Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a deliciously light and fluffy homemade treat, perfect for a high-protein breakfast or snack. Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and all-purpose flour, these bagels are quick to prepare and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, ensuring a crisp crust and soft interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
- Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning (to taste)
- Poppy seeds (to taste)
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using until evenly combined.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until the mixture begins to form a chunky dough. For an alternative method, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour or dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking. This step can also be done with a mixer and dough hook if preferred.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick. Then, carefully join the ends of each log to form a classic bagel shape. Repeat for all four portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel to help toppings stick and promote a golden crust during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until the bagels are golden brown. Check the bagels at around 10 minutes to monitor progress and adjust timing if needed, as cooking times may vary by model.
- Cool & Serve: Carefully remove the bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps set the texture. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can increase the air frying time by a few minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- If you prefer a softer crust, reduce the air frying time slightly.
- Experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for extra flavor.
- These bagels are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat bagels in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispness.
- Using 2% or 4% cottage cheese yields better texture and moisture compared to non-fat varieties.
