Air Fryer Bagels with Cream Cheese: 22-Minute Delight

Name: Air Fryer Bagels with Cream Cheese: 22-Minute Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 egg (for egg wash); Cream cheese (for topping)

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something absolutely delightful about making air fryer bagels with cream cheese right in your own kitchen. It’s like bringing a little piece of a cozy café straight to your breakfast table! What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly quick and easy it is to whip up a batch of these delicious bagels—you’ll be enjoying them in just about 22 minutes from start to finish! With just a handful of simple ingredients like flour, Greek yogurt, and a touch of baking powder, you can create bagels that are golden on the outside and soft on the inside. And let’s not forget about the cream cheese—spreading a generous layer on top takes these bagels from good to out-of-this-world delicious! Trust me, once you try these air fryer bagels, you won’t want to go back to store-bought ever again!

Ingredients List

To make these scrumptious air fryer bagels, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a light texture
1 tablespoon baking powder, which helps the bagels rise perfectly
1 teaspoon salt for flavor
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, this adds moisture and a nice tang
1 large egg, beaten for the egg wash to achieve that beautiful golden color
Cream cheese, softened for topping—feel free to use your favorite flavor!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create something delicious!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because preheating helps to ensure that your bagels cook evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color. Trust me, you want that perfect texture, and starting with a hot air fryer makes all the difference!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir with a whisk or a fork until everything is well mixed. This ensures that your bagels will rise beautifully and have an even flavor throughout. It’s such a simple step, but it really sets the foundation for your dough!

Incorporate Greek Yogurt

Next, it’s time to add in the magic ingredient—3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt! Make a little well in the center of your dry mix and spoon in the yogurt. Then, mix everything together until a dough begins to form. You’re looking for a slightly sticky, but cohesive dough. If it feels too dry, a splash of water can help. Don’t worry if it’s a bit rough; it’ll come together beautifully when you knead it!

Knead the Dough

Once your dough is mixed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Now, it’s kneading time! Knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can really feel the texture change as you work it. Just remember to add a bit more flour if it gets too sticky. This kneading process is key to getting that lovely bagel texture we all crave!

Shape the Bagels

Now comes the fun part: shaping! Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger to form a bagel shape. Gently stretch it a bit to make sure the hole is nice and big—this helps them cook evenly! Don’t stress about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal!

Prepare for Air Frying

Time to get those bagels ready for their air fryer debut! Brush each bagel with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish. This step makes them shine! Carefully place the bagels in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You want them to have enough space to puff up and crisp up nicely.

Air Fry the Bagels

Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Air fry the bagels for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and have that irresistible bagel look. If your air fryer has a light, it’s a great way to peek without opening the basket!

Add Cream Cheese

Once your bagels are out and cooling slightly, it’s time for the grand finale—adding cream cheese! Spread a generous layer on top while they’re still warm. Oh my goodness, the way it melts just a little is heavenly. Serve them up right away for the best experience, and don’t forget to enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

When you whip up these delightful air fryer bagels with cream cheese, you’ll be happy to know they’re not just tasty but also relatively wholesome! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional data per bagel, based on standard ingredients:

Calories: 230
Fat: 5g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but it gives you a good general idea of what you’re enjoying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making air fryer bagels with cream cheese is a game changer for breakfast lovers! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 22 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy fresh bagels in no time!
Healthy Ingredients: These bagels are made with simple, wholesome ingredients, keeping your breakfast nutritious.
Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of warm, fluffy bagels with creamy cheese is a match made in heaven.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or spices for your own unique twist!

Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your morning routine!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer bagels with cream cheese turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Flour Measurement: Always measure your flour accurately! Too much can lead to dense bagels. I recommend spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the yogurt and dry ingredients, mix just until a dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough bagels, and we want them soft and fluffy!
Kneading Skill: Knead until smooth but don’t go overboard. You want a smooth dough, but it shouldn’t be a workout!
Air Fryer Variations: Keep an eye on your bagels while they cook since air fryers can vary in strength. Check them a minute or two early to avoid over-baking.
Cooling Time: Let them cool slightly before adding cream cheese; this allows the flavors to meld without the cheese melting too much.

These tips will help you achieve bagels that are not only delicious but also beautiful!

Variations

One of the best things about these air fryer bagels with cream cheese is how versatile they are! Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:

Herb-Infused Bagels: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or dill into the dough for a savory twist.
Cheesy Goodness: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella right into the dough for a cheesy surprise in every bite!
Sweet Treats: Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the dough for a touch of sweetness. You can even sprinkle cinnamon on top before air frying.
Seed Toppings: Experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before air frying for an extra crunch!

Feel free to get creative and make them your own!

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer bagels with cream cheese are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious sides! For a fresh start to your morning, serve them alongside a vibrant fruit salad. Think juicy berries, sliced bananas, and zesty citrus for a bright contrast. If you’re feeling a bit more savory, a light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette complements the bagels beautifully. And don’t forget your beverage! A steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea makes for the perfect companion. Enjoy your breakfast like a café visit right at home!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover air fryer bagels with cream cheese (which is rare, but hey, it can happen!), the best way to store them is in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from getting stale. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up!

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to restore that lovely crispiness. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get tough! Enjoy your delicious bagels all over again!