If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines nutrition and convenience, this Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe has got you covered. These bagels are wonderfully soft, packed with protein, and come out golden and fluffy thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a wholesome addition to any meal, these bagels offer a perfect balance of flavors and texture without the fuss of traditional baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring the perfect blend of taste, texture, and nourishment. The cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, the baking powder gives that gentle lift, and the flour provides the essential structure for your bagels.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, giving structure and a soft crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that ensures the bagels rise just right without yeast.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Enhances the flavor subtly without overpowering.
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%): Adds moisture, protein, and a slight tang that really makes these bagels special.
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash): Creates a beautiful golden crust and helps toppings stick.
- Everything seasoning: For that irresistible savory crunch and burst of flavor on top.
- Poppy seeds: Adds texture and classic bagel flair.
- Sesame seeds: For a nutty hint and visual appeal.
How to Make Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, which lays the foundation for bagels that bake evenly and develop a consistent texture.
Step 2: Mix Dough
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir everything together with a fork or a rubber spatula until a chunky dough begins to form. If you prefer a less hands-on approach, using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment works beautifully here to bring everything together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Flour your surface generously and transfer the dough onto it. Knead by hand for about 1 to 2 minutes until you achieve a semi-smooth ball. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour or lightly flour your hands. This step is crucial for developing the right texture, and if you’re using a stand mixer, the dough hook can take over here too.
Step 4: Shape Bagels
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each portion into a log approximately 6 to 7 inches long and three-quarters of an inch thick. Then, gently form each one into a classic bagel shape by joining the ends, making sure to seal them well. This gives your bagels their iconic look and ensures even cooking all the way through.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk, then lightly brush it over each bagel using a pastry brush. This step not only helps your bagels develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust but also makes toppings like everything seasoning, poppy, or sesame seeds stick perfectly.
Step 6: Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). To prevent sticking and keep cleanup easy, spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This preparation sets the stage for perfectly cooked, non-stick bagels.
Step 7: Air Fry Bagels
Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. You might have to cook them in batches, depending on your basket size. Air fry for 15 to 17 minutes until the bagels turn golden brown. Around the 10-minute mark, check on them to make sure they’re cooking evenly, as different air fryer models may vary in heat intensity.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Once they’re beautifully browned and fluffy, remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps them set and ensures that when you slice into them, the texture is just perfect — moist yet tender.
How to Serve Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly made bagels are a canvas for creativity. Try topping them with cream cheese slathered with fresh herbs, a dollop of avocado spread, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast. Seeds like poppy and sesame not only add crunch but also bring a traditional bagel vibe that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve these protein-packed bagels alongside a colorful fresh salad, or pair with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon for a more indulgent brunch. Fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt also make excellent companions, balancing savory elements with refreshing sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice these bagels in half and use them as sandwich buns filled with your favorite deli meats, veggies, and spreads. For a fun twist, turn them into mini pizzas by adding tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings, then popping them back in the air fryer for a few minutes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from drying out, wrapping them in foil or placing them in a resealable bag works wonders.
Freezing
These bagels freeze beautifully. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Reheating
To enjoy your bagels fresh again, warm them in a toaster or the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes. This brings back the crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese provides a unique moisture and protein profile, but if you want to experiment, ricotta might be a decent substitute though it will tweak the texture slightly.
Do I have to use an air fryer for this recipe?
The air fryer is key to achieving that golden crust quickly without needing an oven, but you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) in a conventional oven for about 20-25 minutes.
Can I make these bagels vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cottage cheese for protein and texture, so veganizing it would require a specialty plant-based cheese alternative and possibly adjustments to the dough consistency.
Are these bagels dense like traditional bagels?
They are lighter and fluffier than dense traditional bagels, thanks to the baking powder and cottage cheese; they make a great everyday protein-rich option.
How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?
Simply double or triple the ingredients, but make sure to air fry in batches to maintain consistent cooking and avoid overcrowding the basket.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a warm, protein-rich bagel fresh from the air fryer, and this Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe delivers exactly that with so little fuss. It’s a wholesome, tasty way to fuel your day or impress friends with a homemade delight. Give it a whirl—you might just find a new favorite to add to your recipe collection!
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Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick and healthy twist on traditional bagels, made easily in the air fryer. Combining flour, baking powder, and creamy cottage cheese, they create a soft, protein-packed dough that’s shaped into bagels and air fried to golden perfection. Topped with a simple egg wash and your choice of seeds or seasoning, these bagels are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
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% fat)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
- Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning (optional)
- Poppy seeds (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using. Ensure these ingredients are evenly mixed to create a consistent base for the dough.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until the mixture begins to form a chunky dough. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to mix the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth dough ball forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour or lightly coat your hands to make kneading easier. This step may also be performed using a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 6-7 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. Bring the ends together to form a classic bagel shape. Repeat for all four pieces.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack and whisk the egg together with a splash of water or milk to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel with the egg wash. This helps any toppings stick and promotes a golden crust after cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches. Air fry the bagels for 15-17 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark to monitor their progress, as cooking times can vary between air fryer models. They should be golden brown when done.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the bagels set and improves texture.
Notes
- Use 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese for the best texture; avoid fat-free versions as they can make the dough dry.
- Adjust flour quantity slightly if the dough is too sticky or too dry; cottage cheese moisture can vary.
- Feel free to customize your toppings with herbs, seeds, or seasoning blends like everything seasoning.
- Check on bagels midway through cooking to prevent over-browning, as air fryer temperatures can differ.
- Letting bagels cool completely before slicing improves the crumb and prevents squishing.
