Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe

Healthy, high-protein bagels made easily in an air fryer, offering a deliciously chewy texture and customizable toppings for a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
   Begin by grabbing a medium-sized bowl, and toss in your cup of all-purpose flour along with those two teaspoons of baking powder. If you fancy a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Give these dry ingredients a good mix until they're well combined.

2. Step 2: Introduce the Wet Ingredients
   Make a little well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the cottage cheese. Using a fork or a small rubber spatula, start mixing everything together until it morphs into a chunky dough. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, that will do the trick too.

3. Step 3: Knead the Dough
   Transfer your dough onto a well-floured surface and get ready to knead. Use your hands to gently work the dough for about 1 to 2 minutes, aiming for a semi-smooth ball. If you find the dough sticking to your hands, just dust them with a bit of flour. Alternatively, a stand mixer with a dough hook can handle this if you're feeling fancy.

4. Step 4: Shape the Bagels
   Now, divide that dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a log about 6 to 7 inches long and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Pinch the ends together to create that classic bagel shape. Repeat until you've got all four bagels ready to go.

5. Step 5: Prepare the Bagels for Cooking
   In a small bowl, crack the egg and whisk it with a splash of water or milk. This is your egg wash. Brush it lightly over each bagel using a rubber or pastry brush, ensuring a nice even coating. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some everything seasoning or seeds.

6. Step 6: Air Fry the Bagels
   Fire up your air fryer to 300°F. Once it's good to go, either spray or line the basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Lay the bagels in a single layer inside the basket. For smaller air fryers, you might need to cook in batches. Let them cook for about 15 to 17 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark just to be safe.

7. Step 7: Cool and Serve
   After they're done, take your bagels out and let them cool on a rack or plate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial to help them set and cool down. Once they're not too hot to handle, slice them up and enjoy!

Notes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Whipping up these bagels is a breeze, but a few common pitfalls can make it tricky. One sneaky issue is overmixing the dough. It's tempting, but the less you handle the dough, the fluffier your bagels will be. Aim for a chunky, not gummy, texture when mixing.

Sticky situations arise when the dough clings to everything in sight. To combat this, use extra flour on your hands and surface. If you're too sparse with the flour, you might end up with a sticky mess.

Skipping the egg wash is another blunder. That little glaze gives your bagels a beautiful sheen and helps the toppings stick. Don’t brush it off!

Lastly, watch your air fryer like a hawk. These nifty gadgets vary, so check on your bagels halfway through to avoid overcooking. Happy bagel making!