Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites Air Fryer or Oven
Okay, I have to confess: these little pancake bites took me back to those lazy Saturday mornings at my grandma’s kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and sweet apples warming the air while she flipped pancakes was pure magic. These bites bring all those cozy feelings with a playful twist—tiny, fluffy, and loaded with that creamy tang of cottage cheese. Honestly, they’re kind of addicting! Whether you’re team air fryer or traditional oven, these pancake bites come out tender on the inside with just the right golden crunch outside. Plus, they’re super quick to whip up, making them a perfect weekend treat or a fancy weekday breakfast surprise that feels like a hug from the inside.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (Air Fryer) / 15 minutes (Oven)
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese (creamy, not dry)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing)
How I Make It
Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture will help your pancake bites rise nice and fluffy with an inviting cinnamon aroma.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk gently until mostly smooth—you want those little curds of cottage cheese to stay because they add amazing texture and protein!
Step 3:
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry gently. Then, stir in the finely diced apple. The batter should be thick but spoonable; if it feels too dry, add a splash more milk.
Step 4:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or your oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin pan or use silicone molds for the best results.
Step 5:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This gives room for them to puff up beautifully.
Step 6:
Air fryer: Cook the bites for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway if you want extra crispiness. Oven: Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before popping them out.
Variations & Tips
- Swap the apple for diced pear or even fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.
- For extra texture, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Want them dairy-free? Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and your favorite non-dairy milk.
- If your batter is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until thickened a bit.
- Feel free to sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar on top before cooking for a caramelized finish.
How I Like to Serve It
These bites are perfect with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a pat of butter. I also love them slightly chilled with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a cool contrast. For a cozy weekend brunch, pair with hot coffee or chai tea to highlight the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness.
- If your air fryer tray is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.
Closing: These Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites are like a little love letter to breakfast—always perfectly tender, wonderfully sweet, and just calling you back for one more bite.
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes.
Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
