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
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% 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.
