Making cottage cheese bagels in air fryer has revolutionized my morning routine, and I’m excited to share this game-changing recipe with you. These 3 ingredient cottage cheese bagels deliver incredible flavor and nutrition in just 15 minutes. Last month, I was rushing to prepare breakfast for my family when I discovered this simple method. The result? Perfectly golden, protein-packed bagels that taste like they came from a bakery.
These air fryer cottage cheese bagels contain 15 grams of protein per serving. They’re also low in calories and work perfectly for keto and high-protein diets. The best part? You only need three basic ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick breakfast solution, this cottage cheese air fryer recipe will become your go-to option. The texture is surprisingly similar to traditional bagels, but with significantly more nutrition.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Creating these high protein bagels requires minimal ingredients. Here’s everything you need for this simple bagel recipe:
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat works best)
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Why These Ingredients Work:
The cottage cheese provides the protein foundation and moisture. Full-fat cottage cheese creates the best texture, but low-fat versions work too.
Self-rising flour eliminates the need for additional leavening agents. If you only have all-purpose flour, add 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup.
The egg wash gives these air fryer bagels their beautiful golden color and helps toppings stick perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions:
For keto bagel recipe variations, replace regular flour with almond flour (use 3/4 cup). Greek yogurt can substitute cottage cheese in equal amounts, though the protein content will be slightly lower.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect cottage cheese protein bagels every time:
Step1: Preparation:
- Mix the Base: Combine cottage cheese and self-rising flour in a large bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. The mixture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead Gently: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Don’t overwork the dough.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide dough into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, then form into bagel shapes. Make the center hole larger than you think necessary, as it will shrink during cooking.
Step 2: Air Fryer Cooking Process:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare for Cooking: Beat the egg and brush over each bagel. Add desired toppings like everything seasoning or seeds.
- Cook Phase One: Place bagels in air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 8 minutes.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each bagel. Cook for additional 4-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Let bagels cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This prevents them from falling apart.
Timing Guidelines:
Total prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 12-14 minutes Cooling time: 5 minutes Total time: 27-29 minutes
These cottage cheese recipes healthy options cook faster than traditional bagels because the air fryer circulates heat efficiently around each piece.
Pro Tips and Variations
After making hundreds of these high protein bagel recipe variations, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee success:
Professional Tips:
Dough Consistency: The perfect dough should feel like soft pizza dough. If it’s too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add cottage cheese gradually.
Size Matters: Make bagels slightly larger than desired. They shrink about 15% during cooking. A 4-inch bagel becomes about 3.5 inches when finished.
Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary. Proper air circulation is crucial for even browning.
Temperature Control: Different air fryer models vary in intensity. Start with 350°F and adjust if needed. Some may require 325°F to prevent over-browning.
Delicious Variations:
Sweet Versions:
- Cinnamon Sugar: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to dough, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
- Blueberry: Fold in 1/3 cup fresh blueberries and add 1 tablespoon sugar
Savory Options:
- Herb Bagels: Mix in 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- Cheese Bagels: Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese to the dough
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix garlic powder into dough and top with parmesan
Keto-Friendly Adaptations:
For strict keto bagel recipe followers, use almond flour and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum. These modifications maintain the low-carb profile while preserving texture.
Storage Solutions:
Fresh bagels stay good for 2 days at room temperature. Freeze for up to 3 months. Toast frozen bagels directly in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cottage cheese recipes work perfectly for various meals and occasions:
Classic Breakfast Options:
Transform these high protein snacks into complete meals with these combinations:
- Traditional Style: Slice and toast with cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Breakfast Sandwich: Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and turkey bacon
- Sweet Morning Treat: Top with almond butter and sliced strawberries
Lunch and Dinner Ideas:
- Mediterranean Bowl: Top with hummus, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta
- Pizza Style: Add marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then air fry for 2 minutes
- Tuna Melt: Mix tuna salad, add cheese, and warm in air fryer
Snack Applications:
These low calorie bagels make excellent between-meal options:
- Cut into chips and serve with dips
- Make mini sandwiches for parties
- Toast and serve with soup
Meal Prep Solutions:
Prepare a batch on Sunday for the entire week. Store sliced bagels in the refrigerator and toast as needed. This approach saves time during busy mornings.
Kid-Friendly Versions:
Children love these when served as mini pizzas or with their favorite nut butter. The mild cottage cheese flavor appeals to picky eaters.
Conclusion
This cottage cheese bagels in air fryer recipe has transformed countless morning routines, including mine. The combination of simplicity, nutrition, and taste makes it an ideal solution for busy households. These 3 ingredient bagels prove that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated recipes or expensive ingredients. With 15 grams of protein per serving and only 180 calories, they support fitness goals while satisfying cravings.
The versatility of this air fryer bagels recipe means you’ll never get bored. From sweet breakfast treats to savory lunch options, the possibilities are endless. Most importantly, this recipe builds confidence in the kitchen. Success with these cottage cheese air fryer creations encourages experimentation with other healthy recipes. Start your batch this weekend. Your future self will thank you for having these protein-packed options ready whenever hunger strikes.
Cottage Cheese Bagels in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Method
- In a blender, process the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and honey (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
- Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
- Brush each bagel with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagels in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the bagels cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 15g
FAQs
Can I make cottage cheese bagels without an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes in a conventional oven. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and flip halfway through cooking.
How long do these bagels stay fresh?
Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for 3 months. Always toast before eating for best texture.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This creates an equivalent substitute.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese produces better texture and flavor. Low-fat versions work but may result in slightly denser bagels.
Why are my bagels too dense?
Overmixing the dough or using too much flour causes density issues. Mix just until combined and add flour gradually if needed.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Make large batches and freeze individually. Toast directly from frozen for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles and triples successfully. Maintain the same cooking time but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
What’s the best cottage cheese brand to use?
Any brand works well, but full-fat varieties with minimal additives produce the best results. Avoid cottage cheese with added gums if possible.
