Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, these bagels are both tasty and nutritious.
- Ease of Preparation: Quick and straightforward, even beginners can whip them up without fuss.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from cottage cheese, they are a smart choice for any meal.
- Versatility: Enjoy them plain or with a variety of toppings for breakfast, snacks, or any meal.
- Presentation: The golden brown bagels look as delightful as they taste, making them perfect for sharing.
You’re sure to love how easy and delicious these bagels are!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 32-34 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-17 minutes
(Note that times may vary.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
How To Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Optionally add a pinch of salt.
- Make a well in the center and add cottage cheese. Mix with a fork until it forms a chunky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes.
- Divide into 4 sections and roll each into 6-7 inch logs, connecting ends to form bagels.
- Whisk the egg and brush over bagels, adding toppings if desired.
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F. Spray or line the basket and place bagels in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Place bagels on a beautiful plate to show off their color.
- Accompaniments: Serve with cream cheese, avocado, or your favorite spreads.
- Portions: Great for breakfast or as a snack; cut them in half for smaller bites.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a fresh fruit smoothie.
These bagels are sure to impress!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add garlic powder or herbs into the dough for extra flavor.
- Customization: Use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese if you’re looking for lighter options.
- Serving Suggestions: Try serving with seasonal fruits or a side salad for a fuller meal.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the dough for cheesy bagels.
- Herbed Bagels: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a savory twist.
- Sweet Option: Use cinnamon and a touch of honey in the dough for a sweet flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Special Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Rolling pin
- Baking spray or parchment paper
- Whisk

FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes! Frozen cottage cheese will work, but thaw it first before using.
2. Are these bagels healthy?
Absolutely! They are higher in protein thanks to cottage cheese and are low in fat.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.
4. How can I customize my bagels?
You can change up the toppings or add herbs and spices to the dough.
5. Are there other cooking methods?
Yes, you can also bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are not only quick and easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dinner, they will surely satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try; you’ll be amazed by how delightful they are!

Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 1 large egg (optional) For brushing
Toppings
- everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds Use as desired for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Optionally add a pinch of salt.
- Make a well in the center and add cottage cheese. Mix with a fork until it forms a chunky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes.
- Divide into 4 sections and roll each into 6-7 inch logs, connecting ends to form bagels.
- Whisk the egg and brush over bagels, adding toppings if desired.
Cooking
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (about 150°C). Spray or line the basket and place bagels in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
Serving
- Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Place bagels on a beautiful plate to show off their color and serve with cream cheese, avocado, or your favorite spreads.






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