfast option. Their balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber will keep you energized throughout the morning.
• As a Snack: Whether you’re craving a sweet bite between meals or need a quick energy boost, these donut holes are a great snack to keep on hand. They’re light yet filling, thanks to their protein content.
Summary: Why You Should Make Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes
Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves donuts but wants a healthier, more nutritious option. They are quick and easy to make, lower in fat and calories than traditional fried donut holes, and packed with protein. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet indulgence with your coffee, these donut holes will satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
These air fryer donut holes are a great way to enjoy a delicious treat while sticking to your health goals. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that’s just as good as, if not better than, the real thing.
Guilt-Free Air Fryer Donut Holes Recipe Card
Ingredients:
For the Donut Holes:
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1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
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2 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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2 cups dry curd cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese)
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (2%)
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2 medium eggs
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1/3 cup erythritol (or preferred sweetener)
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2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coating:
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3-4 tbsp melted butter
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4 tbsp erythritol (or sweetener of choice)
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together. The dough may be slightly sticky, but firm enough to roll into balls. -
Roll the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion out the dough into evenly sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball (about 1 inch in diameter). If needed, coat your palms with a little melted butter to prevent the dough from sticking. -
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. -
Cook the Donut Holes:
Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning. Repeat with remaining dough if necessary. -
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donut holes are cooking, prepare the coating by mixing erythritol and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the donut holes are done, brush them with melted butter and immediately roll them in the cinnamon mixture to coat evenly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as a snack, dessert, or breakfast.
Notes:
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Sweetener Substitution: You can swap erythritol with any sweetener of your choice. If you prefer a natural sweetener, you can use monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
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Flour Blend: Make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and structure.
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Storage: Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the donut holes back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 320°F to restore their crispiness.
Nutritional Facts (per donut hole):
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Calories: 39 kcal
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Fat: 1.2g
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Carbohydrates: 4.9g
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Protein: 2.3g
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Saturated Fat: 0.5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 0g
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Sodium: 30mg
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Cholesterol: 20mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 39
Yield: 6 servings
