I’ve been loving these Air Fryer Protein Bagels made with just three main ingredients—flour, cottage cheese, and baking powder. They’re light, fluffy, and pack in 10 grams of protein each, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these protein bagels come together in under 30 minutes and don’t require yeast or rising time. They’re customizable, satisfying, and so easy to make in the air fryer. The cottage cheese gives them a tender interior without making them heavy, and I can switch up the toppings based on what I’m craving.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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 bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds (optional)
directions
I start by adding the flour and baking powder to a medium bowl and mixing in a pinch of salt for flavor. Then I make a well in the center and add the cottage cheese. I stir everything together with a fork or rubber spatula until it forms a chunky dough.
I turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for 1–2 minutes until it comes together into a semi-smooth ball. If it gets too sticky, I dust my hands or the dough with a bit more flour.
Next, I divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each one into a 6–7 inch rope, about 3/4 inch thick. I connect the ends to form bagels and place them aside.
For the topping, I whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush it over each bagel. I sprinkle on everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds if I want extra flavor.
To cook, I preheat the air fryer to 300°F. I lightly grease or line the basket with parchment paper and place the bagels inside in a single layer. Depending on the air fryer size, I may do this in batches. I cook them for 15–17 minutes, checking around the 10-minute mark to ensure even browning. When they’re golden and fluffy, I remove them and let them cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 bagels. It takes 10 minutes to prep and 15–17 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour to switch things up—both work well with slight texture differences.
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For added flavor, I mix in garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs directly into the dough.
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If I want a sweeter version, I skip the savory toppings and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar after brushing with egg.
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I bake them in the oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes when I’m not using the air fryer.
storage/reheating
I store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. To reheat, I defrost them overnight in the fridge and warm them in the air fryer at 330°F, in the toaster, or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
No, I stick with cottage cheese because it gives better texture and moisture for this dough. Greek yogurt makes the dough denser.
What kind of cottage cheese works best?
I use 2% or 4% cottage cheese. Both give the bagels a nice texture and protein boost without being too watery.
Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes, I’ve made these without the egg wash—they just won’t have the shiny finish. If I’m avoiding eggs, I brush with milk or water instead.
Do I need to use an air fryer?
No—I often bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. They come out just as delicious.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and feel light and springy. I check them around the 15-minute mark to be sure.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, I scale it easily and freeze the extras. The dough holds up well when multiplied.
How do I make them gluten-free?
I use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, and they still turn out soft and chewy. I avoid almond or coconut flours—they don’t substitute well here.
Can I toast these bagels?
Definitely—I slice and toast them like regular bagels. They hold up well and get a great crunchy edge.
What’s the texture like?
They’re soft and fluffy inside with a lightly crisp exterior, especially when made in the air fryer.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes—I’ve done half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a heartier bite without sacrificing softness.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels have become a regular part of my meal prep because they’re fast, filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m topping them with eggs, cream cheese, or avocado—or just enjoying one plain out of the air fryer—they hit the spot every time. I love how easy they are to make, and I hope you do too.
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are made with just 3 simple ingredients and pack 10 grams of protein each! Using cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, this quick and easy bagel recipe is perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Cook them in the air fryer or bake in the oven, and top them with everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or your favorite bagel toppings. They’re customizable, high in protein, and can be made 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 egg wash)
Toppings: everything seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt if using.
Create a well in the center and add cottage cheese. Mix with a fork or spatula until a rough dough forms.
Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 1–2 minutes until semi-smooth.
Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6–7 inch log and form into a ring to make bagels.
For a golden finish, whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk and brush over each bagel. Add toppings if desired.
Preheat air fryer to 300°F. Spray or line the basket with parchment paper.
Air fry bagels in batches if necessary for 15–17 minutes, or until golden and fluffy.
Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour if desired.
For oven baking: bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Store bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat frozen bagels in the air fryer, microwave, or toaster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
