Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade bagels packed with cottage cheese for extra protein. Ready in just 25 minutes, they are light, fluffy, and perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt – optional
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese – 2% or 4%
- 1 egg – optional
- Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the flour to a medium bowl and combine it with the baking powder. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Step 2: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese. Mix the dough using a fork or small rubber spatula until it begins to form a chunky dough. You can also mix the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Step 3: Turn the bagel dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball of dough. If the dough becomes sticky, add a sprinkle of flour or lightly coat your hands in flour as you knead it. This can also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Step 4: Divide the bagel dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section of dough into a 6-7 inch log that is about 3/4 inch thick, then connect the ends of the dough to form the bagel. Continue until you have formed all 4 bagels.
- Step 5: Crack and whisk the egg in a small bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg lightly all over each bagel using a rubber brush or pastry brush. Add toppings if desired.
- Step 6: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Once the air fryer is ready, spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Place the bagels in an even layer into the air fryer. You may need to do this in batches if you have a smaller air fryer. Cook the bagels for 15-17 minutes until golden. Check them at around 10 minutes and continue cooking as needed since air fryers vary.
- Step 7: Once the bagels are done (they should be golden brown and light and fluffy), remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before you slice and serve them.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a different flavor and texture.
- Try different toppings like garlic powder or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour gradually to avoid drying it out.
- For a vegan version, skip the egg wash and brush the bagels with olive oil instead before adding toppings.
Storage
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Do I need the egg wash?
The egg wash helps achieve a golden, shiny crust, but it’s optional. You can skip it or use a plant-based alternative for a vegan option.
PrintAir Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and healthy homemade treat, combining simple ingredients like cottage cheese, flour, and egg to create light, fluffy bagels with a protein boost. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they cook quickly in the air fryer and can be customized with various toppings.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt – optional
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4% fat)
- 1 egg – optional (for brushing)
- Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings (Optional)
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a medium bowl, along with a pinch of salt if using. Stir to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Mix with a fork or rubber spatula until the dough begins to form into a chunky consistency. Optionally, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to combine.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If sticky, lightly dust flour on your hands or the surface. Kneading can also be done in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all pieces.
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Whisk the egg and add a splash of water or milk. Lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel using a brush. Sprinkle on toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds as desired.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bagels: Place bagels evenly in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until they turn golden brown, checking around 10 minutes and adjusting cooking time as needed based on your appliance.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the bagels and let them cool for at least 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat or 2% cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Egg is optional but adds a nice golden color and helps toppings stick.
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
- Cooling the bagels before slicing helps maintain their shape and texture.
- You can customize the toppings based on preference or skip them for plain bagels.
Keywords: Air Fryer Bagels, Protein Bagels, Cottage Cheese Bagels, Healthy Breakfast, Low Fat Bagels, Quick Bagel Recipe
