Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a delicious, high-protein twist on classic bagels, made quickly and easily in the air fryer. Soft, fluffy, and golden on the outside with a tender crumb inside, they are perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack option. Topped with everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds, these bagels bring flavor and nutrition together for a satisfying treat.
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)
- Water or milk (a splash for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (if using) into a medium bowl. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dough: Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until the ingredients start forming a chunky dough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour or dust your hands with flour while kneading. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer with the dough hook.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch long log, approximately 3/4 inch thick. Then carefully join the ends to form a traditional bagel shape. Repeat with remaining dough portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a small bowl, whisk it with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel with the egg wash. This helps the toppings stick better and promotes a golden crust during 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 prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until they turn golden brown, checking around the 10-minute mark to monitor progress, as cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
- Cool & Serve: Carefully remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the texture to set perfectly.
Notes
- You can customize toppings by using your favorite seeds or seasonings.
- If you want a softer crust, you can skip the egg wash and brush with milk or water instead.
- Ensure your air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and browning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary.
- Leftover bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat bagels in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to refresh their crispiness.
