Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a healthy and delicious homemade treat made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour and cottage cheese. Air-fried to golden perfection, they offer a fluffy texture with a protein boost, perfect for breakfast or snack time. Topped with everything seasoning, poppy, or sesame seeds, they combine ease of preparation with nutritious benefits.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4% fat)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (if using). Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly ensuring they are evenly combined.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry mix and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until a chunky dough begins to form. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook at this stage.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead it by hand for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, add a little more flour or lightly flour your hands. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook to knead.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log approximately 6 to 7 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. Join the ends to shape each piece into a classic bagel ring. Repeat for all portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a small bowl, add a splash of water or milk, and whisk together. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel surface with the egg wash to help the toppings stick and produce a golden crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and let it preheat. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the shaped bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry them for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown, checking around 10 minutes to monitor doneness as air fryer models vary.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the cooked bagels carefully from the basket and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to enjoy the fluffy texture.
Notes
- Using 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese helps maintain moisture and adds creaminess to the dough.
- If you prefer a crisper crust, extend air frying by a couple of minutes, but monitor closely to avoid burning.
- The egg wash is optional but recommended for a golden color and better topping adhesion.
- Experiment with toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for varied flavors.
- Bagels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American