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Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

4.8 from 93 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. 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.
  8. 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