Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and healthy twist on traditional bagels, made with cottage cheese and all-purpose flour, and cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. Perfect for a protein-packed breakfast or snack, they are light, fluffy, and can be topped with your favorite seeds and seasonings.
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)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to a medium bowl. Optionally add a pinch of salt for extra flavor, and mix well.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Mix with a fork or rubber spatula until the dough begins to form chunky clumps. A stand mixer with a dough hook can be used for easier mixing.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. Add more flour if the dough becomes sticky, or lightly flour your hands before kneading. This step can also be done using a stand mixer.
- 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. Connect the ends of each log to form a ring shape to create the bagels.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Apply Toppings: Whisk the egg with a little water or milk. Lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel using a pastry brush. Sprinkle your choice of toppings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds evenly over the surface.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Basket: Set the air fryer to 300°F and preheat. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bagels in Air Fryer: Place bagels evenly spaced in the basket. Depending on basket size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until the bagels are golden brown. Check at 10 minutes and adjust time as needed since air fryer models vary.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cooked bagels and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- You can omit the egg wash if you prefer a less glossy finish, but it helps toppings stick and adds a nice golden color.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time to prevent sticking while kneading.
- The bagels are best eaten within 1-2 days or can be frozen and reheated in an air fryer for freshness.
- Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference.
- Check your air fryer’s temperature and timing as cooking times may vary by model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: air fryer bagels, protein bagels, cottage cheese bagels, quick breakfast, healthy bagels
