These Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels are super easy to make with just three ingredients! You’ll love their chewy texture and tasty flavor, perfect for a quick breakfast.
Honestly, who knew bagels could be this simple? I whip them up in no time and enjoy them warm from the air fryer. Don’t forget your favorite toppings for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: You can use either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended to a smooth texture.
Self-Rising Flour: This flour includes baking powder and salt. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt per cup of flour.
Eggs: While one egg helps bind the dough, you can replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative.
Toppings: Get creative with the toppings! If you don’t like everything bagel seasoning, use poppy seeds, cheddar cheese, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version.
How Do You Make a Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but it’s all about technique. After dividing the dough, rolling it into balls is crucial, but the hole is equally important for a good bagel structure.
- Don’t be afraid to poke a hole in the center with your finger. Consider using your thumb for better control.
- Gently stretch the ring with your fingers to make sure it’s not too tight; this helps it bake evenly.
- Practice makes perfect, so don’t stress if some shapes aren’t perfect the first time!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 2 large eggs (one for dough, one for egg wash)
Optional Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Dried onion flakes
- Dried garlic flakes
- Parsley (for garnish)
Additional:
- Flour for dusting surface
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 11-14 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. In total, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Super quick, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese and 1 large egg to the bowl. Mix them together until smooth—this is where the magic begins! Gradually mix in the 1 ½ cups of self-rising flour. You can use a spoon or your hands for this, whichever you prefer. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour until you get a nice, soft dough that’s not sticking to your fingers.
2. Shape the Bagels:
Now, dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Transfer your dough onto the floured surface and divide it into 4 or 5 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then take your finger and poke a hole in the center of each ball. Gently stretch this hole to create the perfect bagel shape. It’s okay if they’re not perfect—just have fun with it!
3. Add Egg Wash and Toppings:
Next up, beat your remaining egg in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush (or a spoon!) to brush the beaten egg on top of each bagel, giving them a nice shine. Now sprinkle on your favorite toppings, whether that’s everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or dried onion and garlic flakes. Get creative!
4. Air Fry the Bagels:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Place your bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer—make sure they aren’t touching. Cook them for about 11-14 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, remember to flip them halfway through for perfect browning!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once your bagels are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a rack for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. These delicious bagels are perfect served warm or at room temperature, especially with your favorite cream cheese or toppings. Enjoy!
Enjoy your healthy, simple, and delicious 3-ingredient air fryer cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or even Greek yogurt for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the consistency of the dough.
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can easily make your own by combining 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt. Mix well before using it in the recipe.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Place any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
