Description
Enjoy these fluffy and protein-packed cottage cheese bagels made effortlessly in the air fryer. Combining simple ingredients like cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, these bagels provide a healthy, homemade alternative to traditional bagels with a quick cooking time and minimal fuss. Topped with everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds, they make a perfect breakfast or snack for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4% fat)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
- A splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (if using) until evenly combined to create your dry base.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until the mixture starts forming a chunky dough. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for convenience.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour or flour your hands lightly while kneading. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used for this step.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then bring the ends together and pinch to form a bagel shape. Repeat for all four portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg together with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel with this egg wash to help the toppings stick and to create a golden crust during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry the bagels for 15-17 minutes until they turn golden brown. Check at around 10 minutes to monitor progress, as cooking times can vary between air fryer models.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the texture to set and avoid crumbling.
Notes
- Adjust flour as needed based on the moisture content of your cottage cheese; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- The egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, golden crust and to help toppings adhere better.
- You can substitute 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese depending on preference for richness.
- Experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for variety.
- Ensure the air fryer is not overcrowded to allow even cooking of the bagels.
- Cooling the bagels is important to enhance texture and to make slicing easier.
