You know that feeling when you want a bagel, but your stomach and a regular bagel just aren’t friends? Yeah, I’ve been there. Or maybe you just want a bagel that doesn’t mess up your whole day of healthy eating.
It’s totally normal to want yummy bread without the food coma afterward. And finding a good gluten-free bagel that doesn’t taste like cardboard is, like, a quest.
So I got busy in the kitchen. I wanted something super easy, with ingredients I already have. And guess what? I figured it out. These 3-ingredient air fryer bagels are the real deal, and they’re crazy simple to make.
Let’s get you back to enjoying bagels again. For real this time.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is almost too easy. You only need three main things to make the bagel dough. Everything else is just for making them look and taste even better.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | Make sure it has xanthan gum in the blend! |
| Plain Greek Yogurt | 1 cup | Full-fat works best for flavor and texture. |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons | This gives them their rise and fluffiness. |
| Egg | 1 | For the egg wash (makes them shiny and golden). |
| Your Favorite Toppings | As much as you want | Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, etc. |
Tools For The Job
You don’t need a bunch of fancy stuff. Your air fryer is the star of the show here.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer | For “baking” the bagels until golden brown. |
| Large Mixing Bowl | To mix your simple dough. |
| Parchment Paper | To stop the bagels from sticking to the air fryer basket. |
| Pastry Brush | To apply the egg wash. |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | For getting the ingredients just right. |
How to Make These Amazing Bagels
Okay, this is where the fun starts. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step.
Step 1: In a big bowl, mix your gluten-free flour and baking powder together. Just give it a quick stir with a fork to get them combined.
Step 2: Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl. Start mixing it with the fork until it gets shaggy and looks like a crumbly mess. This is normal!
Step 3: Time to use your hands. Lightly flour your hands and start kneading the dough right in the bowl. It will be sticky at first, but keep working it for a minute or two until it forms a smooth ball.
Step 4: Place the dough ball on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into four equal pieces.
Step 5: Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 6-7 inches long. Pinch the ends together to form a circle. Bam, you’ve got a bagel shape!
Step 6: In a small bowl, beat the egg to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of your bagels with the egg wash. This is the secret to getting them golden and shiny.
Step 7: Sprinkle your favorite toppings all over the bagels. Don’t be shy with the everything bagel seasoning!
Step 8: Gently place the bagels in your air fryer basket on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure they aren’t touching.
Step 9: Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
I’ve made these bagels a LOT. Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned that make them turn out perfect every single time.
- Don’t Over-Mix: When you mix the dough, stop as soon as it comes together. If you knead it for too long, the bagels can get tough. We’re going for soft and chewy here.
- The Stickier, The Better: The dough will feel sticky. Don’t be tempted to add a ton more flour. A slightly sticky dough means the bagels will be moist and not dry. Just keep your hands and work surface lightly floured.
- Check Halfway: Every air fryer is a little different. Open the basket about halfway through cooking to see how they’re doing. This way you can make sure they are browning evenly.
Substitutions and Fun Variations
Want to mix things up? I got you. This recipe is super flexible.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a handful of raisins to the dough. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with a little cinnamon-sugar before air frying.
- Cheesy Jalapeño: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapeños into the dough. Top with extra cheese before cooking.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can use a thick, dairy-free plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. A coconut or almond-based one would work well.
Nutritional Stuff
Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at for one plain bagel. This can change based on the exact flour, yogurt, and toppings you use.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
What to Eat With Your Bagels
Okay, you made the bagels, now what? The best part is loading them up!
- Classic: Toasted with cream cheese or butter. You can’t go wrong.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Add a fried egg, some cheese, and maybe a slice of avocado.
- Lunch Time: Use it for a turkey and cheese sandwich or a tuna melt.
Leftovers and Storage
If you somehow have any left, here’s how to keep them fresh.
Store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For any longer, I’d pop them in the freezer.
To reheat, just toast them or warm them up in the air fryer for a minute or two. They’ll taste just as good as when you first made them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My dough is WAY too sticky. What did I do wrong?
Ans: You probably didn’t do anything wrong! Gluten-free dough is naturally stickier. Just make sure your hands are lightly floured when you handle it. If it’s truly unworkable, add a tiny bit more flour, one teaspoon at a time.
Q2. Can I make these in the oven?
Ans: Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a regular oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Q3. Why didn’t my bagels rise?
Ans: Make sure your baking powder is fresh! Old baking powder won’t give you that nice puff. To test it, drop a little bit in some hot water. If it fizzes up, you’re good to go.
Wrapping Up
See? You can totally have fresh, warm, homemade bagels that are good for you. And it didn’t even take a ton of work or weird ingredients.
Now it’s your turn. Go give this recipe a try and see how easy it is.
When you make them, come back and leave a comment below! Let me know what toppings you used or if you tried any fun variations. I’d love to hear how it went for you.
