Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites (Air Fryer or Oven)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bites are naturally sweet, satisfyingly soft, and high in protein thanks to the cottage cheese and egg. They’re easy to whip up, bake in just minutes, and store well for grab-and-go snacks. Whether I’m using the air fryer for speed or the oven for batch cooking, they come out perfectly every time. Plus, I can sweeten them just how I like—with or without maple syrup or honey.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cottage cheese

• egg

• small apple, peeled and finely chopped

• oat flour (or almond flour for low-carb)

• baking powder

• ground cinnamon

• maple syrup or honey (optional)

• pinch of salt

Directions

1. I start by preheating my air fryer to 325°F or oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the cottage cheese and egg until smooth.

3. I stir in the chopped apple, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sweetener (if using), and salt until the batter is well combined.

4. I spoon the batter into a mini muffin tin or silicone molds, filling each about 3/4 full.

   • Air fryer: I place the filled molds into the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and set.

   • Oven: I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. I let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the molds.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 mini bites, depending on the mold size. It takes around 5 minutes to prep and 10–15 minutes to cook, for a total of 15–20 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add a splash of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.

• Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans give these bites a nice crunch.

• For extra protein, I stir in a teaspoon of unflavored or vanilla protein powder.

• If I’m avoiding oats, I use almond flour to keep it low-carb and gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to a month. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of chopped apple?

Yes, I sometimes use 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce for a smoother texture, though the chopped apple gives more bite and flavor.

What’s the best flour for a low-carb version?

Almond flour works really well and keeps the texture light while reducing the carbs.

Can I make these dairy-free?

I haven’t tested a non-dairy cottage cheese, but if I find one with similar consistency and protein content, it should work. The results might vary slightly.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or air fryer.

How do I know when they’re done?

I check by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The tops should also look lightly golden and set.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites are one of my favorite quick breakfasts or meal-prep snacks. They’re packed with flavor, protein, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy without weighing me down. Whether I’m tossing them into lunchboxes or grabbing one on the way out the door, they’re always a hit—and so easy to make.