If you’re looking for a quick, healthy twist on a classic breakfast favorite, this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe will totally win your heart and kitchen time. These bagels combine creamy cottage cheese and almond flour to create a delightfully chewy texture packed with protein, making them perfect for a nutritious start to your day or a satisfying snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll be enjoying warm, golden bagels in a snap—no yeast or long proofing times needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward is part of the charm of this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from lending moisture and protein to giving the bagels their perfect rise and subtle seasoning.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds creamy moisture and a boost of protein for fluffy, rich bagels.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create structure.
- 1 cup almond flour: Provides a nutty flavor and gluten-free base with a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the dough, making these bagels rise gently and become airy.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a hint of savory depth if you want a little extra flavor punch.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the bagels.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures the bagels cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the dough forms—don’t worry if it’s sticky, that means it’s just right!
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough evenly into 4 portions. With lightly wet or oiled hands, shape each piece into a classic bagel form by creating a smooth circle and pinching the middle to form a hole. This part is super fun and lets you get creative with your shapes if you want.
Step 4: Air Fry the Bagels
Carefully place the shaped bagels into the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re spaced apart so the hot air can circulate freely, which helps them cook evenly and get perfectly golden on all sides. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re cooked through and beautifully browned.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, let your bagels cool for a few minutes. This little wait lets the texture settle so you get that perfect chewy bite when you dig in.
How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
The simple, protein-packed nature of these bagels makes them a brilliant canvas for a variety of toppings. Think fresh cream cheese, smashed avocado with chili flakes, or even a savory smoked salmon spread for a protein boost that turns breakfast into a feast.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bagels with fresh fruit, a side of scrambled eggs, or a crisp green salad can turn your meal into a complete, balanced delight that keeps you satisfied for hours.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not slice them open and turn these bagels into personalized mini sandwiches? Load them up with turkey, tomato, and greens, or keep it simple with peanut butter and banana slices for a sweet twist. The air fryer protein bagels recipe is versatile enough to suit any craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their moisture and softness, ready for a quick breakfast the next day.
Freezing
These bagels freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freezing helps lock in the freshness, so you can enjoy the Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe anytime without extra effort.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated bagels back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F or toast them in a toaster oven. This refreshes their crunch and warmth, making them taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While almond flour is recommended for its taste and texture, you can experiment with whole wheat or all-purpose flour, but the consistency and protein content will change, and the bagels might not be as tender.
Are these bagels gluten-free?
Yes! Thanks to the almond flour and no wheat ingredients, this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Try adding herbs, spices, or even shredded cheese to the dough for an exciting flavor boost. Just keep the additional ingredients moderate so they don’t affect the bagels’ texture.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer helps the bagels cook evenly and get that perfect outer crust, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it—just expect a slightly different texture and cook time.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Substituting the eggs and cottage cheese for vegan alternatives may be tricky since they provide structure and moisture, but using flax eggs and a plant-based cream cheese might be a good starting point to create a vegan version.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a satisfying, protein-rich bagel without the fuss of yeast or long waits. It’s perfect for rushed mornings or a savory snack, and so easy to customize to your taste. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy homemade bagels in just minutes!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Low Sugar
Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick, healthy, and delicious low-carb option for breakfast or snacks, combining cottage cheese and almond flour for a protein-packed treat with a perfect golden crust.
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 it is at the right temperature for baking the bagels evenly.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until a thick, pliable dough forms.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a traditional bagel shape by forming a round ball and pressing a hole through the center with your fingers.
- Air Fry the Bagels: Arrange the shaped bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other to allow even cooking and air circulation.
- Cook: Air fry the bagels at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and fully cooked through, with a firm crust on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the texture to set for the best eating experience.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Optional garlic powder adds a subtle savory flavor, but can be omitted for a plain bagel.
- These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a crispier crust, you can air fry an additional 1-2 minutes after they are cooked through.
- Feel free to add your favorite bagel toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before air frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
