Be warned, these bagels disappear fast. The first time I pulled a tray of warm Air Fryer Protein Bagels from the basket, the kitchen smelled like warm bread and a little bit like Sunday mornings—the butter, the faint tang of cottage cheese, the promise of a cozy bite. I sliced one open and the steam curled up, soft and welcoming, and I swear my neighbor knocked on the door just to ask what I was baking.
If you want a small, kind-of-healthy treat that feels like a hug and barely asks for time, these bagels do the trick. They toast up in minutes in the air fryer, keep a tender crumb, and make your countertop smell wonderfully homey. If you like fast comfort baking, you’ll find this recipe and my little tips make it an easy go-to. For another quick and cozy air fryer snack idea, I often pair savory runs with my favorite air fryer apple fries recipe—they make the whole kitchen feel like a fairground.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Protein Bagels
These bagels are small miracles: protein-rich, quick to mix, and golden-crispy on the outside while soft inside. They are the kind of thing that sneaks its way into weeknight breakfasts and weekend brunches alike.
They work for busy mornings when you want something filling that also feels homemade. They are gentle on a hurried baker, so they are perfect for teens learning to knead and grandparents who love to taste-test. Because they use cottage cheese and just a few pantry staples, the texture leans tender and a little custardy inside—a cozy contrast to the crisp skin the air fryer gives them.
This recipe also has a playful side. Top one with sesame seeds for a classic touch, or reach for everything seasoning and pretend you’re at a fancy deli. I’ve brought these to book club snack tables, to a Sunday picnic, and to a midnight family snack session where opinions split on whether to slather with butter or cream cheese.
If you love quick, warm bakes that feel both homey and a little clever, you’ll keep coming back to these Air Fryer Protein Bagels. They are tiny comfort circles that make your house smell like a bakery and your heart feel a little lighter. 
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels
“If your kitchen smells like butter and brown sugar, you’re doing it right.”
Before we get into the full step list, here’s a short overview. You toss dry ingredients together, add cottage cheese for moisture and protein, mix until chunky, shape into bagels, brush with an egg wash, and air fry until golden. The dough is forgiving, and the entire process moves fast—perfect for a busy baker who still loves warm, fresh bread.
As the dough comes together, you’ll see little lumps from the cottage cheese that melt and bind as they knead. The surface should be slightly tacky but manageable. Once shaped, the bagels puff in the air fryer and pick up a gorgeous tan. The scent is warm and buttery, with a gentle tang that makes you slice one right away.
This next bit is handy if you like variety: try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder for a savory twist or fold in a few chopped herbs for a green, springy note. If the idea of bagels makes you crave something else, check out a savory companion like my go-to air fryer chicken sausage and veggies for a full plate.
The Sweet Line-Up
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt – optional (don’t skip it if you want the flavor to pop)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese – 2% or 4% (use full fat for a richer crumb)
- 1 egg – optional (for richer bagels and an egg wash)
Toppings:
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Friendly notes: Use real butter for the best flavor when you butter a warm bagel. If you pick a low-fat cottage cheese, the texture will be slightly leaner but still great. Don’t skip the pinch of salt, it makes the sweet and savory balance ring true. If you like a shinier crust, keep the egg for brushing. For a vegan twist, I’ll share alternatives in the variations section.
If you like to snack and test new tastes, you can pair these with crunchy sides like my quick air fryer fried pickles for an odd but delightful combo. The contrasts make for a fun party plate.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Add the flour to a medium bowl and combine it with the baking powder.
Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Tip: measure the flour light and level it off so you don’t end up with dense dough. -
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese.
Mix the dough using a fork or small rubber spatula until it begins to form a chunky dough.
You can also mix the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
Tip: don’t overmix; we want tender crumbs, not tough dough. -
Turn the bagel dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball of dough.
If the dough becomes sticky add a sprinkle of flour or lightly coat your hands in flour as you knead it.
This can also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
Tip: the dough should be soft and springy, not rubbery. Stop kneading once it holds together. -
Divide the bagel dough into 4 equal sections.
Roll each section of dough into a 6-7 inch log that is about 3/4 inch thick, then connect the ends of the dough to form the bagel.
Continue until you have formed all 4 bagels.
Tip: if the ends don’t seal well, dampen them slightly with water then press to close. -
Crack and whisk the egg in a small bowl and add a splash of water or milk.
Brush the egg lightly all over each bagel using a rubber brush or pastry brush. Add toppings if desired.
Tip: use egg wash for a shiny surface; skip it for a rustic, matte finish. -
Preheat the air fryer to 300°F.
Once the air fryer is ready, spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper.
Place the bagels in an even layer into the air fryer. You may need to do this in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.
Cook the bagels for 15-17 minutes until golden. Check them at around 10 minutes and continue cooking as needed since air fryers vary.
Tip: leave a little space between bagels—air needs to circulate to make them crispy outside. -
Once the bagels are done (they should be golden brown and light and fluffy), remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before you slice and serve them.
This resting step helps the texture set and keeps them from getting gummy when sliced.
Tip: cool on a wire rack so the bottoms do not steam and lose crispness.
Each of these steps moves quickly, and the whole process from start to finish will often take less than an hour. The dough is forgiving and patient, and if you make a batch that’s a little flatter or puffier, no one will notice after you spread a generous spoonful of butter.
