These bagels are super easy to make with just three ingredients: cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder. Light and tasty, they come out fluffy and golden in an air fryer!
I love that I can whip these up quickly anytime. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. Just spread on some cream cheese, and you’ve got a winner! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture and flavor. If you want a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but it might be a bit less creamy.
Self-Rising Flour: This flour is key for a nice rise without needing yeast. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Egg: The egg adds richness and helps bind the dough. You can substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for a vegan version.
Toppings: Get creative! Everything bagel seasoning is popular, but you could also try just sesame seeds or a dash of garlic powder. Use whatever you have on hand!
How Do You Shape Bagels Perfectly?
Shaping bagels might feel tricky, but it’s simple! Start by dividing the dough into equal pieces. If you want smaller bagels, aim for 6 pieces; for larger ones, go for 4.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball. This helps create a nice shape.
- Using your fingers, poke a hole through the center of the ball. Wiggle it to expand the hole, forming that classic bagel shape.
- Make sure the hole is wide enough since it will close up a little while cooking!
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly shaped bagels ready for their delicious toppings!
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
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings:
- everything bagel seasoning
- sesame seeds
- garlic powder
- onion flakes
- poppy seeds (for sprinkling on top)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 20 minutes to whip up these delicious bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Add in the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and the large egg. Mix everything together well until a dough forms. It should feel a little sticky but still manageable to work with. If it’s too sticky, you can add a sprinkle more flour.
2. Shape the Bagels:
Next, divide the dough into 4 to 6 equal pieces, depending on how big you like your bagels. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, using your fingers, gently poke a hole through the center of each ball and shape it into the classic bagel form. Make sure the holes are nice and wide since they will close up a little while they cook!
3. Add Toppings:
Place your shaped bagels on a plate or parchment paper. To help your toppings stick, lightly brush the tops with a little water or beaten egg. Now the fun part: sprinkle your choice of seasonings generously over the bagels. Be creative!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps your bagels cook evenly.
5. Cook the Bagels:
Carefully place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary a little by air fryer model!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, let the bagels cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing them. They’re delicious served plain, or you can enjoy them with your favorite spreads. These bagels are wonderfully soft and fluffy with a crunchy seasoned crust.
Enjoy your homemade bagels!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may make the bagels slightly less creamy. Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Self-Rising Flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will give your bagels the same rise!
How to Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can also freeze them—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Flavorings to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or spices into the dough for added flavor. Just make sure that any additional ingredients don’t overly change the dough’s consistency.
