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
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using, to combine evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat