There’s something magical about that first bite of a warm donut — soft inside, crisp on the edges, coated in cinnamon sugar. But what if I told you that same cozy treat could fit right into your high-protein meal plan? These protein donut holes air fryer style are my new favorite kitchen miracle: golden, fluffy, and made with just three simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.
As a busy recipe creator and mom juggling work, workouts, and meal prep, I’m always chasing that balance between comfort and nutrition. These little donut bites check every box — they’re sweet without the sugar crash, crispy without oil, and protein-packed without effort. You’ll get bakery flavor in ten minutes flat.
Pair them with your morning coffee, toss a few into your gym bag, or make a weekend batch to freeze for quick snacks. And if you’re building a meal plan full of smart, high-protein recipes, try my 25 High-Protein Snacks for Muscle Gain — it’s packed with ideas that make healthy eating feel easy, not forced.
Explore the Steps
The Secret Behind These 3-Ingredient Protein Donut Holes
Why Simple Ingredients Make the Best Donuts
When it comes to high-protein recipes, fewer ingredients often mean better texture and cleaner flavor. These donut holes use just three real-food staples:
- Protein powder (your favorite vanilla or cinnamon flavor)
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for moisture and richness
- A touch of self-rising flour or oat flour to bring everything together
That’s it. No fancy binders, no added sugar. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting — creating that golden shell that crackles slightly when you bite in. You get the comfort of a classic donut with the nutrition of a post-workout snack.
These are the kind of recipes that remind me why I love home cooking. It’s not about perfection; it’s about finding joy in simple things that taste like they took hours, even when they didn’t.
Quick Prep, Quicker Gratification
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Protein Donut Holes – Just 3 Simple Ingredients
These Crispy Air Fryer Protein Donut Holes are soft, golden, and ready in minutes. Made with just three simple ingredients — protein powder, Greek yogurt, and flour — they deliver that classic donut taste without the guilt. Perfect as a quick high-protein snack or post-workout treat, these air-fried bites combine comfort, nutrition, and simplicity in one cozy recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 donut holes 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert, High-Protein Treat
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
¼ cup Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese
¼ cup self-rising flour or oat flour
1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener or coconut sugar (optional)
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
For the coating:
1 tbsp melted coconut oil or almond milk
2 tbsp sweetener + 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Mix the dough: Combine protein powder, yogurt, and flour in a bowl. Stir until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
Shape: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If dry, add 1 teaspoon almond milk to adjust texture.
Preheat air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket.
Air fry: Cook for 7–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and puffed.
Coat: While still warm, brush with melted coconut oil or almond milk, then roll in the cinnamon-sweetener mix.
Serve: Enjoy warm for the perfect mix of crisp outside and soft, cake-like inside.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 1 month.
Reheat for 20 seconds in the microwave or 2 minutes in the air fryer.
For extra flavor, mix in mini dark chocolate chips or drizzle with a light Greek yogurt glaze.
Use oat flour for extra fiber or almond flour for a low-carb version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 68 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 52 mg
- Fat: 2.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 6.8 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
How to Perfect the Air Fryer Texture
Getting That Golden, Bakery-Perfect Crisp
If you’ve ever bitten into a donut that felt like a sponge or worse, tasted like protein powder, you know the heartbreak. The secret to nailing that perfect texture lies in airflow and timing. Every air fryer is a little different, but I’ve found the sweet spot to be 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 8 minutes.
Here’s what makes it work:
- Preheat the air fryer. A warm basket means instant lift — no soggy bottoms.
- Use parchment liners or a light oil spray. This keeps the outside evenly crisp while preventing sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd. Give each donut hole breathing room; air circulation is the difference between crisp and tragic.
When the timer dings, the edges should look slightly cracked, and the color should be a warm golden brown. The inside? Fluffy, tender, and just a hint of chew from the protein base.
If you’re new to air fryer baking, start with a small batch first. Once you see that perfect texture emerge, you’ll never go back to oven-baked versions again.
Flavor Boost — The Cinnamon Sugar Finish
While these donut holes taste amazing plain, the real fun begins with the coating. A quick toss in a mix of cinnamon and a zero-calorie sweetener (or coconut sugar, if you prefer) takes them from “healthy snack” to “weekend treat.”
Here’s a trick: while they’re still warm, lightly brush each donut with a bit of melted coconut oil or almond milk before rolling in the coating. It helps the cinnamon cling perfectly — no mess, no waste.
For a flavor twist, you can even try a chocolate protein dusting or a drizzle of Greek yogurt glaze. Play around — you’re still eating something that’s low in sugar, high in protein, and ridiculously satisfying.
And if this cozy, crispy magic speaks to you, you’ll love my Simple Cottage Cheese Flatbread Air Fryer — another easy, high-protein recipe that proves air fryers might just be the best kitchen invention since coffee.
Balancing Protein, Flavor & Nutrition Like a Pro
The Science Behind Satisfying Sweetness
Most people think a “healthy donut” is either dry or bland, but that’s only because they’re missing the right balance. When you use protein powder as part of the base, it’s doing double duty — adding structure and sweetness. The key is choosing one that actually tastes good. I use vanilla whey isolate or plant-based vanilla pea protein, depending on my mood (and what’s left in my pantry).
Pair that with the creaminess of Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese, and you get moisture that mimics real bakery dough. It’s the kind of balance your taste buds don’t notice — they just know it works.
If you’re tracking macros, each donut hole hits that sweet middle ground: high in protein, moderate in carbs, low in fat. You could easily fit two or three into your snack window or pair them with your favorite post-workout shake.
And if you’re already a fan of using cottage cheese as your protein secret weapon, don’t miss my Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. It’s shockingly creamy and proves healthy desserts don’t have to taste like compromise.
How to Adjust the Nutrition for Your Goals
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
- For more protein: Add an extra scoop of protein powder and a splash of almond milk to maintain moisture.
- For fewer carbs: Use almond flour instead of oat flour; it keeps things low-carb and still gives that satisfying bite.
- For kids or sweet tooth moments: Add mini dark chocolate chips into the batter — no judgment, only joy.
If you’re making these for meal prep, they keep perfectly in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for a month. Just reheat them for 20 seconds in the microwave or 2 minutes in the air fryer, and they’ll taste fresh again.
Cooking healthy doesn’t mean denying yourself the good stuff. It just means learning the tricks that let you enjoy both — and these protein donut holes air fryer are proof of that balance.
For another wholesome, quick treat that satisfies post-workout cravings, try my Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding. It’s creamy, rich, and ridiculously easy.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Method
How to Make Protein Donut Holes in the Air Fryer
These protein donut holes air fryer style are all about keeping it easy — minimal mess, maximum reward. You don’t need fancy equipment or mystery ingredients, just a bowl, a spoon, and about ten minutes of your life.
Ingredients (makes 10–12 donut holes):
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese
- ¼ cup self-rising flour or oat flour
- 1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener or coconut sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the coating:
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or almond milk
- 2 tbsp sweetener + 1 tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step:
- Mix it up. Combine the protein powder, yogurt, and flour in a bowl. Stir until it forms a thick dough. It should hold together but not feel dry.
- Roll it. Shape into 1-inch balls — about the size of a ping-pong ball. If the dough cracks, wet your hands slightly to smooth it out.
- Prep the air fryer. Set to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Lightly spray the basket or use parchment liners to prevent sticking.
- Cook. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re done when the outside is golden and slightly firm to the touch.
- Coat. While still warm, brush lightly with melted coconut oil or almond milk, then roll in the cinnamon-sweetener mix.
That’s it — simple, satisfying, and perfectly golden. The outside is crisp enough to give a little crunch, while the inside stays soft and cake-like. It’s the kind of snack that feels like dessert but fuels like breakfast.
You can even customize the flavor: add mini dark chocolate chips, a drizzle of peanut butter, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts. These small swaps keep things interesting while sticking to your nutrition goals.
If this recipe hits your sweet spot, check out my 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl — another quick, high-protein dish that turns minimal effort into maximum flavor.
Make It Yours
Play With Flavors, Keep the Fun
The best part about this protein donut holes air fryer recipe is how endlessly adaptable it is. Once you’ve nailed the base, the flavor options are wide open. Try these swaps when you’re ready to get creative:
- For chocolate lovers: Replace a tablespoon of protein powder with cocoa powder and roll in crushed cacao nibs.
- For fall vibes: Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice to the batter — it’s like a mini pumpkin pie you can eat with your fingers.
- For indulgent mornings: Dip the finished donuts in a thin Greek yogurt glaze with a dash of vanilla extract.
Each batch feels a little different, which keeps things fun and helps you stay consistent with your healthy routine without the boredom.
And remember: these are meant to make you feel good — not just about your body, but about the time you spend nourishing it.
Make It Yours – Sophie’s Note
I first tested these on a Sunday morning when my kitchen smelled like a mix of cinnamon and coffee. My husband said they reminded him of the mini donuts we used to grab at the farmer’s market — except these don’t derail your macros. That’s the kind of food I love sharing: comforting, familiar, and quietly smart.
Whether you enjoy them as a post-workout snack, a cozy afternoon treat, or a little pick-me-up between meals, I hope they remind you that healthy food can still feel special.
If you’re building your high-protein recipe collection, you’ll find more of my kitchen experiments (and Daniel’s performance-driven meals) over on Pinterest:
Stay creative, keep it simple, and never underestimate the joy of something warm and homemade.
