These simple cottage cheese bagels are light and fluffy with just three ingredients! Made in an air fryer, they turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
I love how quick they come together, and the cottage cheese adds a fun twist! Perfect for breakfast or a snack, you can have them ready in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture and flavor in these bagels. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too. Just know the texture may be a bit different.
Self-Rising Flour: This is key to creating a fluffy bagel. If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. It’s an easy swap that still delivers great results!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and contribute to the bagels’ structure. For an egg-free version, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water as a substitute (1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Just keep in mind the texture may vary.
How Do I Handle the Dough for Smooth Bagels?
Getting the dough right is crucial for perfect bagels. Start by mixing cottage cheese and eggs until smooth. When adding the flour, go slow. If the dough feels sticky, that’s good! Just sprinkle a little flour on your hands and knead gently on a floured surface.
- Knead lightly—don’t overwork the dough. You want it soft and somewhat sticky for that nice chew.
- When shaping, keep your hands floured if necessary; this helps prevent sticking.
- Poking a hole in each piece creates a classic bagel shape—don’t skip this step!
3 Ingredient Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for best texture)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt)
- 2 large eggs
For Topping (Optional):
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Or a mix of sesame seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and poppy seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to air fry. You will have delicious bagels ready in about 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the cottage cheese and the 2 large eggs into the bowl. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything well until it’s smooth and fully combined.
2. Forming the Dough:
Now, gradually add the self-rising flour into the mixture. Stir with a spoon or use your hands to bring the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but easy to manage.
3. Kneading the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface to knead the dough. Gently knead it a few times until it’s smooth, being careful not to overwork it. This helps develop the bagel’s texture.
4. Shaping the Bagels:
Once your dough is ready, divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center of each ball to form the classic bagel shape. Make sure the hole is big enough, as it will shrink during cooking!
5. Preparing the Bagels:
Place each shaped bagel on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured surface. This will prevent sticking in the air fryer. If you like, you can brush the bagels with a little water or a beaten egg wash to make sure the seasonings stick well.
6. Adding the Toppings:
Sprinkle your bagels generously with everything bagel seasoning or your choice of seeds and spices. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
7. Air Frying the Bagels:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Once ready, place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook them in batches.
8. Cooking Time:
Air fry the bagels for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking!
9. Cooling and Serving:
When the bagels are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, slice them open and spread with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite toppings!
Enjoy your soft, flavorful cottage cheese bagels made quickly in the air fryer!
Can I Use Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use non-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the bagels. Full-fat cottage cheese yields a richer taste and a softer texture, so expect a slightly different result with non-fat.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat in the air fryer or toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs, spices, or cheese to the dough for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients to maintain the right consistency.
How Do I Know When the Bagels Are Done?
The bagels are done when they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow when they are fully cooked. If they look pale or undercooked, give them a couple more minutes in the air fryer!
