These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels are easy and yummy! With just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, you can whip up a tasty treat in no time.
They’re chewy, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. I love adding a touch of everything seasoning on top—it makes them even more delicious. Give them a try, they’re super fun to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full fat is best for this recipe since it provides a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, low-fat cottage cheese can work, but the bagels may be less moist.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the bagels a nice rise. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can substitute 1/4 cup of mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for a similar binding effect!
Self-Rising Flour: This is essential for the dough to rise without yeast. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can create your own self-rising flour by mixing 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Try herbs like thyme or oregano, or use just sesame seeds or poppy seeds. I love using a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping your bagels correctly is key to getting that classic look. After preparing your dough, follow these steps:
- Divide the dough into four equal portions to keep the sizes uniform.
- Roll each piece into a ball, ensuring it’s smooth.
- For the hole, use your finger to poke through the center, then twist to widen. This step is important to create the signature bagel shape.
Don’t worry if they look a bit imperfect; they’ll still turn out delicious! Just keep the holes wide enough to prevent them from closing during cooking.
3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for best texture)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
Optional Ingredients:
- Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds
- Filling: Additional cottage cheese for stuffing after baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Totaling around 30 minutes, you’ll have tasty, warm bagels ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and egg. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dough.
2. Add Flour:
Gradually add the self-rising flour to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. It should feel a little sticky but still manageable. If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but avoid adding too much.
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your working surface. Gently knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until it comes together nicely. This helps build a bit of structure in your bagels.
4. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Ensure the hole is wide enough so it doesn’t close during cooking.
5. Add Toppings:
Place your bagels on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Brush the tops lightly with water or use an egg wash. This helps the toppings stick! Sprinkle them generously with your favorite seasonings or seeds.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
7. Air Fry the Bagels:
Carefully place the bagels in the air fryer basket. Make sure they have enough space and aren’t touching each other. Cook them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
8. Cool Slightly:
Once they’re done, remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack or plate.
9. Stuff with Cottage Cheese (Optional):
If you want an extra treat, you can stuff the bagels by spooning or pressing additional cottage cheese into the hollow centers after they cool slightly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm bagels as they are or with additional toppings and spreads of your choice. They’re a delicious, healthy twist on the classic bagel!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be less creamy compared to full-fat. It might also impact the moisture level, so adjust your flour accordingly if needed.
Can I Make These Bagels Larger or Smaller?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size by dividing the dough into more or fewer portions. Just remember that cooking time may change—smaller bagels may cook faster, while larger ones might need more time.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat!
What Can I Use Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own! Combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well before adding it to the dough.