Easy Air Fryer Bagels: A Delicious Homemade Recipe

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 8, 2025

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly baked bagel. Now, imagine achieving that perfect texture and flavor at home without turning on your oven. With easy air fryer bagels, you can enjoy a golden, chewy treat that’s simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to breakfast bliss.

Why You’ll Love Easy Air Fryer Bagels

Making bagels at home may sound intimidating, but this recipe makes it incredibly simple. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy: No yeast or boiling water required. Just mix, shape, and air fry!
Healthier Alternative: Using Greek yogurt adds protein and keeps the recipe light.
Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite seasonings for a personalized touch.
Minimal Equipment: All you need is an air fryer and a few basic tools.

Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Bagels

Here’s everything you need to get started:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Provides structure and chewiness
Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)	2 cups	Adds protein and moisture
Baking powder	1 tablespoon	Helps the dough rise
Salt	1 teaspoon	Balances the flavors
Garlic powder (optional)	1 tablespoon	Adds savory flavor
Onion powder (optional)	1 tablespoon	Complements the garlic for extra savoriness
Water	2 tablespoons	Helps bind the dough
Egg	1, beaten	Used for the egg wash to create a golden crust
Everything Bagel Seasoning	2 tablespoons	Or any seasoning of your choice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of water.
Mix by hand or with a stand mixer (like a KitchenAid) until the dough is thick and slightly tacky.

2. Divide the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface.
Cut the dough into 8 even pieces by dividing it in half, then halving each half twice.

3. Shape the Bagels

Roll each piece into a log about 8–8.5 inches long.
Pinch the ends together to form a loop, creating the classic bagel shape.

4. Add Egg Wash and Seasoning

Brush the tops of the bagels with a beaten egg.
Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning or your preferred topping.

5. Air Fry the Bagels

Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the bagels cool slightly before enjoying. Serve with cream cheese, butter, or any spread of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels

1. Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt

Full-fat yogurt provides the best texture and moisture. If using non-fat yogurt, adjust the flour as needed to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Overworking can make the dough tough. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy bagels.

3. Customize the Flavor

Experiment with cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for a sweet or savory twist.

4. Air Fry in Batches

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bagels in batches to ensure even cooking.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Bagel (1 Bagel)
Calories	~150
Protein	~8g
Carbohydrates	~25g
Fat	~2g
Fiber	~1g

Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and toppings.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Bagels

1. High in Protein

Greek yogurt adds a significant protein boost, keeping you fuller longer.

2. Low in Fat

Unlike traditional bagels, these require no added butter or oil.

3. Customizable Nutrition

Adjust the toppings and mix-ins to suit your dietary preferences.

4. Portion Control

Making smaller bagels allows for controlled portions without overindulging.

Customizing Your Bagels

1. Sweet Variations

Cinnamon Sugar: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before air frying.
Chocolate Chip: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet breakfast treat.

2. Savory Variations

Cheesy Bagels: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the egg wash before cooking.
Herb Bagels: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme into the dough for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer bagels are versatile and pair well with various toppings:

Classic Spreads: Cream cheese, butter, or jam.
Savory Options: Avocado, smoked salmon, or hummus.
Sweet Combinations: Peanut butter and banana slices, Nutella, or honey.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

1. Make Ahead

Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shape and cook the bagels when ready.

2. Storing Bagels

Store cooked bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

3. Freezing Instructions

Freeze cooked bagels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

2. Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. What’s the best way to reheat air fryer bagels?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for a freshly baked texture.

4. Can I make mini bagels with this recipe?

Yes, simply divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the cooking time slightly.

5. Do I need to boil the bagels before air frying?

No boiling is required for this recipe, making it faster and easier than traditional bagels.

6. Can I use non-fat yogurt?

Yes, but the dough may be drier. Add a little more water to adjust the consistency if needed.

Final Thoughts and Actionable Tips

Easy air fryer bagels are a game-changer for homemade breakfasts. With minimal ingredients, no complicated steps, and endless customization options, they’re a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re savoring them plain or jazzing them up with toppings, these bagels are sure to become a household favorite.

Action Step: Gather your ingredients and try this recipe today. Once you see how simple and delicious homemade bagels can be, you’ll never look back!