The Easiest Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe for Busy Mornings

Protein-packed bagels from an air fryer represent a game-changing breakfast solution for fitness enthusiasts and bread lovers alike.

These golden, crispy rounds combine nutritional power with incredible taste and texture.

Homemade bagels eliminate store-bought preservatives while delivering a satisfying, protein-rich meal that fits seamlessly into health-conscious lifestyles.

Crafting these delectable circles requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques that anyone can master.

The air fryer refines ordinary dough into perfectly browned, chewy delights with remarkable speed and efficiency.

Nutrition meets convenience in this innovative approach to traditional bagel making.

Prepare to revolutionize your morning routine with a protein-packed breakfast that energizes and delights.

Air Fryer Protein Bagels That Are Soft and Satisfying

• Boost Protein Power: These homemade bagels pack a serious protein punch with cottage cheese, making them a perfect post-workout or energy-boosting breakfast option.
• Effortless Air Fryer Magic: Forget complicated baking methods! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, crispy bagels using the convenient air fryer, cutting down cooking time and mess.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Personalize these bagels with endless topping combinations like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or herbs, creating a unique taste experience every time you make them.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these bagels are perfect for busy mornings or quick meal prep, requiring only 15-17 minutes of air frying and simple kneading skills.

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture for the bagels.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bagels rise and creates a light, fluffy interior.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the other ingredients.

• Cottage Cheese: Adds protein, moisture, and a subtle tangy flavor to the dough.

• Egg, Water: Creates a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on bagels.
• Toppings (Seeds, Herbs, Spices): Adds extra flavor and visual appeal to the bagels.

How to Cook Air Fryer Protein Bagels with Ease

Step 1: Create Dough Base

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Create a small well in the center and add cottage cheese.

Mix using a fork until a chunky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Shape Dough

Transfer dough to a floured surface.

Knead for 1-2 minutes until the dough becomes a semi-smooth ball.

Add extra flour if the dough feels sticky.

Step 3: Form Bagel Rings

Divide the dough into 4 equal sections.

Roll each section into a 6-7 inch long log.

Connect the ends of each log to create bagel shapes.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Wash and Toppings

Whisk an egg with a small splash of water.

Gently brush the egg wash over each bagel.

Sprinkle desired toppings onto the bagels.

Step 5: Air Fry the Bagels

Preheat air fryer to 300°F.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.

Place bagels in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove bagels from air fryer.

Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your protein-packed homemade bagels!

Tips for Chewy, Fluffy Protein Bagels

• Knead Carefully: Work the dough gently to prevent overworking, which can make bagels tough and dense.
• Flour Perfectly: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking without drying out the dough; excess flour creates dry bagels.
• Shape Consistently: Roll logs evenly to ensure uniform cooking and attractive, professional-looking bagels.
• Topping Trick: Press toppings gently into the egg wash to help them adhere better during air frying.
• Cooling Crucial: Allow bagels to rest for the full 15 minutes to help them set and develop a better texture.

Storage and Reheating for Air Fryer Protein Bagels

• Refrigeration: Seal cooled bagels in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bagels in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for long-term storage.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed bagels in air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, toast in a regular toaster or oven for crispy edges and soft center.

Pairing Options for Air Fryer Protein Bagels

• Elevate Breakfast Pairing: Combine these protein-packed bagels with creamy Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a nutrient-dense morning meal.
• Craft Beer Complement: Match these bagels with a crisp wheat beer or light pale ale, which cuts through the dense texture and enhances the bread's subtle flavors.
• Create Deli-Style Spread: Layer bagels with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and thinly sliced red onions for a classic, protein-rich breakfast or brunch option that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Serve alongside a smooth medium-roast coffee with subtle nutty undertones to balance the bagel's hearty protein profile and enhance the overall eating experience.

Delicious Variations for Air Fryer Protein Bagels

• Cheesy Herb Bagels: Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley to the dough for an aromatic flavor boost. Sprinkle grated parmesan on top before air frying for extra cheesiness.
• Whole Wheat Power Bagels: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and nutrients. Add ground flaxseeds for additional protein and nutty undertones.
• Savory Seed Crunch Bagels: Mix everything bagel seasoning directly into the dough. Top with a combination of sesame, poppy, and sunflower seeds before cooking for a crunchy exterior.
• Cinnamon Protein Breakfast Bagels: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract into the dough. Sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon and monk fruit sweetener before air frying for a breakfast-friendly version.

Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Protein-packed bagels emerge as a delightful breakfast solution for health-conscious individuals. Crispy exterior and chewy center combine seamlessly with high-protein ingredients, delivering a satisfying meal you’ll crave morning after morning.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 pinch salt

Toppings:

• everything seasoning
• poppy seeds
• sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Blend whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry base.
2. Create a central cavity in the flour mixture and introduce cottage cheese, utilizing a fork to amalgamate ingredients until a rustic, textured dough emerges.
3. Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, kneading gently for 1-2 minutes to develop a cohesive, slightly elastic texture. Incorporate additional flour if the mixture appears excessively tacky.
4. Segment the dough into four equivalent portions, then methodically roll each section into elongated logs measuring approximately 6-7 inches in length.
5. Shape each log into a circular form by delicately joining the terminal ends, crafting classic bagel silhouettes.
6. Prepare an egg wash by whisking one egg with a modest quantity of water (approximately or 15 milliliters), then meticulously brush the surface of each unbaked bagel.
7. Generously sprinkle preferred toppings across the egg-washed bagels, ensuring even distribution.
8. Initialize the air fryer, setting the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148 degrees Celsius), and line the cooking basket with parchment paper.
9. Arrange the bagels within the basket, maintaining adequate spacing to promote uniform cooking.
10. Execute the cooking process for 15-17 minutes, monitoring until the bagels acquire a golden-brown exterior.
11. Extract the bagels and allow them to cool for approximately 15 minutes before serving, permitting the interior to stabilize and texture to settle.

Notes

• These protein-packed bagels offer a healthier alternative to traditional bakery versions, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.
• Cottage cheese serves as a secret protein-rich ingredient, creating a surprisingly smooth and tender texture while boosting nutritional value.
• Quick and easy preparation requires minimal ingredients and just 15-17 minutes of air frying, making it ideal for busy mornings or meal prep.
• Customize toppings like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds to match your flavor preferences and add extra crunch.
• The dough can be slightly sticky, so keep extra flour nearby for smooth kneading and shaping process.
• Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze up to 2 weeks for convenient grab-and-go breakfast options.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg