These 3 ingredient air fryer cottage cheese bagels are super simple and fun to make! Just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder come together for a quick treat that’s perfectly chewy.
They’re a great snack or breakfast option, and you can enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings. I love mine with a bit of cream cheese—so tasty! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture, making your bagels fluffy and moist. If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.
Self-Rising Flour: This is key for rise and texture. If you don’t have it, you can combine all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup to make your own substitute.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and adds a nice golden color. If you’re looking to make these bagels egg-free, you can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), but the texture might vary a bit.
Toppings: Explore various toppings! I love everything bagel seasoning, but you can customize with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even dried herbs for extra flavor. Adjust based on what you have at home.
How Do You Make Sure the Bagels Hold Their Shape?
Shaping your bagels properly is crucial for a good result. After dividing the dough, roll each piece into a ball and then gently press your thumb to create the hole in the center. Make sure the hole is wide enough, about 1 to 1.5 inches, so they don’t close up while cooking.
- Start with a smooth ball; this helps them hold together.
- Poke a hole with your thumb, then gently stretch it to widen the hole without tearing the dough.
- Keep the bagels evenly spaced in the air fryer to avoid them touching and losing shape.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or use all-purpose flour with baking powder)
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Dried herbs
- Coarse salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll need about 22 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your homemade bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and egg. Mix well with a spoon until a dough starts to form. Once it’s coming together, switch to using your hands to knead the dough until it’s smooth and not too sticky. This will help develop the texture of your bagels.
2. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, making it easier to handle. Roll each portion into a ball. Then, using your thumb, gently poke a hole through the center of each ball to create the bagel shape. Make sure the holes are about 1 to 1.5 inches wide to prevent them from closing up while cooking.
3. Add Toppings and Preheat:
Lightly brush the tops of each bagel with a little water or beaten egg. This helps the toppings stick better. Now sprinkle your choice of toppings evenly over the bagels for added flavor. Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. This step is important for getting those bagels nice and crispy.
4. Air Fry the Bagels:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the bagels in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re spaced apart a bit and not touching each other. Air fry the bagels for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll love watching them rise and get crispy!
5. Cool and Serve:
When the bagels are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This makes them easier to slice. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, you can cut them in half and serve with cream cheese, more cottage cheese, or any of your favorite spreads. Enjoy your delicious air-fried bagels!
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can! If you use all-purpose flour, simply add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour to mimic the effect of self-rising flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or spices into the dough for added flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the dough’s consistency.
How Can I Make These Bagels Healthier?
To make the bagels lighter, consider using low-fat cottage cheese and adding whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also skip the toppings for fewer calories, or use seeds to add fiber and nutrients!
