Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, homemade bagels without the fuss of traditional baking. Packed with cottage cheese for extra protein and a tender crumb, they come together in just 25 minutes. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they’re perfect for a nutritious 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 (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt if desired for extra flavor.
2. Step 2: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or small rubber spatula until a chunky dough begins to form. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, sprinkle more flour or lightly flour your hands while kneading. A stand mixer with a dough hook works here too.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch log about 3/4 inch thick, then connect the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all four.
5. Step 5: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel. Sprinkle toppings if using.
6. Step 6: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper. Place bagels in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed. Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden, checking around 10 minutes and adjusting as air fryers vary.
7. Step 7: Remove the bagels when golden and fluffy. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Try different toppings like garlic powder, onion flakes, or coarse salt for varied taste.
• If you prefer a vegan option, replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk for brushing.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese for fewer calories, or full-fat for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. To reheat, toast or warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Is the egg required in the recipe?

The egg is optional and mainly used for brushing the bagels to achieve a shiny, golden crust. You can skip it or replace it with a plant-based milk if desired.

Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and easy homemade bagel recipe packed with protein from cottage cheese and egg. Using an air fryer makes them golden and fluffy with a perfect crust in just 25 minutes, ideal for a healthy breakfast or snack option.

• Author: Elias
• 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

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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 brushing)
• Splash of water or milk (for brushing egg wash)

Toppings (Optional)

• Everything seasoning
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance the flavor.
2. Add Cottage Cheese: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Use a fork or rubber spatula to mix the dough until it becomes chunky. Alternatively, mix using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle more flour or coat your hands lightly with flour while kneading. This step can also be done using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch log about 3/4 inch thick. Join the ends together to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all four bagels.
5. Egg Wash and Add Toppings: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Lightly brush each bagel with this egg wash using a pastry or rubber brush. Sprinkle with desired toppings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
6. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 300°F and allow it to preheat. Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.
7. Air Fry Bagels: Place the shaped bagels evenly in the preheated air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. Cook the bagels for approximately 15-17 minutes until they turn golden brown. Check at 10 minutes and continue as needed since air fryer performance varies.
8. Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps them set and become light and fluffy before slicing and serving.

Notes

• If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a small amount of flour gradually during kneading.
• You can omit the egg wash to keep the recipe vegetarian; however, it helps achieve a shiny crust and better topping adhesion.
• Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite seeds or seasonings.
• Ensure the bagels are completely cooled before slicing to maintain their texture.
• If you do not have an air fryer, an oven baked version at 350°F for 20-25 minutes can be used instead.

Keywords: air fryer bagels, protein bagels, homemade bagels, cottage cheese bagels, easy breakfast, healthy bagels