Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Try these 3-ingredient Air Fryer Protein Bagels—10g of protein each, made with cottage cheese and flour. Quick, healthy, and perfect for breakfast or meal prep.
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
Prep the Dry Ingredients
- Add flour and baking powder to a medium bowl. Mix in a pinch of salt if desired.
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.)
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.
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.
Egg Wash & Toppings
- Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk.
- Brush lightly over each bagel.
- Add your toppings of choice.
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.
Cool & Serve
- Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
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.