You know those mornings when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to undo all your healthy eating progress? That’s exactly how I stumbled upon these magical air fryer donut holes high protein! I’ll never forget the first batch I whipped up – my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and I got to enjoy warm, pillowy donut holes without any guilt. Now they’re my go-to when I need a quick breakfast or post-workout treat. The best part? They come together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. No fancy equipment needed – just your trusty air fryer and a serious craving for something deliciously wholesome.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donut Holes High Protein
Listen, I don’t just make these because they’re healthy—I make them because they’re downright addictive! Here’s why you’ll obsess over them too:
- Lightning-fast: From bowl to air fryer in under 10 minutes (perfect when that donut craving hits like a freight train)
- Protein-packed: Each bite gives you a boost, thanks to the protein powder and egg—no sad, carb-heavy regrets here
- No-mess magic: Unlike deep frying, your air fryer gives you golden perfection without greasy splatters everywhere
- Customizable: Roll ‘em in cinnamon, dunk ‘em in yogurt, or drizzle with nut butter—they’re your blank canvas!
Trust me, once you try these, regular donuts just won’t cut it anymore.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Holes High Protein
Okay, let’s raid the pantry! Here’s everything you’ll need for these little protein-packed wonders. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these measurements are absolutely foolproof:
- 1 cup oat flour – I just blitz rolled oats in my blender until they’re powdery (way cheaper than store-bought!)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder – This is your flavor and protein powerhouse – about 30g worth
- 1 tsp baking powder – The lift that makes them puff up beautifully
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk – Room temp works best to blend smoothly
- 1 egg – Crack it right into the mix, no need to whisk separately
- 1 tbsp honey – Just enough sweetness without going overboard
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon – That warm, cozy flavor we all love
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of something? No worries! Here are my tested swaps:
- Almond milk → any milk (dairy, oat, even water in a pinch)
- Vanilla protein → chocolate or unflavored works too
- Honey → maple syrup or skip it if your protein powder is sweet enough
- Oat flour → whole wheat or almond flour (texture changes slightly)
The beauty is – this recipe is super forgiving. Just keep the wet-to-dry ratio similar and you’re golden!
How to Make Air Fryer Donut Holes High Protein
Alright, let’s get these babies cooking! I promise it’s easier than you think – I’ve burned enough batches to know exactly what works now. Here’s my foolproof method:
- Mix it up: Dump all your dry ingredients (oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon) into one bowl. Give it a good whisk – no one wants a clumpy surprise!
- Wet team assemble: Make a well in the center and add your almond milk, egg, and honey. Stir until just combined – overmixing makes tough donut holes (and nobody wants that).
- Ball time: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll between slightly damp hands to prevent sticking. Pro tip: aim for ping pong ball size for perfect cooking.
- Preheat that fryer: Crank your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes – this gives you that perfect golden exterior.
- Space them out: Arrange donut holes in a single layer with breathing room – I do 6-8 at a time depending on my fryer size.
- Cook to golden perfection: 6-8 minutes is the sweet spot. At 5 minutes, peek in – they should be puffing up nicely!
- Cool slightly: Let them rest 2 minutes (if you can resist) – they firm up beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
My hard-earned tricks for donut hole glory:
- That cookie scoop? Lifesaver for even sizes (and less messy hands)
- Golden brown = done – no pale centers allowed!
- Every air fryer runs different – start checking at 5 minutes
- Dough sticky? Chill it 10 minutes or add a sprinkle more oat flour
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Donut Holes High Protein
Oh, the possibilities! I love these warm with my morning coffee – they make me feel like I’m cheating (but I’m totally not). For extra protein, dunk ’em in Greek yogurt or pair with fresh berries. Feeling fancy? Melt some almond butter for a drizzle that hardens into the most delicious “frosting.” My kids go wild when I sprinkle cinnamon on top – simple but magical!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the good news – these little protein powerhouses keep beautifully! Just toss them in an airtight container (if they last that long) and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll come out warm and almost as good as fresh. Pro tip: don’t microwave them unless you like rubbery donut holes (learned that one the hard way!).
Air Fryer Donut Holes High Protein Nutrition
Now let’s talk about what makes these donut holes such a win – the nutrition facts that’ll make you feel good about indulging! Keep in mind these numbers can vary slightly depending on your specific brands (especially the protein powder), but here’s the scoop per serving (that’s 3 delicious donut holes):
- 180 calories – About what you’d burn walking your dog around the block
- 12g protein – That’s like eating two hard-boiled eggs, but way more fun!
- 22g carbs – Mostly from the oat flour, giving you slow-release energy
- 3g fiber – Thanks to those oats keeping things moving
- 5g sugar – Just enough from the honey to satisfy your sweet tooth
The best part? Unlike regular donuts that leave you crashing an hour later, these babies keep you fueled thanks to that perfect protein-carb balance. My post-workout self thanks me every time!
FAQ
I get questions about these air fryer donut holes all the time – here are the ones that pop up most often:
- “Can I bake these instead?” Absolutely! Just pop them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t get quite as golden, but still delicious.
- “What’s the best protein powder type?” I’ve had success with whey, casein, and plant-based powders – just avoid ones with added thickeners that can make the texture gummy.
- “Why are mine dense inside?” Usually means you overmixed the batter or didn’t let the air fryer preheat enough. Light hands and patience are key!
- “Can I freeze them?” Yes! Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to bags. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Ran into issues? Here’s how to fix common problems:
- Too sticky? Chill dough 10 minutes or add 1 tbsp more oat flour
- Too dry? Next time, add 1 tbsp extra almond milk
- Burning on bottom? Lower temp to 325°F and add 1-2 minutes
Final Thoughts
Seriously, you’ve got to try these! They’re the perfect excuse to eat donuts for breakfast while still feeling like a nutrition superstar. Let me know how yours turn out – I love hearing your twists on my recipe!
Print
Moist 10-Minute Air Fryer Donut Holes High Protein You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Make high-protein donut holes quickly using an air fryer. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix oat flour, protein powder, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Add almond milk, egg, honey, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth.
- Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place donut holes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized donut holes.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American