Name: Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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, for egg wash); Splash of water or milk (for egg wash); Everything seasoning (optional); Poppy seeds (optional); Sesame seeds (optional)

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If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic favorite, this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is your new go-to. These bagels are delightfully soft, packed with protein from creamy cottage cheese, and come together quickly without any yeast or long rising times. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, they boast a golden crust and a tender crumb inside that will make breakfast, brunch, or any snack feel special and homemade. Whether you top them with savory seeds or enjoy them plain, these bagels are a delicious and nourishing way to start your day or satisfy your carb cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there is one layer of light beige flour spread across the bottom and sides, forming a shallow ring. On top of the flour, in the center, there is a mound of white, slightly lumpy cottage cheese with a soft texture. The overall look is simple and clean, with the white and beige colors contrasting softly against the glass bowl and marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is key to making this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe a breeze. Each item plays a special role in creating a light but hearty bagel, from the protein-rich cottage cheese to the subtle lift of baking powder.

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and that classic chewy bagel bite.
Baking powder: Acts as a gentle leavening agent to puff up your bagels without yeast.
Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese (2% or 4%): Adds moisture, protein, and a creamy texture that keeps the bagels tender.
Egg (optional): Used for brushing the dough to create a beautiful golden crust and help toppings stick.
Toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds: An optional but fun way to add crunch, flavor, and eye appeal.

How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Start by combining your flour and baking powder in a medium bowl, then add a pinch of salt to brighten the flavors. This simple combination forms the dry base of your bagel dough, balancing taste and texture for the best results.

Step 2: Incorporate the cottage cheese

Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and spoon in the cottage cheese. Mix it gently with a fork or small rubber spatula until you get chunky dough forming. This step brings moisture and protein together, giving the dough that distinctive softness you want in a protein-packed bagel.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes. Kneading helps develop its structure so your bagels won’t be crumbly. If it feels sticky, just dust a little more flour on your hands or the surface.

Step 4: Shape your bagels

Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a 6-to-7-inch log, approximately 3/4 inch thick, then gently bring the ends together to form a classic bagel shape. This hands-on step is incredibly satisfying and makes your bagels look bakery-quality!

Step 5: Brush and top

Whisk your egg with a splash of water or milk and brush this over each formed bagel. This egg wash adds color and shine to your crust, while also helping your chosen toppings stick beautifully.

Step 6: Air fry your bagels

Preheat the air fryer to 300°F and prepare the basket by spraying with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper. Arrange the bagels so they sit evenly without touching, and cook for 15-17 minutes. Peek around the 10-minute mark to check their progress—each air fryer heats a little differently. When golden and fluffy, they are ready!

Step 7: Cool before enjoying

Once cooked, remove the bagels and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps the texture set perfectly before you slice in and enjoy your proud creation.

How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

A white plate lined with white crumpled parchment paper holds six halves of bagels topped with a mix of white, black, and brown sesame and poppy seeds, each spread thickly with smooth, white cream cheese. The bagels have a golden brown, shiny crust with a soft, airy off-white inside. To the upper left of the plate, a small white bowl contains extra cream cheese, and a silver knife with a patterned handle rests at the top right of the plate on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bagels are delicious on their own, but adding a spread of cream cheese, a drizzle of honey, or a smear of your favorite nut butter can take them over the top. Fresh herbs or tomato slices also make for lovely fresh garnishes that complement the bagel’s mild flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these protein bagels alongside a vibrant salad for a light lunch, or pair with scrambled eggs and avocado for an energizing breakfast. Their versatility means you can dress your plate however you like to suit your moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these bagels into mini sandwiches by layering smoked salmon, capers, and red onion. Or toast them lightly and top with melted cheese and sautéed mushrooms for a savory treat. The Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe invites playful creativity in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bagels tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep the moisture in. Stored this way, they stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with these tasty bagels, freeze them individually wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated bagels in your air fryer at 300°F for about 3-5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture. For a quick option, a toaster also works wonderfully, especially if you like a bit of crispness on your bagel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cottage cheese is great here because of its moisture and texture, but ricotta could also work in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly different. Hard cheeses won’t provide the same dough consistency.

Do I need the egg for this recipe?

The egg is optional and primarily acts as a wash to give your bagels a shiny, golden crust. You can skip it if you prefer, though your bagels won’t be quite as glossy.

Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

This recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure, so using gluten-free flour blends may require some experimenting. Look for blends designed for baking that include xanthan gum for best results.

How long do these bagels keep fresh?

At room temperature in an airtight container, these bagels stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Beyond that, freezing is recommended to maintain taste and texture.

Why use an air fryer instead of baking?

The air fryer cooks these bagels quickly and evenly while developing a crisp crust without needing a hot oven or long baking times. It’s a convenient alternative that produces excellent results every time.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought! The ease, the flavor, and the wholesome touch of cottage cheese come together in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy a bagel, made effortlessly right in your air fryer.