Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels: 5 Steps to Happiness

Name: Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels: 5 Steps to Happiness
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 19, 2025

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

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Let me tell you about my new obsession: air fryer cottage cheese bagels! These beauties are not just a delicious breakfast option; they’re a healthier alternative to traditional bagels, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese. It gives them a protein boost while keeping them light and fluffy. I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my late-night internet recipe hunts, and wow, did it change my mornings! The first time I made them, my kids couldn’t believe they were homemade. They devoured them in seconds, and I loved knowing I was serving something nutritious without the guilt that often comes with baked goods.

Plus, the air fryer makes everything so easy. No boiling water, no mess—just mix, shape, and let the air fryer work its magic! Trust me, once you give these air fryer cottage cheese bagels a try, you’ll be hooked, too. They’re perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful bagels!

Ingredients List

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels

Making air fryer cottage cheese bagels is a fun and straightforward process that anyone can master! Let me walk you through it step-by-step so you can whip these up in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures that your bagels cook evenly and get that perfect golden color!

Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You’ll want a nice, sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Next, it’s time to knead the dough! Dust your countertop with a little flour and turn the mixture out onto the surface. Knead it gently for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t overwork it, though; you still want those bagels to be fluffy!

Once your dough is ready, divide it into four equal parts. Shape each piece into a bagel by rolling it into a ball and then poking a hole in the center with your thumb, gently stretching it out to form a ring. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect—trust me, they’ll taste amazing!

Now, place the bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a bit of space between each one. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch! Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell divine, and you won’t be able to resist peeking in!

Once they’re done, let the bagels cool for a few minutes before digging in. You can enjoy them plain, or add your favorite toppings—cream cheese, avocado, or even a drizzle of honey. Enjoy your homemade air fryer cottage cheese bagels!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These air fryer cottage cheese bagels come together in just about 22 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous brunches.
Healthy Ingredients: With the addition of cottage cheese, you’re boosting the protein content without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly!
Fluffy and Crispy: The air fryer gives these bagels a delightful crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and pillowy—just how bagels should be!
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings to personalize your bagels. Try everything from garlic powder to everything bagel seasoning!
No Boiling Required: Say goodbye to the hassle of boiling water for bagels. The air fryer simplifies the process, making it mess-free and fun!
Perfect for Meal Prep: These bagels store well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer cottage cheese bagels come out perfectly every single time, I’ve got some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference in your bagel-making journey!

Get the Right Consistency

When mixing your ingredients, aim for a sticky dough that pulls away from the bowl but is still manageable. If it feels too dry, you can add a splash of milk or a bit more cottage cheese. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you want that fluffy texture!

Experiment with Flours

Feel free to switch up the flour if you want to get creative! Whole wheat flour or oat flour can give your bagels an extra nutritional boost and a different flavor profile. Just remember, the texture might change slightly, so adjust your liquid ingredients accordingly.

Check Your Air Fryer Settings

Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on your bagels as they cook. If yours tends to run hotter or cooler, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start with 10 minutes, but don’t hesitate to add a minute or two if they need a bit more time to reach that golden perfection!

Perfecting the Shape

When shaping your bagels, make sure to poke the hole wide enough. It’ll close up a bit as they cook, and you want that classic bagel shape! If you’re worried about them losing their form, you can lay them on parchment paper before transferring them to the air fryer.

Let Them Cool

After air frying, let your bagels cool slightly before digging in. This helps them set and enhances that fluffy texture. Plus, it’ll keep you from burning your mouth—trust me, I’ve been there!

Try Different Toppings

Don’t be shy about topping your bagels! Try everything from a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning to a drizzle of your favorite spread. Experimenting is part of the fun, so let your taste buds guide you!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the best air fryer cottage cheese bagels ever. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each air fryer cottage cheese bagel. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting when you indulge in these delightful bagels!

Calories: 180
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 250mg

These bagels are not only satisfying but also packed with protein, making them a great choice for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something healthy!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer cottage cheese bagels? No worries! I’ve compiled some of the most common queries I’ve encountered, along with my tried-and-true answers. Let’s dive in!

Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese or just don’t have any on hand, you can swap it out for Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both options will still keep your bagels moist and delicious, although the texture might vary slightly. Experiment and see what you like best!

How do I store leftovers?

Storing your air fryer cottage cheese bagels is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months!

What’s the best way to reheat bagels?

For the best results, I recommend reheating your bagels in the air fryer to keep them crispy! Just toss them in at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. You can also use a toaster, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. A little warm-up makes a big difference in flavor and texture!

Can I add toppings or mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! This is where you can get creative. Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or even chopped veggies into the dough for extra flavor. Just be mindful of how much you add, as too many mix-ins might affect the dough’s consistency. And don’t forget to top them with your favorites before air frying—everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of cheese work wonders!

Are these bagels suitable for a gluten-free diet?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can definitely try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results. Keep in mind that the texture may be different, but they should still turn out tasty!

These FAQs should help you navigate your air fryer cottage cheese bagel journey, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Happy bagel-making!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your air fryer cottage cheese bagels is a breeze! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

If you want to enjoy these delightful bagels for even longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing their deliciousness.

When you’re ready to enjoy a bagel, reheating is key to bringing back that fresh-baked taste. The air fryer is your best friend here! Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and pop the bagel in for about 3-5 minutes. This will give you that crispy outer layer while warming the inside perfectly.

If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also use a toaster. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Whichever method you choose, trust me, a quick warm-up makes all the difference and keeps your bagels tasting delightful!