Protein Monkey Bread in the Air Fryer
Published 1/1/2025 • Updated 1/14/2025
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Sticky, sweet, and deliciously high in protein, this Monkey Bread recipe is a healthier twist on the classic treat. The secret? Blended cottage cheese! It not only adds a punch of protein but creates a soft and moist texture that is absolutely irresistible.
For me, there are only a few scenarios where sticky fingers are a good thing: When I’m eating these Frozen Peanut Butter Protein S’mores, Sticky Sesame Garlic Ribs… AND this high-protein monkey bread! HEHE. It’s oh so easy to make and even easier to devour, making it the perfect addition to any brunch spread or dessert table.
Drizzle it with our cream cheese cottage cheese glaze, and pull apart each chewy piece. OMG it’s just so dang good.
High Protein Monkey Bread – What You Need
- Blended 2% cottage cheese: To blend the cottage cheese, simply add it to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This adds protein and moisture to the monkey bread. You’ll also be using it in the glaze 😃
- Melted unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor to the bread while helping the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough.
- Brown sugar: We used brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper and richer flavor.
- Cinnamon: A staple for any monkey bread recipe. It adds such a warm and cozy taste!
- Cream cheese: Make sure you use softened cream cheese for the glaze.
- Maple syrup: What makes this monkey bread sticky and sweet!
Our Favorite
Beast Blender
The Beast Blender is our go-to blender for smoothies, dips, soups, and everything in between. It’s the perfect size and moderately priced. Oh, and oh-so powerful!
What size air fryer did you use?
We used a 4-quart air fryer for this recipe. Make sure to check the size of your air fryer and adjust the recipe accordingly if using a larger or smaller size.
Favorite
Air Fryer
On the hunt for the best air fryer? Our favorite is the Ninja Kitchen Air Fryer It’s reliable and moderately priced.
What’s a good cottage cheese substitute?
Greek yogurt can be used in place of the blended cottage cheese. It will change the texture slightly, but it will still add the necessary protein to this high-protein monkey bread recipe.
here’s a tip!
For the air fryer, we recommend using a round parchment paper insert. If you do not have one, you may need to layer two pieces of paper to make a bowl shape.
Storage Directions
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave.
Protein Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups blended 2% cottage cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Icing
- 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup 2% blended cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350℉.
- Place the yogurt, flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Using a silicon or wooden spoon, stir until combined. Then, using your hands, press together until a ball has formed.
- Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead together until smooth. You may need to sprinkle more flour over the top, so it is not super sticky.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll into a log about 6 inches long. Cut each log into 5 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Set aside.
- Place the brown sugar and cinnamon into a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Roll each pretzel ball in the melted butter, then transfer to the cinnamon sugar. Set aside.
- Line the air fryer with parchment paper. We recommend using a round parchment paper insert. If you do not have one, you may need to layer two pieces of paper to make a bowl shape. Place all of the balls into the insert. They will be touching.
- Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes. There will be a little bit of liquid on the bottom when they are done. It is the brown sugar melting.
- Make the frosting: While the monkey bread is cooking, add all the ingredients to a bowl and use an electric mixer to mix the ingredients together. Be sure the cream cheese is softened, or you will end up with lumpy frosting.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving with the frosting. You can pour the frosting over the monkey bread or use it as a dip.
Tips & Notes
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of the blended cottage cheese. It will change the texture slightly.
- We used a 4 qt. air fryer for this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
