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Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

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.

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%)
  • 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