These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels are super simple and tasty! Just mix cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder for a quick bagel dough.
They come out warm and fluffy, perfect for breakfast or a snack! I love adding a bit of everything seasoning on top for an extra kick—so yummy and easy to make!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Both full-fat and low-fat options work here, depending on your preference. If you want a creamier bagel, go for full-fat. If you’re looking for something lighter, low-fat is a good choice. Just remember to drain it if it’s too watery!
Self-Rising Flour: This is key for helping the bagels rise without adding yeast. If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt. It’s always good to have a backup plan!
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together and adds moisture. If you’re avoiding eggs, try using a flax egg instead by mixing 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water, letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This adds great flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can create your own mix using what you have in your pantry. Think sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt!
How Do I Handle Sticky Dough?
Working with sticky dough can be tricky, but it’s important for creating great texture! If your dough is excessively sticky, sprinkle a little more flour while mixing or when shaping. Here’s how to manage it easily:
- Lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking.
- If dough sticks to your fingers, just dust a bit more flour on them.
- Remember, a little stickiness is fine—it helps keep your bagels chewy!
- Don’t overwork the dough; mix until ingredients just come together for the best result.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat, drained if needed)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
- 1 large egg
For the Toppings (optional):
- Everything bagel seasoning (a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. In just around 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, warm bagels ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and egg. Use a spatula or a fork to mix everything together until a dough forms. It might be a little sticky, but that’s okay! If it feels too sticky, simply add a bit more flour until it’s manageable.
2. Shape the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Transfer the dough onto it. Now, divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how big you want your bagels. Shape each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll taste great regardless!
3. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of each bagel. Press down lightly so it sticks well. This will add a burst of flavor to your bagels!
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This step is important to ensure your bagels cook evenly!
5. Air Fry the Bagels:
Carefully place the bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. If your air fryer requires it, flip the bagels halfway through for even cooking.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack or plate before serving. If you’d like, you can slice them in half and add your favorite spreads or toppings like cream cheese, butter, or avocado!
Enjoy your quick, protein-rich, and delicious cottage cheese bagels made effortlessly in the air fryer!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! While self-rising flour is recommended for this recipe, you can use all-purpose flour combined with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt as a substitute. Just remember to mix well to ensure the bagels rise properly!
How Can I Adjust the Dough Consistency?
If your dough is too sticky, simply add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Be cautious not to add too much flour at once to avoid making the bagels tough.
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes! Once the bagels have cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer or toaster until warmed through.
What Are Some Good Toppings for Serving?
Great question! These bagels are delicious with cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or even Nutella for a sweet twist. Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences!
