Protein Bagels Air Fryer Recipe - 3 Ingredients Only

Ever dreamed of making fresh, homemade bagels without the hassle of yeast, boiling water, or hours of waiting? These 3-ingredient protein bagels made in an air fryer will revolutionize your breakfast game! 🥯

✨ Ready in just minutes, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable – this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

High Protein, Low Effort 💪

These bagels pack up to 29g of protein each, making them perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking for a satisfying breakfast that keeps hunger at bay.

Quick & Easy ⏱️

No yeast, no boiling, no long rise times! These bagels go from ingredients to fresh-baked in under 15 minutes.

Budget-Friendly 💰

Using just three main ingredients you probably already have, these bagels are as friendly on your wallet as they are delicious.

Serving Size 🍽️

This recipe yields 4 medium-sized bagels or 8 smaller bagels.

Serving suggestion: For larger bagels more suitable for sandwiches, divide the dough into 4 portions. For snack-sized bagels, divide into 8 portions.

Ingredients List 🛒

For Basic Bagels:

1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (0% fat Fage, Skyr, or any thick Greek yogurt works best)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Pinch of salt (optional, for flavor enhancement)

Optional Toppings:

Everything bagel seasoning
Sesame seeds
Poppy seeds
Caraway seeds
Nutritional yeast

Preparation Time ⏳

Prep time: 5-7 minutes
Total time including cooking: 20 minutes

Time-saving tip: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Cooking Time ⏲️

Air fryer time: 8-14 minutes (depending on bagel size and air fryer model)

Cooking tip: Smaller bagels may cook in as little as 8 minutes, while larger ones need the full 12-14 minutes.

Instructions / Method 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer 🔥

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F-350°F (150°C-175°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but 300°F works well for most standard units.

Pro tip: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but make sure it’s properly weighted down by the bagels to prevent it from flying around during cooking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients 🧂

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your flour and salt. If you’re using all-purpose flour instead of self-rising, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder at this stage.

For all-purpose flour: Whisk together 1 cup flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
For self-rising flour: Simply add a pinch of salt to 1 cup of self-rising flour.

Accuracy note: Precise measurements will yield the best results, so use measuring cups rather than eyeballing quantities.

Step 3: Add Greek Yogurt 🥄

Add 1 cup of Greek yogurt to your flour mixture. The yogurt should be thick and strained—brands like Fage 0% work particularly well due to their consistency.

Begin mixing with a spoon, then switch to using your hands when the mixture starts to form a cohesive dough. The dough will initially be sticky.

Mixing tip: If your dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of yogurt at a time.

Step 4: Knead The Dough 👐

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the right texture in your bagels.

Kneading technique: Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, fold it back over itself, give it a quarter turn, and repeat. The dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.

Step 5: Shape Your Bagels 🥯

Divide the dough into equal portions—4 for regular-sized bagels or 8 for mini bagels. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.

There are two methods for forming bagel shapes:

Roll and Connect Method: Roll each ball into a rope about 6-8 inches long, then connect the ends to form a circle. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal.
Hole-Poking Method: Flatten each ball slightly, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center. Gently enlarge the hole by rotating your finger or stretching slightly.

Shaping tip: Whichever method you use, make the holes slightly larger than you want them to be in the final product, as they will shrink somewhat during cooking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Season 🥚

Beat one egg in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top and sides of each bagel with the egg wash. This will give your bagels that signature golden-brown, shiny crust.

If adding toppings, sprinkle them over the egg-washed bagels immediately so they adhere well. Everything bagel seasoning is a popular choice, but sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a light sprinkle of sea salt all work beautifully.

Topping alternative: If you prefer a richer finish, you can brush with melted butter instead of egg wash.

Step 7: Air Fry 🔄

Place your bagels in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for expansion. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook at 300°F for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Some recipes suggest flipping halfway through cooking, while others find it unnecessary—this depends on your specific air fryer model.

Cooking indicator: Your bagels are done when they have a golden-brown exterior and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing ❄️

Allow your bagels to cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the interior structure to set, giving you that perfect bagel chew.

Serving idea: While delicious on their own, these bagels make excellent breakfast sandwiches with fillings like scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, avocado, or cream cheese.

Cooking Tools & Equipment 🛠️

Air fryer (any model with a basket large enough for bagels)
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Clean surface for kneading
Pastry brush for egg wash
Parchment paper (optional)
Cooling rack

Equipment note: While an air fryer is the recommended cooking method for this recipe, you can adapt it for a conventional oven by baking at 375°F for approximately 20-25 minutes.

Flavor Profile 🌶️

Taste Description

These protein bagels have a mild, slightly tangy flavor from the Greek yogurt with a satisfying chewy interior and crisp golden exterior—remarkably similar to traditional bagels but with a unique character of their own.

Key Flavors & Spices

The base recipe is intentionally neutral, allowing your toppings and spreads to shine. The slight tanginess from the yogurt provides complexity without overwhelming the palate.

How to Balance the Flavors

For more tang: Use a more acidic yogurt or add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice
For more savory depth: Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough
For sweetness: Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough

Allergen Information ⚠️

Common Allergens

Dairy: Greek yogurt contains milk proteins
Gluten: Regular flour contains gluten
Eggs: Used for egg wash (optional)

Substitutions for Allergen-Free Options

Dairy-free: Substitute thick coconut yogurt or plant-based Greek-style yogurt (ensure it’s very thick for proper dough consistency)
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend with added xanthan gum (1/4 tsp per cup) plus 2 tsp baking powder
Egg-free: Brush with plant milk or melted butter instead of egg wash

Nutritional Information 🥗

Based on a recipe yield of 4 medium bagels using 0% fat Greek yogurt:

✅ Calories: Approximately 150-250 calories per bagel
✅ Protein: 12-29g per bagel (depending on yogurt type and additions)
✅ Carbohydrates: Moderate, approximately 25-30g per bagel
✅ Fat: Low, approximately 1-3g per bagel (using 0% Greek yogurt)
✅ Fiber: Contains some fiber from flour (more if using whole grain varieties)
❌ Sugar: Low, with minimal added sugars
✅ Calcium: Good source from yogurt
✅ Sodium: Low to moderate (depending on added salt and toppings)

Nutritional boost: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored protein powder to the dough to increase protein content further.

