If you are craving a delicious, wholesome breakfast or snack that packs a protein punch, the Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is an absolute game changer. These bagels are wonderfully soft on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and made with simple, nourishing ingredients that come together quickly and effortlessly. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings together convenience and taste in a way that will have you reaching for your air fryer more often. Believe me, once you try these bagels, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing vital qualities to the bagels. From moisture and fluffiness to subtle flavor and structure, every element plays a starring role.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: This adds creaminess and moisture while boosting the protein content for a satisfying bite.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs act as the perfect binder to hold the dough together and help it rise slightly.
- 1 cup almond flour: Almond flour lends a light, nutty flavor and fluffy texture without the heaviness of traditional flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is key to helping your bagels become airy and soft inside.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory hint that elevates the flavor without overpowering.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cottage cheese.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and letting it preheat. This ensures the bagels will cook evenly and develop that coveted golden crust without any uneven spots.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well until it fully comes together into a soft dough. This part is so satisfying — you’ll notice how the ingredients magically blend to form a texture just right for shaping.
Step 3: Shape Your Bagels
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and gently shape each into a bagel form. Don’t worry about perfect circles; rustic, handmade shapes give these bagels a cozy, homemade charm. This hands-on step adds a personal touch that makes the end result feel even more special.
Step 4: Place Bagels in the Air Fryer
Arrange the bagels in the air fryer basket with some space between them so the hot air can circulate freely. This spacing is crucial for that evenly browned exterior everyone loves.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook the bagels for about 8 to 10 minutes, first checking after 8 minutes for a lovely golden color and ensuring they’re cooked through. The final texture should be soft yet springy, with a nice crust that adds a slight crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Once out of the air fryer, let your bagels cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up just enough so your toppings won’t slide off and the flavors fully settle. Now they’re ready to be devoured or served with your favorite spreads!
How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Classic bagel toppings work beautifully here. Think creamy avocado slices, a schmear of cream cheese, or even smoked salmon paired with capers and a squeeze of lemon. Fresh herbs like chives or dill add an extra pop of color and flavor that make every bite feel celebratory.
Side Dishes
Pair these protein-packed bagels with fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast or a crisp green salad to balance the meal. A side of scrambled eggs or a few crispy bacon strips also complement the hearty nature of these bagels brilliantly for a full breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at brunch, slice the bagels in half and make mini sandwiches stacked with egg, cheese, and veggies. You can also toast the bagels briefly and drizzle with honey and nut butter for a sweet, energizing twist. Playing with toppings is half the fun and perfect for personalizing this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is a good option, but the texture will be best if eaten within 3 days.
Freezing
Bagels freeze wonderfully well. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, toast frozen bagels directly or thaw them for a few minutes and then pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This restores the crisp crust and soft interior beautifully, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe?
Almond flour works best here because it keeps the bagels moist and tender, but if you don’t have it, coconut flour can be a substitute—just use less as it absorbs more liquid. Keep in mind, texture and taste will vary slightly.
Is the garlic powder necessary in the recipe?
Not at all! The garlic powder is optional and adds a savory depth if you like a subtle flavor boost. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a more neutral bagel base that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
How do I know when the bagels are fully cooked?
The bagels should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean, your bagels are cooked through perfectly.
Can I double this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the bagels in batches so they have room in the air fryer. Overcrowding will cause uneven cooking and prevent that beautiful crust from forming.
Are these bagels gluten-free?
Yes, since this recipe uses almond flour and no wheat flour, it is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for anyone avoiding gluten or looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional bagels.
Final Thoughts
The Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is truly a tasty, quick, and nourishing way to start your day or fuel your afternoon. Its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients will have you excited to make these bagels again and again. So, fire up your air fryer and enjoy the wonderful aroma and satisfying flavors of homemade protein-packed bagels right at home. Trust me, your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick, healthy, and delicious low-carb alternative to traditional bagels. Made with high-protein cottage cheese and almond flour, they are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. The air fryer ensures a crispy outside crust while keeping the inside soft and chewy, all in just 10 minutes of cooking.
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and a perfect crispy crust on your bagels.
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder if using, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms that is sticky but moldable.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough evenly into 4 portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a classic bagel shape by forming a round and pressing a hole in the center.
- Air Fry the Bagels: Arrange the shaped bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow air circulation for even cooking.
- Cook the Bagels: Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the bagels are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before slicing or serving to retain their texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like dried oregano or rosemary to the dough.
- These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven to restore crispiness.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
