Air Fryer Protein Bagels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a wonderful choice! They are easy to make and packed with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer means they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside without any added oil. Enjoy them plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings!

How To Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels

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 – optional
• Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Start by adding the flour to a medium bowl. Mix it with the baking powder and add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese. Using a fork or small rubber spatula, mix the dough until it begins to come together in a chunky form. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer.
3. Turn the bagel dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a semi-smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle some flour or coat your hands lightly with flour as you knead. This step can also be done in a stand mixer.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a 6-7 inch log that is about 3/4 inch thick, then connect the ends to form a bagel. Repeat this with all sections until you have 4 bagels.
5. In a small bowl, crack and whisk the egg, adding a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg mixture lightly over each bagel using a rubber or pastry brush. Sprinkle on any toppings you like.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Once it’s ready, spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Place the bagels in an even layer in the basket. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is smaller.
7. Cook the bagels for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Check them around the 10-minute mark and continue cooking as needed, since cooking times can vary.
8. When done, remove the bagels and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What Type Of Ingredients Should I Use

For the best bagels, use good quality all-purpose flour. Fresh cottage cheese is ideal for the best texture, but you can also use a slightly reduced-fat version. If you use frozen cottage cheese, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid. Patting it dry helps avoid a sticky dough. For toppings, choose fresh ingredients like sesame seeds or everything seasoning for extra flavor.

How To Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels

These bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can enjoy them plain or top them with cream cheese, avocado, or even banana slices. They also make a great base for a breakfast sandwich with eggs or turkey.

How To Store Air Fryer Protein Bagels

You can store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just slice them before freezing, and when you are ready to eat, pop them in the toaster or air fryer for a quick warm-up!

Helpful Tip to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels

Make sure to lightly flour your surface and hands while shaping the bagels. This will prevent the dough from sticking and making it easier to achieve that perfect bagel shape!

Variations

You can customize these protein bagels by adding ingredients to the dough, like garlic powder or herbs. Try different toppings, like cheese or spices, to suit your taste!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly. You might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.

Can I skip the egg wash?
Absolutely! The egg wash gives a nice shiny finish, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

How can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to check the packaging for recommendations and adjust as needed!

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