Nothing beats waking up to a warm, fluffy bagel packed with protein that’s whipped up quickly and effortlessly. The Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy mornings or anytime you crave a satisfying, wholesome treat. These bagels combine the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, the strength of protein powder, and the perfect golden crust courtesy of the air fryer, delivering a delightfully chewy texture without the fuss of traditional baking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a nutritious and delicious bagel. Each component plays a key role in texture, flavor, and nutrition, making it both satisfying and easy to make.
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, plus a creamy base that boosts protein naturally.
- 1 cup self-rising flour: Provides structure and lightness to the dough; if unavailable, a mix of all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt works perfectly.
- 1 scoop (about 30g) unflavored or vanilla protein powder: The secret weapon for adding extra protein and a subtle flavor kick without compromising texture.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust and helps toppings stick beautifully to your bagels.
- Optional toppings (everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds): These add visual appeal and bursts of flavor that make every bite exciting.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining the Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and protein powder in a large bowl. Stir until everything comes together to form a slightly sticky dough. This mixture is the foundation of your bagels, so make sure it’s well combined before moving on.
Step 2: Knead to Perfection
Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step is what gives your bagels their chewy, satisfying texture you’ll love.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal portions and roll each piece into a rope shape. Then, carefully pinch the ends together to form classic bagel loops. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; rustic shapes have their own charm!
Step 4: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures your bagels start cooking evenly and develop that lovely crust right from the get-go.
Step 5: Add an Egg Wash and Toppings
Using a beaten egg, brush each bagel lightly all over. This not only gives a golden shine but acts as glue for your chosen toppings. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds to your heart’s content.
Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there’s enough space between them. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an evenly browned crust. When they’re golden and cooked through, your bagels are ready!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bagels to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This brief rest lets the flavors settle and the texture set perfectly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get really creative! Besides the classic everything bagel seasoning, fresh herbs like chives or dill add brightness, while a light spread of cream cheese or smashed avocado complements the protein-packed base wonderfully. A drizzle of honey or some nut butter can bring just the right touch of sweetness if you prefer a savory-sweet combo.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone snack, but pairing your warm Air Fryer Protein Bagels with fresh fruit, a hard-boiled egg, or a colorful salad turns it into a full, balanced meal. Plus, a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea makes the experience even more cozy and satisfying!
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just bagels with cream cheese—try turning these into mini bagel sandwiches filled with smoked salmon and capers, or layer them with turkey, spinach, and tomato for a tasty protein-rich lunch. For a fun twist, slice and toast them lightly, then top with ricotta and a sprinkle of your favorite seeds and herbs. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover bagels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft while maintaining flavor, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your bagels individually by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer, saving you time for future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, toast your bagel slices directly or warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp. This restores that freshly made texture with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use flavored protein powder in this Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that flavored protein powders can alter the final taste. Vanilla blends work best for a mild sweetness, while other flavors might overshadow the tang of the Greek yogurt or compete with your toppings.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No problem! You can easily substitute by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This combination mimics self-rising flour perfectly and helps your bagels rise beautifully.
Is it okay to omit the egg wash?
Yes, you can skip the egg wash, but know that your bagels won’t develop that golden, glossy finish, and toppings may not stick as well. If avoiding eggs, try brushing with a little milk or plant-based milk instead for a softer color.
Can I double this recipe to make more bagels?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and work in batches if your air fryer basket can’t fit all the bagels at once. Cooking them in smaller batches ensures each bagel cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
How chewy are these protein bagels compared to traditional bagels?
Thanks to the Greek yogurt and kneading process, these bagels have a pleasantly chewy texture, although they’re slightly lighter than traditional boiled bagels. The air fryer helps develop a firm crust that complements the soft interior perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe is a warm hug on a plate — simple to prepare, packed with nutrition, and versatile enough to suit any craving or mealtime. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy bagels that keep you energized without the guilt, this recipe is your new best friend. Give it a try and watch how it brightens your mornings and snacks with wholesome goodness and big flavor!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick and healthy breakfast option combining the creaminess of Greek yogurt and the power of protein powder for a soft, chewy texture. Perfectly crispy on the outside thanks to the air fryer, they offer a delicious high-protein alternative to traditional bagels. Customize with your favorite toppings like everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds for added flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
- 1 scoop (about 30g) unflavored or vanilla protein powder
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and protein powder. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope and shape into a bagel by pinching the ends together.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare bagels for cooking: Brush each bagel with a beaten egg and sprinkle with desired toppings.
- Air fry: Place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the bagels cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If using all-purpose flour instead of self-rising, add 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt to the flour before mixing.
- You can use flavored protein powder, but it may affect the final taste of the bagels.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
