Description
These easy air fryer protein bagels are made with just three simple ingredients—flour, cottage cheese, and baking powder. They are high in protein, low in fat, and take just 15 minutes to cook. Perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack, these bagels are golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy them plain, or add your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
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, for egg wash)
- Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a fork or spatula until the dough starts to come together. It may seem crumbly at first but will become smoother as you mix.
- Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. If the dough feels too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour. You can also knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a log about 6 inches long, then connect the ends to form a ring. Press the ends together gently to seal, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.
- Apply the egg wash and toppings: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water. Brush the mixture over the tops of the bagels to create a golden crust. If desired, sprinkle everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for added flavor.
- Cook in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the bagels in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 15–17 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark to avoid over-browning. The bagels are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows them to set and achieve the perfect texture. Serve warm with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the bagels at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg