Are you looking for a quick, high-protein breakfast or lunch option that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are made with just three simple ingredients and pack 10 grams of protein per bagel.
Perfect for busy mornings or meal prep, these bagels are customizable, can be made gluten-free, and are ready in just 25 minutes. Plus, they can be cooked in an air fryer or oven, making them super versatile.
Let’s dive into how to make these fluffy, golden bagels that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Protein Bagels
- High in Protein: Each bagel contains 10 grams of protein thanks to the cottage cheese.
- Quick and Easy: With only 3 main ingredients, these bagels come together in less than half an hour.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. You can even make them gluten-free!
- Air Fryer Friendly: No oven? No problem. These bagels cook perfectly in an air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make these simple yet satisfying protein bagels:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 1 egg (optional, for brushing the bagels)
- Toppings: Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of fresh, homemade bagels:
1. Mix the Dough
Start by adding the flour and baking powder to a medium-sized bowl. If desired, add a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cottage cheese. Use a fork or small rubber spatula to mix until the dough starts to form. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
2. Knead the Dough
Dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle it lightly with more flour or coat your hands in flour as you knead.
3. Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch log about ¾ inch thick. Connect the ends of each log to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all four portions.
4. Add an Egg Wash and Toppings
Crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk it with a splash of water or milk. Lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel using a rubber or pastry brush. This step helps the bagels achieve their golden color and allows toppings to stick. Sprinkle on your favorite toppings like everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the bagels in an even layer in the basket (you may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small). Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown and fluffy. Check on them at around 10 minutes since air fryers can vary.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Once the bagels are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Oven Instructions
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these bagels in the oven! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze bagels in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat frozen bagels, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Warm them in the air fryer at 330°F, in a toaster, or in the microwave until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Cottage Cheese: I recommend using Good Culture 4% cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor, but 2% will also work.
- Flour Options: You can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour substitute.
- Toppings: Get creative! Try cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or garlic powder and Parmesan for a savory option.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Cooking these bagels in an air fryer gives them a perfectly golden crust while keeping the inside light and fluffy. Plus, it’s faster than preheating and using an oven!
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With just three main ingredients and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh out of the air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a protein-packed snack, or a base for your favorite sandwich toppings, these bagels are sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you customize your bagels! Happy cooking!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Healthy Breakfast Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These high-protein bagels are soft, fluffy, and made with just 3 main ingredients: cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder. They’re low in calories, easy to make in an air fryer or oven, and perfect for breakfast or lunch. Customize them with your favorite toppings or go gluten-free!
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 brushing)
- Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Mix with a fork or spatula until a chunky dough forms. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead by hand for 1–2 minutes until semi-smooth. Add a sprinkle of flour if the dough becomes sticky.
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 6–7 inch log (about ¾ inch thick) and connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Brush the top of each bagel with the egg wash. Add desired toppings.
Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper. Place bagels in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed.
Air fry for 15–17 minutes or until golden brown. Check at 10 minutes and adjust time as needed.
Let the bagels cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cottage cheese: Good Culture 4% or 2% both work well.
Flour: Substitute with whole wheat or 1:1 gluten-free flour if preferred.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Defrost overnight and warm in the air fryer at 330°F, or toast/microwave until warm.
Oven method: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
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