Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and easy homemade recipe that yields soft, fluffy bagels packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs. They are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack and can be topped with your favorite seeds or seasoning blends. The air fryer method ensures a golden crust with minimal oil for a healthier treat.
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, for egg wash)
- Water or milk (a splash for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the baking powder and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Add cottage cheese: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Mix using a fork or rubber spatula until you get a chunky dough. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for easier mixing.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, sprinkle more flour or coat your hands lightly with flour. This step can also be done in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all four.
- Prepare egg wash and apply toppings: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Brush each bagel with the egg wash lightly, then sprinkle your choice of toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
- Preheat and air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Spray or line the basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Place bagels in an even layer—cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 15-17 minutes, checking at 10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove bagels from the air fryer and let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period ensures the bagels are light and fluffy inside.
Notes
- You can adjust the flour quantity slightly if the dough is too sticky or dry.
- Try different toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure to let the bagels cool completely to avoid a gummy texture when slicing.
- This recipe makes 4 medium-sized bagels, perfect for 4 servings.
- Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your dietary preference.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake these bagels in a conventional oven at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
