These Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels are quick and easy to make with just three ingredients! They’re fluffy, cheesy, and the perfect snack or breakfast treat.
I love how simple they are – just mix, shape, and air fry! Plus, they smell amazing while cooking. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of your favorite seasoning on top! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives these bagels a creamy texture. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but the texture might be a bit different.
Self-Rising Flour: This is handy because it already contains baking powder and salt, but if you don’t have it, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for a good substitute.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough together. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can substitute it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or just skip it; the bagels will still hold up quite well!
Toppings: Get creative! While sesame seeds and everything bagel seasoning are popular, you can use any favorite herbs or spices. Feel free to skip the toppings for a plain bagel experience.
How Do You Knead the Dough Properly?
Kneading dough may seem tricky, but it’s about getting it to the right texture. The goal is to mix the ingredients until just combined, then lightly knead to develop the gluten, which gives the dough its structure.
- After mixing, lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- Gently knead the dough by folding it over itself and pressing down, about 1-2 minutes should do. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
Remember, too much kneading can make the bagels tough, so keep it gentle! The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky.
3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for best texture)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or use all-purpose flour with added baking powder and salt)
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings:
- sesame seeds
- everything bagel seasoning
- poppy seeds
- coarse salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. Don’t forget to let the bagels cool slightly before enjoying them. Overall, you can have fresh bagels ready in less than 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Dough:
Start by combining the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and egg in a mixing bowl. Use a spoon or a stand mixer to mix everything until a sticky dough forms. If you’re mixing by hand, just take your time to ensure everything is well blended!
2. Knead the Dough:
Now, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth. If it feels too sticky, don’t worry—just add a little more flour, a bit at a time, until it’s manageable.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, and then poke a hole through the center with your fingers to create the bagel shape. Make sure to gently stretch the holes to about 1.5 inches wide so the bagels cook evenly.
4. Add Toppings (Optional):
If you want to add some flair, lightly brush or spray the bagels with water or an egg wash, then sprinkle your favorite toppings over the top. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor and texture!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the bagels. Preheating helps them cook evenly and become nice and golden.
6. Air Fry the Bagels:
Place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer isn’t large enough. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle!
8. Enjoy!
Your fresh cottage cheese bagels are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them plain, or with your favorite spreads and toppings. They’re soft, slightly cheesy on the inside, and beautifully golden on the outside. Yum!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best results for soft and cheesy bagels!
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will give you a similar rise for your bagels.
Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Absolutely! Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them later, you can toast them briefly for added crispness!
How Can I Reheat the Bagels?
To reheat, place the bagels in the air fryer or toaster for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their softness while adding a little crunch back to the crust!
