These 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Donut Holes Are an Air Fryer Breakfast (or Dessert) Dream

It’s official: we’re in our cottage cheese dessert era. And the latest viral recipe to steal our protein-loving hearts? Two-ingredient cottage cheese donut holes. Air-fried to golden perfection and ridiculously easy to make, this trending treat is the latest stroke of TikTok genius—and exactly the kind of shortcut we love. It comes from creator Erin Silberman of @seriousfoodfetish, who’s known for whipping up trending recipes that actually taste good. Her video hit the app in early March and has since spread like wildfire, and we’re calling it the easiest breakfast-to-dessert crossover of the year. Think protein meets pastry, no oven required. Here’s how to make them.

What are cottage cheese donut holes?

“First there were two-ingredient bagels,” says Silberman in her her now-viral video. “Now I’m bringing you two-ingredient donut holes.” Her twist on the cult-favorite dough uses just self-rising flour and cottage cheese to create fluffy, slightly tangy dough balls that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The idea? Make something that feels indulgent but still leans nutritious—and honestly, it delivers.

The video shows her mixing the dough, tossing in mini chocolate chips (optional but highly encouraged), and shaping it all into perfect bite-sized pieces before air frying. She even shares an easy icing drizzle if you want to take them fully into dessert territory. “They aren’t super sweet because no sugar is added into the dough, but I prefer them this way,” Silberman notes. Whether you’re team breakfast or team treat, these protein-packed donut holes check all the boxes: easy, customizable, freezer-friendly and cute enough to make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

Let’s talk texture: what to expect

When baked in the air fryer, the outside of the donut holes gets golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and a little chewy—somewhere between cake doughnut and biscuit. Because of the cottage cheese, they’re denser than your average donut shop pastry, but they don’t feel heavy. And that’s part of the appeal: you feel satisfied after just a couple, but they’re not overly cloying.

Food

These 2 Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Recipes Are So Creamy and Protein-Packed

I can’t think of a more creamy and dreamy dessert than cheesecake. I’d go so far as to say it’s a slice of heaven—even if you give it a lightened up twist. Cottage cheese cheesecake is a dessert that has all of the creaminess of the classic cake, however, the dairy superfood gives it a […]

Tips for the best air fryer donut holes

Before you grab your mixing bowl, here are a few helpful tips to make sure your donut holes turn out just right:

• Blend your cottage cheese. If you don’t like the idea of clumpy cottage cheese, Silberman recommends blending it before mixing with the flour for a smoother dough.
• Don’t overwork the dough. A gentle knead is all you need to bring everything together—no need to go full bread-baking mode here.
• Watch the air fryer time. Every air fryer runs slightly differently, so check around the nine-minute mark. They’re done when they’re puffed and golden.

Food

TikTok's Cottage Cheese Brownies Are a High-Protein Indulgence: Recipe

This low-calorie treat is only 75 calories

How to make 2-ingredient cottage cheese donut holes

Here’s what you need to make these adorable protein bites, according to Silberman’s recipe. If you want to keep things more breakfast-y, skip the chips and serve with a smear of almond butter or a side of Greek yogurt and fruit. These donut holes freeze well. Just reheat in the air fryer at 350° F for two to three minutes.

Deal of the Day

Save 52% and Get Clearer Skin With Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 View Deal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup self-rising flour
  (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp. baking powder + ¼ tsp. kosher salt)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (blended or clumpy)
• Avocado oil spray
• Optional: 2–3 Tbs. mini chocolate chips

For the icing (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tsp. milk (more or less depending on desired consistency)

Directions:

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 donut holes

1. In a large bowl, mix together the self-rising flour and cottage cheese until a rough dough forms. Then, add the chocolate chips if using. Use your hands to lightly knead it in the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (1 Tbs. at a time).
2. Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for a minute or two until smooth. Form into a ball, then divide into 16 equal pieces and roll into small balls.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 350° F and spray the basket with avocado oil.
4. Working in batches, place half the donut holes into the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
5. If using icing, mix powdered sugar and milk together until smooth and drizzle over cooled donut holes. Let them set for 15 minutes for serving.