Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick, healthy, and delicious homemade treat packed with cottage cheese for added protein. Made in just about 25 minutes, these bagels offer a fluffy texture with a golden crust, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Customize your bagels with your favorite seasonings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds. The air fryer technique makes this recipe simple and efficient without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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 egg wash)
- Small splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning (optional)
- Poppy seeds (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Optionally, add a pinch of salt for extra flavor and mix well.
- Add cottage cheese and form dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Mix the dough using a fork or spatula until it starts forming a chunky dough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead with your hands for 1-2 minutes until the dough is semi-smooth. If dough is sticky, sprinkle a little flour or lightly coat your hands with flour while kneading. This can also be done with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then connect the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all 4 portions.
- Prepare egg wash and apply toppings: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk in a small bowl. Lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel using a pastry or rubber brush. Sprinkle your chosen toppings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds on top.
- Preheat and air fry bagels: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the bagels in a single layer; air fry in batches if your basket is small. Cook for 15-17 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. Check at about 10 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if desired, but texture may vary slightly.
- Using cottage cheese adds protein and moisture; avoid substituting with dry cheese varieties.
- The egg wash is optional but helps achieve a glossy, golden crust.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake these bagels at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes in a conventional oven.
- Letting the bagels cool completely before slicing allows the interior to set properly and improves slicing ease.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Bagels, Protein Bagels, Cottage Cheese Bagels, Healthy Bagel Recipe, Quick Breakfast Bagels
