If you’re on the hunt for a delicious yet nutritious breakfast or snack, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe. These bagels are fluffy, packed with protein, and irresistibly soft on the inside with a lightly golden crust. Using the air fryer makes the process unbelievably quick and easy, bringing out the best texture without needing to heat up your whole kitchen. Whether you’re rushing through a busy morning or craving a wholesome treat, these bagels are a total game-changer that will leave you wondering why you haven’t tried making them sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of moistness, fluffiness, and taste. From the protein-packed cottage cheese to the essential flour and baking powder, every item helps shape these bagels into a delightfully satisfying bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a light chewiness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent gives the bagels their fluffy rise without needing yeast.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Enhances the flavors, balancing the richness of cottage cheese perfectly.
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%): The star ingredient adding moisture, protein, and a tender crumb.
- 1 egg (optional): Used for brushing over the bagels to provide a shiny, golden finish.
- Toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy, flavorful punch to the bagel tops.
How to Make Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a medium bowl, adding a pinch of salt if you like a bit of extra seasoning. This simple step ensures that your bagels will have just the right amount of lift and flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Combine with Cottage Cheese
Make a small well in the flour mixture and spoon in the cottage cheese. Using a fork or a spatula, gently mix until the dough starts to form shaggily. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy—that’s exactly what you want as the cottage cheese creates moisture and texture.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your mixture onto a generously floured surface and knead the dough lightly for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes a semi-smooth ball. If it gets sticky, just dust your hands or the dough with a little more flour. This step helps develop a dough that’s easy to shape but still soft and pliable.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a long log about 6 to 7 inches long and ¾ inch thick. Connect the ends by pressing them together firmly to form the classic bagel shape. This hand shaping means each bagel has a custom, rustic charm that brightens up your breakfast plate.
Step 5: Brush and Top
Beat the egg with a splash of water or milk, then brush the mixture over each bagel. This step ensures a rich, beautiful golden-brown finish after air frying. Sprinkle your chosen toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds generously for added flavor and texture.
Step 6: Air Fry the Bagels
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F and prepare the basket by spraying with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. Place the bagels in a single layer—work in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook for 15 to 17 minutes, checking around the 10-minute mark to prevent over-browning. The result will be wonderfully golden and fluffy bagels that taste as if they took hours to perfect.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
After cooking, allow your bagels to rest and cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time firms up the texture just right and makes slicing a breeze, showcasing that soft, pillowy interior everyone loves.
How to Serve Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe
Garnishes
Top these bagels with creamy avocado slices, a smear of your favorite hummus, or a dollop of light cream cheese for an extra layer of taste and texture. Fresh herbs like chives or dill instantly elevate the flavors and add a fresh pop, perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe with a crisp green salad or some fresh fruit to balance the richness of the bagels. A bowl of warm, comforting soup or a side of smoked salmon can transform your meal into a luxurious brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bagels horizontally and fill them with scrambled eggs and spinach for a wholesome breakfast sandwich. You can also toast them lightly and use as a base for mini pizzas topped with tomato sauce, veggies, and cheese for a fun, protein-packed snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delicious if you avoid chilling, which can dry them out.
Freezing
These bagels freeze beautifully! Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen, they’ll keep their quality for up to three months, ready to spring back to life with a quick toast.
Reheating
Reheat your bagels either by popping them in a toaster oven or back into the air fryer at 300°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This restores their crispiness while keeping the inside tender and fresh as if they were baked just moments ago.
FAQs
Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these bagels in a conventional oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The air fryer just speeds up the process and gives a wonderfully crisp crust with less heat.
Is it necessary to use cottage cheese with 2% or 4% fat?
Using 2% or 4% cottage cheese helps keep the bagels moist and rich while maintaining a good texture. Low-fat or fat-free versions tend to result in drier bagels.
Can I add other flavors or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough before shaping for a savory twist. Just be mindful of salt additions to balance the flavors.
Are these bagels suitable for a high-protein diet?
Definitely. Thanks to the cottage cheese and egg, these bagels offer a satisfying protein boost while still tasting indulgent and fresh. They’re a perfect choice for anyone looking to fuel their day well.
What if I don’t want to use eggs for brushing?
You can skip the egg wash without affecting the overall texture, but your bagels will be less shiny and golden. Alternatively, use a little milk or melted butter for a softer sheen.
Final Thoughts
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe have quickly become one of my all-time favorites because they’re so easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. The perfect balance of fluff and protein makes them a fantastic way to start your day or recharge anytime. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making these bagels over and over!
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Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These protein-packed bagels are a quick and easy homemade alternative to traditional bagels, made with cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Cooked using an air fryer, these bagels require minimal ingredients and no yeast, making them a convenient choice for a high-protein treat with customizable toppings.
Ingredients
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%)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour to a medium bowl and mix together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt if using, ensuring they are evenly combined.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until it starts forming a chunky dough. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If sticky, sprinkle additional flour or coat your hands lightly with flour while kneading. This step can also be done using a stand mixer with the dough hook.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat with all four dough portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack and whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush this egg wash over each bagel to help toppings adhere and create a golden crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until golden brown, checking around 10 minutes to monitor progress as cooking times can vary by air fryer model.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the golden and fluffy bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adding salt to the dry ingredients is optional but enhances flavor.
- You can customize your bagel toppings with seeds, herbs, or seasoning blends as desired.
- Do not skip the cooling step to allow the bagels to set properly inside before slicing.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually to avoid tough bagels.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and basket size; adjust accordingly.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, golden finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
