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Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe

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4.3 from 86 reviews

These simple 3-ingredient protein bagels are a quick and easy homemade treat made with cottage cheese and flour. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, they feature a soft, fluffy texture and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Made in the air fryer for a fast, convenient cooking method.

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bagels

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)
  • Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)

Toppings (optional)

  • Everything seasoning
  • Poppy seeds
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using, to combine evenly.
  2. Add cottage cheese and mix: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, add the cottage cheese, and mix using a fork or spatula until a chunky dough forms. You may also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking. This can also be done with a dough hook mixer.
  4. Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-7 inch long log about ¾ inch thick, and then connect the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all 4 bagels.
  5. Prepare egg wash and add toppings: Whisk the egg with water or milk. Brush each bagel lightly with the egg wash to help toppings adhere. Sprinkle desired toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
  6. Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Air fry the bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown, checking at 10 minutes and adjusting time as needed. Cook in batches if necessary.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the texture to set.

Notes

  • Cottage cheese: Good Culture 4% cottage cheese was used, but 2% works well too.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or 1-to-1 gluten-free flour can be used.
  • Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Defrost frozen bagels overnight in fridge. Reheat in air fryer at 330°F, toaster, or microwave until warmed.
  • Oven option: Bake bagels in oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes if air fryer isn’t available.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat