Ever crave a bagel but don’t want that super heavy feeling afterward? Yeah, me too. I love a good bagel, but sometimes I just want something with a little more punch, you know? Something that keeps me full without making me want to take a nap.
That’s where these air fryer protein bagels come in. They are so easy to make, it’s almost silly. And you get a fresh, warm, protein-packed bagel in minutes. This recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings or when you just need a solid snack.
So, let’s get into it. You’re about to have amazing bagels, and your kitchen is going to smell incredible.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is super simple. You only need a few things that you might already have hanging around.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Plain, Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- An Egg (for the egg wash)
- Your Favorite Toppings (like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds)
Tools For The Job
You don’t need a bunch of fancy kitchen gadgets. Here’s the short list of what will make this process a breeze.
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Parchment Paper (or air fryer liners)
- Pastry Brush
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Alright, this is the fun part. It comes together so fast, you’ll be surprised.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Just give it a quick whisk to make sure everything is combined.
Step 2: Add the Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients. Start mixing with a spoon or spatula until it starts to form a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Lightly flour your counter and dump the dough out. Knead it for just a minute or two until it’s smooth. Don’t go crazy here; you’re not trying to build massive gluten chains.
Step 4: Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and then connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
Step 5: Whisk your egg in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of your bagels with it. This is what helps the toppings stick and gives them that nice golden color.
Step 6: Sprinkle your toppings all over the bagels. Be generous!
Step 7: Place the bagels in your air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Pro Tips
After making these a ton of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These will help you get them perfect on your first try.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough. Seriously. Once the flour and yogurt come together, just knead it for a minute until it’s smooth. Overworking it can make the bagels tough.
- Your Dough Might Be Sticky. Different brands of Greek yogurt have different amounts of moisture. If your dough is super sticky and hard to handle, just add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s the key to getting that beautiful, shiny, golden-brown top. It also acts like glue for your toppings so they don’t all fall off.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to mix things up? Go for it. This recipe is pretty forgiving.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Whole Wheat Flour | Will make the bagels a bit denser and heartier. |
| All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour | Make sure it’s a 1-to-1 blend for best results. |
| Greek Yogurt | Dairy-Free Yogurt | A thick, plain, unsweetened kind works best. |
| Egg Wash | Melted Butter or Oil | This will still help with browning and toppings. |
You can also add stuff to the dough itself! Try mixing in some shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or even some cinnamon and raisins for a sweet version.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prep these ahead of time, you totally can. You can make the dough, shape the bagels, and then store them in the fridge on a covered plate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just do the egg wash, add toppings, and air fry.
Nutrition and Diet Stuff
Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at for one bagel. This can change based on your specific ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 |
| Protein | 10-12g |
| Carbs | 25-30g |
| Fat | 1-2g |
These bagels are pretty friendly for different eating styles. For a lower-carb option, you could try experimenting with almond flour, but you’d need to adjust the other ingredients quite a bit.
What to Eat With Your Bagels
These are awesome on their own, but they’re even better with stuff on them. Try them with cream cheese, avocado, or use them to make a killer breakfast sandwich with an egg and some turkey bacon.
They also go great with a simple side of fruit or a smoothie to round out your breakfast.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? No problem.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.
To reheat, just toss them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. They’ll taste just as fresh as when you first made them.
FAQs
Q1. Why is my dough so sticky?
Ans: It’s usually the Greek yogurt. Some brands are wetter than others. Just add a tiny bit more flour until it’s easy to handle.
Q2. Can I make these in the oven?
Ans: Yes! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Q3. Do I have to use Greek yogurt?
Ans: Greek yogurt is what gives these bagels their protein and great texture. You could try regular yogurt, but you’d need to strain it first to get rid of the extra liquid.
Wrapping Up
See? Super easy, right? You get to have fresh, warm bagels that are actually good for you.
Now it’s your turn. Give this recipe a try and see how simple it is. I’d love to hear how it goes for you. Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations
