Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and easy homemade treat packed with protein and made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and flour. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, they are light, fluffy, and ready in just 25 minutes using an air fryer, offering a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional bagels.
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)
- Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning (optional)
- Poppy seeds (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour to a medium bowl and mix in the baking powder along with a pinch of salt if using, to enhance the flavor.
- Add cottage cheese and form dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Mix the dough with a fork or rubber spatula until it starts to come together into a chunky dough. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, sprinkle a little flour or coat your hands lightly with flour while kneading. This step can also be done using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch log about 3/4 inch thick, then connect 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. Lightly brush the bagels with this egg wash using a pastry or rubber brush. Sprinkle your choice of toppings such as everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
- Preheat air fryer and cook: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly spray or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the bagels in a single, even layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden, checking around 10 minutes to ensure even cooking as air fryer models vary.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer once golden brown and light. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cottage cheese with 2% or 4% fat for best texture and flavor.
- Adding salt is optional but enhances the overall flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, baking in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes is a good alternative.
- Keep the dough lightly floured to avoid stickiness when kneading and shaping.
- Experiment with different toppings to customize your bagels.
- Make sure the bagels cool completely before slicing to maintain their structure.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American