There’s nothing quite like biting into a chewy, golden bagel that you made fresh at home—especially when it’s packed with protein and takes under 30 minutes from start to finish! These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are my absolute go-to for busy mornings and post-workout snacks. You’ll fall in love with how easy, fluffy, and customizable they are.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein Powerhouse: These bagels fuel your day thanks to a protein boost from cottage cheese—no protein powder required!
- So Simple, So Satisfying: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and no yeast or boiling, you get fresh, homemade bagels in mere minutes.
- Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer delivers perfectly golden, chewy bagels every time—no oven preheating or babysitting required.
- Customizable to a T: Whether it’s everything seasoning, sesame, or gluten-free flour, these bagels adapt to all your cravings and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Protein Bagels is how incredibly simple and accessible the ingredient list is—each one plays a starring role in creating that classic bagel chew, fluffy inside, and gorgeous golden top. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll use (and why!).
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your bagels, giving them structure and that irresistible chew. You can also swap in whole wheat or gluten-free flour if you’d like!
- Baking powder: This is where the magic happens—no yeast means baking powder lifts the dough, keeping things light and quick.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Just a tiny pinch amps up flavor and brings all the ingredients together.
- Cottage cheese (2% or 4%): The secret upgrade! It adds protein, moisture, and a subtle tang. Small curd works best for blending smoothly into the dough.
- Egg (optional, for egg wash): Brushing with a whisked egg makes your bagels beautifully shiny and helps toppings stick.
- Toppings (everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds): Don’t skip the toppings! They infuse personality and crunch—mix and match to make your signature bagel.
Variations
The best part about Air Fryer Protein Bagels is how easy they are to make your own! Whether you’re working around dietary needs or chasing a wild flavor craving, here are just a few ways to put your personal spin on them.
- Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for bagels everyone can enjoy—no one will guess they’re wheat-free!
- Whole Wheat: Swap in whole wheat flour for added fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. It gives the bagels a hearty, wholesome vibe.
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add minced fresh jalapeños to the dough and top with extra for a kick and gorgeous pops of green.
- Sweet Bagels: Stir cinnamon and raisins into the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a warming, cozy breakfast treat.
- Dairy-Free: Try dairy-free cottage cheese (or thick, unsweetened nondairy yogurt) and skip the egg wash (brushing with olive oil works too).
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour and baking powder (plus a pinch of salt, if using) in a medium mixing bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening, ensuring every bite puffs up just right when baked—no patchy spots or dense centers!
Step 2: Add the Cottage Cheese
Make a little well in the center of your flour mix and drop in the cottage cheese. Stir everything together with a fork or spatula. It may look crumbly at first, but keep going until you start seeing a shaggy dough form—this means it’s coming together perfectly. If you’ve got a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook for this part, too.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured countertop and knead with your hands for about 1–2 minutes. You’re looking for a semi-smooth, slightly tacky ball—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth! If it’s sticky, dust with a bit more flour or flour your hands before kneading. This step develops structure for those signature bagel rings.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each into a rope about 6–7 inches long and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Pinch the ends together to form a bagel shape. Press the seams well so your Air Fryer Protein Bagels don’t unravel as they cook!
Step 5: Add Egg Wash & Toppings
Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk, then give each bagel a generous brush all over. This creates that irresistible golden shine. Sprinkle with your favorite bagel toppings—everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or go wild with a combo!
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F, then spray the basket or line with parchment. Lay in the bagels in a single layer, making sure they have a bit of space to expand. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may have to work in batches. Cook for 15–17 minutes, checking after 10—your kitchen will smell heavenly when they’re golden, puffy, and ready!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once the Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a gorgeous golden brown, carefully remove them and let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. They’ll firm up a little as they rest and be much easier to handle (plus, the aroma is just dreamy).
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Protein Bagels
- Cottage Cheese Consistency: For ultra-smooth dough, blend your cottage cheese if it’s extra curdy—this gives you a softer, fluffier crumb inside every bagel.
- Dough Does Matter: Don’t over-knead! A gentle knead keeps the bagels tender; stop once everything’s just combined and the dough isn’t sticky anymore.
- Topping Tricks: Press toppings gently into the egg wash—they’ll stick much better and won’t fall off in the air fryer basket.
- Batch Baking: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook in batches so each bagel has room for air to circulate—crisp outsides and fluffy insides every time!
How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Garnishes
Dress up your Air Fryer Protein Bagels any way that makes your morning bright! Classic cream cheese and chive are a dream, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle on fresh herbs, thinly sliced radishes, or a swipe of whipped feta for a modern twist. For a sweet version, drizzle with honey or top with sliced strawberries and a dusting of cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Pair these bagels with a vibrant fruit salad, a soft-boiled egg, or crunchy veggie sticks. For brunch, serve alongside a colorful smoked salmon platter or your favorite breakfast hash. These bagels truly fit in wherever a classic bagel shines—just lighter and with a protein boost!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Air Fryer Protein Bagels and turn them into mini open-faced sandwiches—load them up with avocado, sliced turkey, or grilled veggies for quick lunches. Hosting? Cut into quarters and serve on a platter with assorted spread options and toppings for a build-your-own bagel bar. You can even turn stale leftovers into crunchy bagel chips by slicing and air frying them an extra minute or two!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Protein Bagels keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They stay nice and chewy, ready for toasting or grabbing on the go. Just make sure bagels are fully cooled before storing to prevent any soggy spots.
Freezing
These bagels freeze like a dream—simply pop fully cooled bagels into a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. I like to slice them before freezing, so I can toast straight from frozen!
Reheating
To reheat your Air Fryer Protein Bagels, you have a few easy options: pop them in the air fryer at 330°F for a few minutes, toast until crisp and warmed through, or zap in the microwave for a softer bite. If reheating from frozen, just add an extra minute or two—they’ll taste bakery-fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, thick Greek yogurt (preferably whole milk) will work in place of cottage cheese. The texture will be slightly different—less chewy and a bit more tender—but still delicious and high in protein.
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Why did my bagels turn out dense or not rise well?
This can happen if your baking powder is expired or if you overwork the dough. Make sure to measure your baking powder accurately, and don’t knead the dough more than necessary—just until it comes together!
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Do I have to use the egg wash?
No, while the egg wash gives bagels that signature glossy crust and helps toppings stick, you can skip it or brush with milk or olive oil for a vegan/dairy-free version. The result will still be tasty, just not as shiny on top.
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Can I make Air Fryer Protein Bagels in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! These bagels keep really well in both the fridge and freezer, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead. Just reheat and enjoy a protein-powered breakfast or snack whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy way to bring bakery-level freshness—and bonus protein!—to your routine, give these Air Fryer Protein Bagels a try. They always disappear fast in my kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll love customizing them just as much as I do. Happy bagel making, friends!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make protein bagels cooked to perfection in an air fryer. These bagels are light, fluffy, and packed with protein, making them a great option for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
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
Toppings:
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour to a medium bowl and mix in the baking powder and optional salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour, add cottage cheese, and mix until dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead for 1-2 minutes, then divide into 4 sections and form into bagels.
- Add Toppings: Whisk egg, brush over bagels, and add desired toppings.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat to 300°F, place bagels inside, and cook for 15-17 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let bagels cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cottage cheese – Use 2% or 4% cottage cheese.
- Flour – All-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour can be used.
- Storage – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- Alternative Baking – Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: Approx. 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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