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Air Fryer Protein Bagels

Category: Morning Magic in My Kitchen

Make warm, protein-packed bagels at home with just flour, cottage cheese, and baking powder. Mixed quickly by hand or in a mixer, these bagels are shaped, topped with your favorite seasoning, and cooked in the air fryer until golden and fluffy. With 10 grams of protein in each, they’re great for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy versatile toppings and easily make them gluten-free if desired. Store leftover bagels in the fridge or freezer and refresh them in the air fryer or toaster for a quick, tasty bite.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:09:07 GMT
A plate of bagels with sesame seeds. Save
A plate of bagels with sesame seeds. | recipesbyhannah.com

Protein bagels in the air fryer have become my favorite way to enjoy a warm chewy breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. These use only three main ingredients and offer a big boost of morning energy while staying light on calories. You get fresh bagels in less than half an hour with endless topping options and minimal cleanup.

The first time I made these protein bagels I could not believe how easy it was and now my homemade bagels are always a hit for Sunday brunch or quick school lunches.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: brings classic bagel texture and balances the moisture from the cottage cheese Look for freshly milled or unbleached flour for best results
  • Baking powder: helps the bagels puff up giving them a soft tender crumb Always check your baking powder is fresh for best rise
  • Cottage cheese: adds loads of protein and moisture making these extra tender Full fat or low fat both work but full fat gives an even richer flavor
  • Egg: adds shine and helps toppings stick This is optional but gives a classic look
  • Toppings: like everything bagel blend poppy seeds or sesame seeds add crunch and flavor Choose fresh seeds for maximum aroma and toast if you like extra nuttiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Combine flour and baking powder in a medium bowl Sprinkle in a little salt for flavor if you wish
Make the Dough:
Create a well in the center of your flour and add cottage cheese Mix thoroughly with a fork or rubber spatula until a rough dough forms You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook here
Knead the Dough:
Transfer to a well floured surface and knead by hand for one to two minutes until a semi smooth ball forms The dough should be barely sticky Add flour as needed to keep the dough workable
Shape the Bagels:
Divide dough evenly into four pieces Roll each piece into a six to seven inch log about three quarters of an inch thick Connect the ends to shape a bagel Repeat with all sections
Egg Wash and Add Toppings:
Whisk egg with a splash of water or milk Use a brush to coat each bagel lightly Add your favorite toppings now pressing gently so they stick
Air Fry the Bagels:
Preheat air fryer to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit Arrange bagels in a single layer on parchment or spray basket with cooking spray Cook for fifteen to seventeen minutes checking at ten minutes to see progress Bagels should be golden and set when done
Cool and Serve:
Remove the bagels and let them cool on a wire rack for fifteen minutes before slicing and eating This keeps the centers fluffy and lets the crust firm up
A plate of air fryer protein bagels. Save
A plate of air fryer protein bagels. | recipesbyhannah.com

My favorite part about these bagels is using everything seasoning which fills the kitchen with a savory aroma I once made these with my kids and we spent an afternoon creating fun topping combos like cinnamon sugar and cheddar the options were endless

Storage Tips

Keep leftover bagels in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to five days For longer storage freeze them in a freezer safe bag for up to three months To reheat pop them in your toaster or air fryer straight from the fridge or give them a gentle blast in the microwave if you are in a hurry Bagels defrost best overnight in the fridge

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in whole wheat flour or gluten free flour mix and still get a lovely texture If you need dairy free try a thick plant based yogurt in place of cottage cheese but you may need to adjust the flour a bit Egg wash is completely optional just brush with a touch of nondairy milk instead if desired

A plate of bagels with sesame seeds. Save
A plate of bagels with sesame seeds. | recipesbyhannah.com

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these bagels warm with whipped cream cheese smoked salmon or even mashed avocado They make a quick breakfast sandwich layered with eggs and veggies or a satisfying snack with nut butter and berries They are just as tasty plain straight from the air fryer

Cultural Touch

Bagels have long been loved as a staple in many cultures but protein bagels are a modern take that fits busy mornings and active lifestyles I love sharing this recipe with friends who want homemade flavor without spending hours on traditional dough rises

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use gluten-free flour for these bagels?

Yes, you can substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour to make these bagels gluten-free without needing any other changes.

→ What toppings work best?

Try everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

→ Can I bake these in an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, checking for a golden brown color and firm texture.

→ How should I store leftover bagels?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is the egg wash necessary?

No, the egg is optional but helps with browning and helps toppings stick to the bagels.

→ Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Yes, use a dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough until it comes together smoothly.

Air Fryer Protein Bagels

Enjoy soft, golden bagels with 10g protein each, made with cottage cheese and quick prep in the air fryer.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bagels)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 Pinch of salt (optional)
04 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
05 1 egg (optional)
06 Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds

Directions

Step 01

Add the flour to a medium bowl and combine it with the baking powder. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Step 02

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. This step can also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

Divide the bagel dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section of dough into a 6-7 inch log about ¾ inch thick, then connect the ends to form the bagel shape. Continue until all 4 bagels are formed.

Step 05

Crack and whisk the egg in a small bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Using a rubber or pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel with the mixture and add desired toppings.

Step 06

Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Once the air fryer is ready, spray or line the basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Place the bagels in an even layer into the air fryer, cooking in batches if necessary for smaller air fryers.

Step 07

Cook the bagels for 15-17 minutes until golden. Check around the 10-minute mark and adjust cooking time if needed, as different air fryer models may vary.

Step 08

Once cooked, remove the bagels from the air fryer. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Leftover bagels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  2. Defrost frozen bagels in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F, in the toaster, or microwave until warmed through.
  3. Cottage cheese: Use Good Culture 4% or 2%. All-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour are interchangeable.
  4. The bagels can also be baked in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Required Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork or rubber spatula
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Flour-coated work surface
  • Pastry brush
  • Air fryer or baking oven

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (flour)
  • Contains dairy (cottage cheese)
  • Contains eggs (optional)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: 10 g