Dietary Considerations 🥑

Suitable for Special Diets

Low-fat diet: ✅ Using 0% Greek yogurt makes these bagels naturally low in fat
High-protein diet: ✅ Perfect for protein-rich meal plans
Vegetarian: ✅ Contains no meat products
Low sugar: ✅ Contains minimal added sugar

How to Modify for Dietary Needs

Keto/Low-carb version: Substitute almond flour for regular flour and add 1 tsp xanthan gum (note: texture will differ significantly)
Vegan version: Use plant-based thick yogurt alternative and brush with plant milk instead of egg
Higher fiber version: Use whole wheat flour or add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the dough

Recipe Variations 🔄

Ingredient Substitutions

Flour options: Self-rising flour, all-purpose flour with baking powder, whole wheat flour (may need slightly more yogurt)
Yogurt options: Greek yogurt (any fat percentage), Skyr, thick strained regular yogurt
Protein boost: Add 1-2 tablespoons unflavored protein powder or substitute part of the yogurt with cottage cheese

Alternative Cooking Methods

Conventional oven: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
Toaster oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (ideal for smaller batches)

Customization Tips

Sweet bagels: Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough
Savory herb bagels: Add 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) to the dough
Cheesy bagels: Add 2 tablespoons grated parmesan or nutritional yeast to the dough

Pairings & Side Dishes 🍷

Recommended Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad
Yogurt parfait with berries
Scrambled eggs or omelet
Smoked salmon with capers and red onion

Beverage Pairings

Coffee or espresso ☕
Fresh-squeezed orange juice 🍊
Protein smoothie 🥤
Green tea 🍵

Balanced Meal Suggestions

Protein-packed breakfast: Bagel with scrambled eggs, avocado, and turkey bacon
Light lunch: Bagel with cottage cheese, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs
Post-workout refuel: Bagel with nut butter and sliced banana

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Presentation Ideas

Slice bagels in half horizontally and serve open-faced with colorful toppings
Create a bagel board with various spreads and toppings for brunch
Stack mini bagels on a cake stand for a breakfast buffet centerpiece

Garnishing Tips

Fresh herbs: Chives, dill, or basil add color and flavor
Citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest adds brightness to sweet versions
Crunchy elements: Toasted seeds or nuts add textural contrast

Storage & Shelf Life ❄️

Room temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bagels for up to 6 months

Reheating tips:

From refrigerated: Slice and toast, or warm whole in air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F
From frozen: Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then toast, or microwave for 20-30 seconds followed by toasting for best texture

Cooking Tips & Tricks 🔥

Techniques for Better Results

Flour your hands: When working with the dough, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking
Consistent sizing: Use a kitchen scale to divide dough into equal portions for evenly cooked bagels
Rest the dough: For extra chewiness, let the shaped bagels rest for 10 minutes before applying egg wash

Time-Saving Hacks

Make ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate (bring to room temperature before shaping)
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extras for quick future breakfasts
Prep station: Set up all ingredients and tools before starting for efficient workflow

When Things Go Wrong 🤔

Dough Too Sticky

Problem: Dough sticks to hands and surface
Solution: Add flour gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, until workable

Bagels Too Dense

Problem: Finished bagels feel heavy and dense
Solution: Use fresher baking powder and don’t overwork the dough

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some parts more golden than others
Solution: Ensure consistent bagel size and flip halfway through cooking

Toppings Falling Off

Problem: Seasonings don’t stick to bagels
Solution: Apply egg wash more generously and press toppings gently into surface

FAQs ❓

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Regular yogurt typically contains more moisture than Greek yogurt, which will make your dough too wet. If regular yogurt is all you have, strain it through a cheesecloth for 1-2 hours first to remove excess liquid, or add extra flour to compensate.

How do I know when my bagels are fully cooked?

Properly cooked bagels will have a golden-brown exterior and will sound slightly hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re uncertain, you can check that the internal temperature reaches approximately 190°F (88°C).

Can I make these bagels ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bagels freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then freeze individually wrapped. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds before toasting for the freshest taste.

Why did my bagels deflate after cooking?

Deflated bagels usually indicate that they weren’t cooked long enough. The exterior may have looked done, but the interior needed more time. Try lowering the temperature slightly and cooking longer next time.

Are these really as good as traditional bagels?

While these quick bagels have a different texture than yeast-risen, boiled bagels, they’re delicious in their own right! They’re chewier than bread but might not have quite the same “pull” as traditional bagels. Most people find them an excellent, much faster alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! The recipe doubles well. Just make sure to cook the bagels in batches rather than overcrowding your air fryer basket.

Final Thoughts ❤️

These 3-ingredient protein bagels are a game-changer for busy mornings, health-conscious eaters, and anyone who loves fresh-baked goods without the fuss.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – from the basic method, you can create countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Give these air fryer bagels a try and discover how easy it can be to enjoy fresh, homemade, protein-packed bagels any day of the week. Your breakfast routine will never be the same! 🥯✨