Serving Air Fryer Protein Bagels With Love
Serve these warm and soft with a smear of butter or a scoop of cream cheese. They are perfect paired with jam for a sweet treat or with smoked salmon for a fancy brunch bite.
If you’re hosting a casual brunch, set out small bowls of toppings: sliced tomatoes, capers, chives, cured meats, and butter. Let people build their own bagel stack, and watch the smiles unfold. For family nights, offer warm bagels alongside a bowl of soup or a cozy coffee cake.
I have a soft spot for butter on a still-warm bagel, watching it melt and create little glossy rivers across the crust. If you want to make a treat of it, toast slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style bagel. It sounds silly, but that warm-and-cold contrast can be divine.
These bagels travel well too. Pack a few in a lined basket with a jar of jam and head to the park for an easy picnic. For a fuller plate at dinner, pair with a quick side like my air fryer lemon chicken bites for a balance of tender protein and warm bread. 
How to Store and Enjoy Later
If you have leftovers, cool the bagels completely on a rack and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap each bagel in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, let a frozen bagel thaw at room temperature or pop it back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. The air fryer brings back crisp edges nicely without drying the inside. For a soft revival, microwave for 12-20 seconds and then toast briefly. I often split and reheat gently so the interior stays soft.
If you want to freshen them up, brush a little melted butter on the outside before reheating. It will restore that bakery sheen and make the aroma pop. When freezing, label the bagels with the date so you can track freshness and avoid freezer mystery.
Tips, Tricks, and Sweet Secrets
Linda’s Little Baking Lessons
- Use the right cottage cheese. If you want richness, choose 4% cottage cheese. It changes the crumb and flavor in a cozy way.
- Don’t skip resting. A short cool-down after baking helps the crumb set so your slices stay neat.
- Play with toppings. Everything seasoning gives a deli vibe, sesame seed makes it classic, and poppy seeds add a pleasant crunch.
- Customize with mix-ins. Fold in finely chopped rosemary or a sprinkle of cheddar for savory experiments. Keep them small so the dough holds together.
- Egg-free? Brush with milk for color, or skip the wash for a rustic look. The bagels will still taste lovely.
What I’ve learned from too many late-night bakes is that small changes make big differences. A touch more flour can make dough easier to handle, and a few extra minutes in the air fryer can transform a soft gold into a beautifully crisp crust.
Delicious Variations
Fun Twists on Air Fryer Protein Bagels
- Cinnamon-Sugar Morning: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dry mix, brush with butter after baking, then dust with cinnamon-sugar for a sweet breakfast twist.
- Herb and Cheese: Fold in 2 tablespoons grated parmesan and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh herbs for a savory roll feel. Top with more cheese before air frying.
- Everything but the Bagel: Coat with everything seasoning, then serve with smoked salmon and dill for a deli-style treat.
- Berry and Honey: Split warm bagel and layer with ricotta, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for an elegant finish.
- Vegan-ish Option: Use a flax egg or plant-based egg wash alternative and try a non-dairy cottage cheese substitute. Texture will be slightly different, but the air fryer magic still works.
Seasonal Spins
For fall, stir in a little pumpkin spice and top with crushed pecans. In winter, make them with a smear of orange marmalade and a splash of warm tea. In spring, add lemon zest and fresh chives for a bright flavor. For summer, top with sliced heirloom tomatoes and basil right before serving.
FAQs About Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Substitute plain Greek yogurt in roughly the same volume. The dough will be a bit denser and tangier, and it still makes a tender bagel.
Q: What if my bagels flatten in the air fryer?
A: Give the dough a slightly firmer roll next time and avoid overhandling. Also, make sure the air fryer has room for air to circulate. Crowding causes flatter shapes.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients and shape more bagels. You may need to cook in batches unless you have a large air fryer. It’s perfect for making a dozen and freezing extras.
Q: Are these truly protein bagels?
A: They have more protein than a plain white roll because of the cottage cheese. They are not a high-protein gym snack but a balanced, filling option for many people.
Q: What’s the best topping for kids?
A: Sesame seeds or a light sprinkling of shredded cheddar usually wins over picky eaters. Let them choose toppings as a fun activity.
A Final Bite
Conclusion
Bake, share, and smile. These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a tiny, warm celebration of simple ingredients and quick joy. They pull together in under an hour, smell like comfort, and make people gather by the kitchen counter. Bring them to a family breakfast, a book club, or a casual picnic and watch how a warm bite changes moods and conversations.
If you want another take on a simple, two- or three-ingredient approach to protein bagels, try this helpful guide from Pinch Me Good: Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe – Pinch Me Good. For a version with creative tweaks and extra photos to guide you, check out the Fit Foodie Finds recipe here: Air Fryer Protein Bagels (2-ingredients!) – Fit Foodie Finds.
Go ahead—make a batch, spread something you love, and pass one across the table. You’ll find this small ritual turns any ordinary day into a cozy memory.
Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Ingredients
Method
- Add the flour to a medium bowl and combine it with the baking powder.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese.
- Mix the dough using a fork or small rubber spatula until it begins to form a chunky dough.
- Turn the bagel dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms.
- Divide the bagel dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into a 6-7 inch log to form a bagel.
- Crack and whisk the egg in a small bowl, then brush lightly over each bagel.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F.
- Spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to set the texture.
