Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick and healthy twist on traditional bagels, made with cottage cheese for added protein and cooked in the air fryer for a golden, fluffy texture. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack, they combine simple ingredients with a convenient cooking method.
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)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
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 a chunky dough forms. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to combine.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1–2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with more flour or coat your hands with flour. This step can also be done using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- 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 join the ends to create a bagel shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack and 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 to develop a golden crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15–17 minutes until golden brown, checking at around 10 minutes because cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the egg wash with milk or skip it for a vegan option, though toppings may not stick as well.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle additional flour incrementally to achieve a manageable consistency.
- Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to avoid sticking and facilitate cleaning.
- Check your air fryer periodically as power and heat levels differ among models, which can affect cooking times.
- For additional flavor, try brushing bagels with olive oil and adding garlic powder before air frying.
