Air Fryer Protein Bagels

Photo of author
Author: Olivia
Published:
Freshly baked air fryer protein bagels stacked on a wooden board

introduction

This Air Fryer Protein Bagels are quick, soft, and low-effort. They use cottage cheese and a little flour for extra protein and a light texture. If you like quick air fryer breads, try the 10-minute garlic bread in air fryer for another easy side.

why make this recipe

  • It is fast and simple.
  • It has more protein than regular bagels.
  • You need few ingredients.
  • The air fryer makes them crisp outside and soft inside.

how to make Air Fryer Protein Bagels

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

Directions :

  1. Add the flour to a medium bowl and combine it with the baking powder. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
  2. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese. Mix the dough using a fork or small rubber spatula until it begins to form a chunky dough. You can also mix the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  3. Turn the bagel dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball of dough. If the dough becomes sticky add a sprinkle of flour or lightly coat your hands in flour as you knead it. This can also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  4. Divide the bagel dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section of dough into a 6-7 inch log that is about 3/4 inch thick, then connect the ends of the dough to form the bagel. Continue until you have formed all 4 bagels.
  5. Crack and whisk the egg in a small bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg lightly all over each bagel using a rubber brush or pastry brush. Add toppings if desired.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Once the air fryer is ready, spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Place the bagels in an even layer into the air fryer. You may need to do this in batches if you have a smaller air fryer. Cook the bagels for 15-17 minutes until golden. Check them at around 10 minutes and continue cooking as needed since air fryers vary.
  7. Once the bagels are done (they should be golden brown and light and fluffy), remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before you slice and serve them.

how to serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels

  • Slice and toast if you like a bit more crisp.
  • Spread cream cheese, butter, or hummus.
  • Make a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and spinach.
  • Serve with jam or smoked salmon for a fuller meal.

how to store Air Fryer Protein Bagels

  • Let them cool fully before storing.
  • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze in a zip bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and warm in the toaster or air fryer.

tips to make Air Fryer Protein Bagels

  • Use room temperature cottage cheese for easier mixing.
  • If dough is sticky, add a little flour to your hands, not too much.
  • Let bagels cool before slicing to keep their shape.
  • Check air fryer at 10 minutes to avoid over-browning.
  • Use parchment or spray so bagels do not stick.

variation (if any)

  • Add dried herbs or garlic powder to the dough for savory bagels.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangy taste.
  • Make mini bagels by dividing dough into more pieces and reduce cook time by a few minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: Yes. The egg wash helps browning and hold toppings. You can skip it for a lighter top.

Q: Can I use low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese?
A: Yes, but the bagels may be less tender. Full fat gives a softer crumb.

Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
A: Preheating helps even cooking. If you skip it, add a few minutes to the cook time.

Q: Can I make more than 4 bagels?
A: You can double the recipe. Cook in batches so the bagels have space in the air fryer.

Print
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Air Fryer Protein Bagels

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: High Protein

Description

Quick and soft bagels made with cottage cheese and flour for extra protein and a light texture, cooked in an air fryer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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. Add flour to a medium bowl; combine with baking powder and a pinch of salt.
  2. Make a well in the center and add cottage cheese. Mix until a chunky dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth, adding flour if sticky.
  4. Divide into 4 sections; roll each section into a log and connect ends to form bagels.
  5. Whisk egg with a splash of water or milk and brush onto bagels; add toppings if desired.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 300°F. Spray or line the basket. Place bagels in the basket and cook for 15-17 minutes until golden, checking at 10 minutes.
  7. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cottage cheese for easier mixing. Let bagels cool before slicing to maintain shape.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bagel
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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