Air Fryer Protein Bagels

These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are the ultimate easy, high-protein breakfast or snack. With just 3 simple ingredients—cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder—you’ll whip up soft, fluffy bagels with 10 grams of protein each. They’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and ready in under 25 minutes.

Whether you want a quick weekday breakfast, a healthier alternative to traditional bagels, or a protein-packed base for sandwiches, these bagels deliver flavor, convenience, and nutrition in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just 3 ingredients: No yeast, rising time, or complicated steps.
• Packed with protein: 10g per bagel thanks to cottage cheese.
• Air fryer + oven friendly: Make them your preferred way.
• Customizable toppings: Everything seasoning, sesame, poppy seeds—whatever you like.
• Great meal prep: Refrigerate or freeze to enjoy anytime.
• Low calorie & healthy: A lighter, macro-friendly alternative to traditional bagels.

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, whisked (for egg wash, optional)
• Toppings: everything seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients

Add flour and baking powder to a medium bowl. Mix in a pinch of salt if desired.

2. Mix the Dough

Create a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese.
Use a fork or small spatula to combine until a chunky dough forms.
(You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)

3. Knead

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 1–2 minutes until semi-smooth.
If sticky, sprinkle more flour or dust your hands.

4. Shape the Bagels

Divide dough into 4 equal portions.
Roll each into a 6–7 inch rope about ¾-inch thick.
Bring the ends together to form bagels.

5. Egg Wash & Toppings

Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk.
Brush lightly over each bagel.
Add your toppings of choice.

6. Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
Spray or line the basket with parchment.
Place bagels in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry 15–17 minutes, checking at 10 minutes and adjusting as needed.
Bagels are done when golden, fluffy, and firm.

7. Cool & Serve

Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips / Storage / FAQs

Tips

• 2% or 4% cottage cheese both work—4% makes richer bagels.
• Use gluten-free flour (cup-for-cup) to make them GF.
• If dough is too wet, add a sprinkle of flour while kneading.
• Oven option: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months.
• Reheat:
  • Air fryer at 330°F
  • Toaster
  • Microwave briefly

FAQs

Can I make these without egg wash?
Yes—skip the egg wash entirely or brush with milk instead.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, but they may be slightly less fluffy and lower in protein.

Why is my dough sticky?
Different cottage cheese brands have more moisture. Just add a small amount of flour while kneading.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just air fry in batches.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are fast, simple, and nutritious—perfect for meal prep or everyday breakfasts. Enjoy them with cream cheese, eggs, avocado, turkey, or as a base for breakfast sandwiches. Once you try homemade protein bagels, you’ll never want store-bought again!

📖 Recipe