Prep the air fryer: Preheat to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes. Line the basket with a perforated parchment sheet or lightly spray a small loaf pan that fits inside your air fryer.
Blend wet ingredients: In a blender, add cottage cheese, eggs, and oil.
Blend until completely smooth. This step ensures there are no curds and gives you a silky batter.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk protein powder, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. If using seasonings or sweetener, whisk them in now.
Combine: Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Pan it up: Transfer the batter to your prepared small loaf pan or shape it into a thick oval on a parchment liner in the basket. Smooth the top with a damp spatula.
Air fry: Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 18–24 minutes, depending on thickness and your air fryer model.
Rotate the pan halfway if your fryer has hot spots.
Check doneness: A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden and spring back when pressed.
Rest: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool another 10–15 minutes. This helps set the crumb and keeps it from crumbling.
Serve: Slice thick and toast if you like.
Great with eggs, turkey, smoked salmon, or a swipe of butter.