If you’re craving a breakfast or snack option that’s both satisfying and packed with nourishment, this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These bagels are wonderfully soft on the inside with a perfectly golden exterior, offering a delicious blend of protein and flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re short on time or want to impress your family with a wholesome treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a healthy, mouthwatering bite that you can whip up in no time using your air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe are uncomplicated yet essential, contributing uniquely to the taste, texture, and visual appeal of your bagels. Each component combines to create a moist, tender dough that bakes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Cottage cheese: Provides creaminess and a gentle tang while boosting protein content.
- Large eggs: Act as binders, helping the dough hold together and rise slightly.
- Almond flour: Adds a nutty flavor and a light, fluffy texture without gluten.
- Baking powder: Ensures your bagels get that perfect lift and fluffiness.
- Garlic powder (optional): Infuses a subtle savory note to make the bagels even more irresistible.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the overall taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is a small but important step to ensure your bagels bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust from the moment they enter the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. You’ll appreciate how the cottage cheese adds moisture while the almond flour keeps things light and tender.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide your dough into 4 equal parts to make perfectly sized bagels. Then shape each portion into a classic round bagel shape with a hole in the center. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the rustic charm adds to their homemade appeal.
Step 4: Air Fry the Bagels
Carefully place the shaped bagels into the air fryer basket, being sure to leave enough space between them so they don’t stick together. This spacing helps the hot air circulate and cook the bagels evenly.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Cooked Through
Cook the bagels for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown color on the outside and feel firm when lightly pressed. This will ensure that the bagels are fully cooked but still soft inside, making each bite a delight.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the air fryer, let your bagels cool for a few minutes. This cooling step helps set their texture so they’re easier to slice and enjoy. You’ll love the warm aroma filling your kitchen right now!
How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your protein bagels takes them from simple to spectacular. Consider spreading a layer of cream cheese, topping with smoked salmon, or even a drizzle of honey and some fresh herbs. These toppings provide an exciting synergy of flavors that complement the bagels’ wholesome taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your protein bagels with fresh fruit, a green salad, or a bowl of your favorite yogurt. These side dishes add freshness and balance, making your meal well-rounded and perfectly satisfying anytime during the day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bagels in half and use them as sandwich buns with avocado, turkey, or egg salad. You can even turn them into mini pizzas by spreading some tomato sauce and cheese, then popping them back in the air fryer for a melty finish. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover bagels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out, so they’re ready for a quick snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
To enjoy your Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe even later, freeze the bagels individually wrapped in plastic wrap or inside a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month, perfect for batch cooking and saving time on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bagels by popping them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly made crispiness on the outside while warming the inside to soft perfection.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While regular flour can be used, almond flour is preferred for this recipe because it adds a moist texture and depth of flavor without gluten, making these bagels lighter and more protein-packed.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Since this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe uses almond flour and no wheat products, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those avoiding gluten.
How many bagels does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 medium-sized bagels, perfect for a small family or for meal prepping your breakfasts for the week.
Can I add other spices or herbs to the dough?
Definitely! You can customize your bagels by adding your favorite spices such as onion powder, dried rosemary, or even everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture on top.
Are these bagels low in carbs?
Yes, using almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour keeps the carb count lower while increasing healthy fats and protein, making these bagels a great option for low-carb and keto-style eating.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe inspires you to create a delicious and nourishing snack or meal that’s easy, quick, and so satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings, and enjoy every warm, protein-packed bite!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and healthy breakfast option, featuring a high-protein dough made from cottage cheese, eggs, and almond flour. Cooked in an air fryer for a golden, crisp exterior and soft interior, they provide a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional bagels, perfect for a nutritious start to your day.
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 the cooking environment is ready for even baking of the bagels.
- 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 thoroughly until the ingredients come together into a uniform dough.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough evenly into 4 portions. Shape each portion into a round bagel shape, ensuring they are similar in size for consistent cooking.
- Air Fry the Bagels: Place the shaped bagels into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch to allow air circulation for even cooking.
- Cook the Bagels: Air fry the bagels at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese before mixing to avoid soggy dough.
- If you prefer a more traditional bagel texture, try adding a tablespoon of psyllium husk powder for extra binding.
- These bagels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for a crisp finish.
- Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dough for variety, such as onion powder or dried rosemary.
