Description
Delicious and protein-packed cottage cheese bagels made effortlessly in the air fryer. These soft, fluffy bagels combine all-purpose flour, cottage cheese, and baking powder for a quick homemade treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Topped with an egg wash and your choice of seeds or everything seasoning, they offer a golden crust and a flavorful bite without the need for traditional yeast or long rising times.
Ingredients
Scale
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: In a medium bowl, add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using. Mix well to ensure these ingredients are evenly combined.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until a chunky dough begins to form. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a generously floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If sticky, sprinkle more flour on the dough or your hands to make it manageable. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used to knead.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all dough portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack the egg and whisk it with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash onto each bagel to help toppings stick and to create a golden crust upon cooking.
- 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 necessary. Air fry for 15-17 minutes, checking around the 10-minute mark to monitor progress, until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- You can use either 2% or 4% cottage cheese depending on your preference for fat content.
- If you prefer vegan or egg-free, skip the egg wash, but the crust won’t be as shiny or golden.
- Feel free to use your favorite toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor.
- Check the bagels at 10 minutes while air frying to avoid overcooking as air fryer models may vary in heat intensity.
- Ensure the dough isn’t too sticky before shaping; add flour gradually as needed to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring to keep bagels tender.
