Baked air fryer donuts (farmer cheese)
About this recipe
These baked air fryer donuts use farmer-style cottage cheese and flour—mix everything in one bowl, shape small balls, and bake in a single layer. Hot air browns the outside quickly while the inside stays soft; dust with powdered sugar to finish.
Ingredient amounts update for the number of servings. Nutrition values are per serving.
Ingredients
Choose your preferred units for ingredients.
- 9 oz farmer-style cottage cheese
- 9 oz wheat flour
- 1 oz unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp vanilla sugar
- powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Put all ingredients in one bowl and mix or blend until you have a smooth, soft dough.
Shape small balls from the dough and place them in the basket with small gaps between them.
Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until the mini donuts are evenly golden. Turn halfway if needed.
Remove, cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.
Tips
- Avoid an overly aggressive preheat before the first batch—more even rise and color with a steady temperature.
- Leave gaps between dough balls—they expand and can stick if crowded.
- If the tops brown too fast, drop the temperature by 50°F and add a minute.
- Blend only until combined—overmixing can make the dough tough.
- Dust with powdered sugar when the donuts are cooler so it does not melt instantly.
Why make it in an air fryer
- Faster than a full oven for a small batch—no long preheat of a large cavity.
- Handy for a modest sweet treat—less oil than deep frying.
- Less added fat than frying in lots of oil.
- Easy to peek and adjust time for even color.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of farmer-style cottage cheese?
Smooth blended twaróg/quark or a similar soft fresh cheese works. Adjust flour by a spoon or two if the dough is too wet or dry.
Why are my donuts tough?
Often overbaking or starting too hot. Keep 375°F and check a few minutes early the first time.
Should I turn the donuts halfway?
If needed halfway through—it helps even browning if the top colors faster than the bottom.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, typical wheat AP flour is fine. Wholemeal changes texture—add it gradually and watch consistency.
How do I store them?
In a container for 1–2 days in the fridge. Reheat 1–2 minutes in the air fryer and dust again with sugar before serving.
You can also try
- Citrus zest in the dough—a little lemon or orange zest.
- A pinch of cinnamon in the dry mix.
- Glaze: melted chocolate instead of or in addition to sugar.
- Smaller balls—shorten baking by 2–3 minutes and watch the color.
Nutrition
Per serving
- Calories
- 404 kcal
- Fat
- 9.9 g
- Carbs
- 59.1 g
- Protein
- 21 g
