Crispy Golden Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe for Fitness Fans

Golden, crispy, and packed with protein, these air fryer protein bagels redefine your breakfast game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Forget store-bought versions that lack excitement and nutrition.

Homemade bagels straight from the air fryer deliver a perfect balance of chewy texture and protein-rich goodness.

You’ll love how quickly these bagels come together with simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer.

Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and wholesome nutrition that beats any packaged alternative.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few basic pantry staples and about 20 minutes of your time.

Fuel your morning with these delectable protein-packed bagels that will keep you energized and satisfied until lunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 153 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Make Protein Bagels in the Air Fryer

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure and texture for the bagels, ensuring a light and airy consistency.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and creates a soft, fluffy interior with gentle lift.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the ingredients.

• Cottage Cheese: Adds protein, moisture, and a creamy texture while creating a tender crumb in the bagel.

• Egg: Creates a golden, glossy exterior and helps toppings adhere to the bagel surface.
• Optional Toppings (Everything Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds): Provide crunch, visual appeal, and extra flavor burst to the bagels.

Air Fryer Bagel Tools That Make It Easy

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the bagels evenly and quickly.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and cottage cheese.
• Fork: Helps mix the dough until it forms a chunky consistency.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Accurately measure flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Floured Surface: Needed for kneading and shaping the dough.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking in the air fryer basket.
• Whisk: Used for beating the egg wash if applying.
• Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: Helpful for dividing dough into equal sections.

Bagel-Making Instructions Using Your Air Fryer

• Dough Preparation Kitchen workspace with a clean medium bowl ready for mixing ingredients together smoothly.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in the bowl. Create a gentle center opening and add cottage cheese. Stir using a fork until a rustic dough emerges with interesting texture and consistency.

• Dough Shaping Surface Transformation

Move the soft mixture onto a lightly dusted countertop. Gently knead the dough for a brief moment, transforming it into a cohesive ball. Sprinkle additional flour if the texture feels too sticky or clingy.

• Bagel Formation

Separate the dough into four equal portions. Roll each section into elongated logs measuring approximately 6-7 inches. Connect the ends to craft classic circular bagel shapes.

• Egg Wash Elegance

Whisk an egg with a hint of water, creating a glossy coating. Brush the mixture across each bagel surface. Sprinkle preferred toppings for additional flavor and visual appeal.

• Air Fryer Perfection

Set air fryer temperature to 300°F. Line the basket with parchment paper. Arrange bagels in a single layer without overcrowding.

• Cooking and Cooling

Cook for 15-17 minutes until bagels develop a beautiful golden color. Allow them to rest and cool for approximately 15 minutes before serving, ensuring perfect texture and temperature.

Protein Bagel Tips and Flavor Ideas

• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or add a scoop of protein powder to increase protein content and enhance nutritional value.
• Mix herbs like dried basil, oregano, or garlic powder into the dough for aromatic, savory bagels that pair perfectly with spreads or sandwiches.
• Keep bagels fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

How to Enjoy Your Protein Bagels Fresh

• Serve with Creamy Spreads: Slather these protein-packed bagels with cream cheese, avocado spread, or hummus for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Top with Protein Boosters: Pile on smoked salmon, turkey slices, or scrambled eggs to transform these bagels into a hearty meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Create Breakfast Sandwiches: Layer with your favorite breakfast meats, cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg for a protein-rich morning feast that will jumpstart your day.
• Enjoy as Afternoon Snack: Cut in half, toast lightly, and pair with Greek yogurt dip or a small side salad for a nutritious midday pick-me-up.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bagels

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bagels in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive frozen or refrigerated bagels in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Customize Your Batch: Prepare multiple flavor variations in one cooking session, allowing you to have diverse breakfast options throughout the week.

Crispy Air Fryer Protein Bagels

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Protein-packed air fryer bagels combine wholesome ingredients for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Home cooks can quickly prepare these delightful rounds with minimal effort, enjoying a protein-rich treat that satisfies and nourishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• everything seasoning (to taste)
• poppy seeds (to taste)
• sesame seeds (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Create a well and add cottage cheese, blending with a fork until a textured dough forms.
2. Kneading and Shaping: Transfer dough to a floured surface, gently knead for 1-2 minutes until elastic. Divide into four equal portions, roll each into 6-7 inch logs, and form circular bagel shapes by connecting the ends.
3. Egg Wash and Topping: Whisk egg with water, then brush over each bagel. Sprinkle desired toppings evenly across the surface.
4. Air Frying Setup: Preheat air fryer to 300°F (148°C). Line the basket with parchment paper, place bagels with spacing for even cooking.
5. Cooking and Cooling: Air fry for 15-17 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let cool for 15 minutes, allowing interior to set and texture to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Flour Flexibility: Add extra flour sparingly to prevent dry, dense bagels; aim for a slightly tacky but manageable dough consistency.
• Kneading Technique: Gentle kneading develops gluten without overworking, creating a tender, soft bagel texture.
• Spacing Matters: Position bagels with enough room in the air fryer basket to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
• Cooling Crucial: Let bagels rest for 15 minutes after cooking to allow internal moisture to distribute, improving overall texture and preventing crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 153
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg