Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Bagels So Good You’ll Forget They’re Healthy!
Okay, can we just talk about how sometimes breakfast is a struggle? Like, some days you want all the carbs, and other days you need something kinda healthy but still delish? Enter: Air Fryer Protein Bagels. Seriously, they’re a game changer. 💥

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients
So, here’s the deal—this is like, the easiest grocery list ever. You just need:
– 1 cup of good ol’ all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder (your kitchen should have this, right?)
– A pinch of salt (totally optional if you’re feeling wild)
– 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese (like, the 2% or 4% kind—you do you)
– 1 egg (again, optional but who doesn’t love a little egg wash magic?)
– And toppings! Everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds—whatever floats your bagel boat. 🥯
Like, I literally just grab these when I’m at the store. Easy peasy!
So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly
Alright, story time! So, I was in a massive breakfast rut, right? I’d been living on cereal and toast, and one day, I was like “Ugh, I need something more.” I stumbled upon this recipe on a random food blog (love those late-night scrolling sessions!). I had all the ingredients at home—like, what are the odds? And after a bit of mixing and air frying fun, I pulled these bagels out and… OMG. They smelled like heaven.
I remember taking a bite, and my taste buds were doing a happy dance. And the best part? They’re packed with protein! I can make ’em while I’m half awake, and they’re just so good. Plus, my kids love ’em (which is a miracle, honestly).

The One Trick That Changes Everything
Okay, listen closely—kneading. Just 1-2 minutes of kneading makes a HUGE difference. If you’re all about that fluffy bagel life, don’t skip this step! Just treat it like a stress ball and go for it!
Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)
– Check your air fryer time: Seriously, every air fryer is different. Mine gets super excited and cooks things faster. So, start checking at 10 minutes, because burnt bagels are a sad, sad fate.
– Don’t go all heavy-handed with the flour: I know, it’s tempting, but too much flour makes them dense. Less is more, my friend.
– Let ‘em cool: I know the smell is intoxicating and you wanna dive right in, but let them chill for a hot sec. They slice easier, promise!
How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)
Okay, so here’s the scoop: if you have leftovers (which, let’s be real, that’s a miracle), toss them in an airtight container. They’re good for about 2-3 days. You can even pop them in the fridge! If you want them to last longer, freeze ‘em! Just slice before freezing—makes it easier to toast later. You can thank me later!
If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too
– Protein Pancakes: Seriously, same vibe—easy, packed with protein, and you can top them with all the goodies!
– Overnight Oats: Perfect for when you wanna prep ahead and still feel fancy in the morning.
– Savory Oatmeal: For the adventurous souls who wanna mix it up. Super filling!
So, what’s your go-to breakfast when you’re in a rut? Let’s chat! 🍳✨
Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a delicious and healthy breakfast option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. With only three simple ingredients—cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder—each bagel packs in 10 grams of protein, making them a perfect choice for fueling your day. These versatile bagels can be customized with your favorite toppings and are easily made in an air fryer or oven. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or lunch, these protein-packed bagels are sure to satisfy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Healthy Breakfast Recipes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 1 egg (optional)
- Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder; add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Make a well in the center and mix in cottage cheese until a chunky dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth, adding flour as needed.
- Divide dough into 4 sections; roll each into a log (6-7 inches long) and connect ends to form bagels.
- Whisk egg with a splash of water or milk; brush over bagels and add toppings if desired.
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F. Spray basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Cook bagels for 15-17 minutes until golden brown, checking at 10 minutes.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 205mg
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29.2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9.9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg