Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and healthy twist on traditional bagels, made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and flour. Light, fluffy, and packed with protein, they’re perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. Plus, the air fryer makes them easy to prepare without heating up your kitchen.

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

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt if you like extra flavor.
2. Step 2: Make a well in the center and add the cottage cheese. Mix with a fork or rubber spatula until a chunky dough forms. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, sprinkle flour on the dough or your hands as you knead.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a 6-7 inch log about ¾ inch thick, then join the ends to shape a bagel. 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 and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
6. Step 6: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Spray or line the basket with parchment paper. Place bagels in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 15-17 minutes, checking around 10 minutes. Cook until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove bagels and let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a stand mixer for easier dough mixing and kneading.
• Swap toppings to suit your taste—try everything seasoning, sesame, poppy, or even garlic powder.
• If you prefer softer bagels, brush with butter right after air frying.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with mashed tofu or dairy-free cream cheese.

Storage

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy later, reheat them in the air fryer or toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp.

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 the bagels in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Do I have to use an egg in the recipe?

The egg is optional and mainly used for brushing the bagels to help toppings stick and improve browning. You can skip it if you prefer or use a milk or water wash instead.

Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

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4.6 from 83 reviews

These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and healthy twist on classic bagels, made with cottage cheese for added protein and a soft, fluffy texture. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack, these bagels are easy to prepare using an air fryer, eliminating the need for boiling or baking. Customize with your favorite toppings like everything seasoning or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 bagels 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4% fat)
• 1 egg (optional)

Toppings

• Everything seasoning
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a medium bowl. Add a pinch of salt if desired for extra flavor, and mix to combine.
2. Add cottage cheese and form dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Use a fork or a small rubber spatula to mix until the dough begins to form chunky clumps. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to mix.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it by hand for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, sprinkle with more flour or lightly flour your hands while kneading. This step may also be done using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 6 to 7-inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat to form all four bagels.
5. Brush with egg wash and add toppings: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel using a rubber or pastry brush. Sprinkle toppings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds as desired.
6. Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Air fry the bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches depending on basket size). Cook for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown. Check at around 10 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer’s performance.
8. Cool and serve: Remove bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or toasted as desired.

Notes

• You can use either 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese; full-fat yields richer flavor.
• The egg wash is optional but helps to achieve a shiny crust and aids in toppings sticking.
• If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the bagels in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Allowing bagels to cool helps improve texture before slicing.
• Feel free to customize toppings according to your taste preferences.

Keywords: air fryer bagels, protein bagels, cottage cheese bagels, healthy bagels, quick bagel recipe, low fat breakfast