Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Delicious and protein-packed air fryer bagels made with cottage cheese, perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack. These bagels are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and come out golden, light, and fluffy using the air fryer method.
- Author: Dylan
- 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
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%)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
- Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings (Optional)
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using. This forms the base of your bagel dough.
- Add Cottage Cheese and Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Use a fork or rubber spatula to mix until the dough starts to form chunky clumps. For easier mixing, you may use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead gently with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour or dust your hands to prevent sticking. This step can also be done in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 6 to 7 inch long log about ¾ inch thick, then join the ends to form a classic bagel shape. Repeat for all four portions.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Add Toppings: Whisk the egg in a small bowl with a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg wash lightly over each bagel using a pastry brush. Add your choice of toppings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Arrange Bagels: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air Fry the Bagels: Cook the bagels for 15 to 17 minutes until they turn golden brown and fluffy. Start checking around 10 minutes as cooking times can vary by air fryer model. Continue cooking as needed until done.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy fresh as a protein-rich breakfast or snack.
Notes
- The egg wash is optional but gives the bagels a beautiful shiny finish and helps toppings stick.
- If you prefer a denser bagel, reduce the baking powder slightly.
- Make sure the dough is not too sticky before shaping; add a little more flour if needed.
- Let the bagels cool completely before slicing to maintain their structure.
- If your air fryer is small, cook the bagels in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Keywords: protein bagels, air fryer bagels, cottage cheese bagels, healthy breakfast, quick bagel recipe, low fat bagels