There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the smell of bagels fresh from the oven—or in our case, the air fryer. I remember Saturday mornings at my grandparents’ place, the air thick with the aroma of baking bread, and the excitement of reaching for a warm, chewy bagel smeared with cream cheese. Since moving away, I’ve missed that comforting routine, but now I can recreate it in my kitchen with a simple and delightful air fryer recipe!
Why not avoid the hassle of boiling and baking when you can whip up a batch of homemade bagels in a fraction of the time? Trust me when I say, this air fryer bagel recipe has become a weekend staple. It’s quick, easy, and delivers that satisfying chewiness that you can’t resist.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, coffee in hand, and the promise of bagels on the horizon. This recipe transforms just a handful of ingredients into fluffy, toasted rings of joy in less than 30 minutes! These bagels are not only super simple to make, but they also pack a punch with Greek yogurt, which adds protein and keeps them wonderfully moist. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite toppings—whether you’re a classic everything bagel aficionado or a sesame seed enthusiast, these bad boys have got you covered!
Plus, air frying gives them that golden crisp without a ton of oil, making them not only a tasty breakfast option but a healthier one too. It’s a win-win!
Gather these ingredients
To create these delightful bagels, gather the following:
- Flour (1 cup): This is your foundation! All-purpose flour works best. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free blend, but I haven’t tested it myself.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): This little miracle works wonders to achieve that airy texture. Don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Salt enhances all the flavors. Be brave with it; bagels are meant to have a flavor punch!
- Greek Yogurt (3/4 cup): The star ingredient that not only provides moisture but also gives a subtle tang. Feel free to swap with a non-dairy yogurt if you’re going vegan or dairy-free.
- Egg (for egg wash): This helps achieve that beautiful golden color on top of your bagels. If you’re looking to keep it plant-based, a sprinkle of almond or soy milk can work instead.
- Optional Toppings: Go wild with your favorites! Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar blend could be your finishing touch.
How to prepare Air Fryer Bagels
Ready to roll? Let’s get those bagels into your life!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the Greek yogurt into the dry mix. Stir until it starts clumping together into a dough.
- Lightly flour your surface and knead that dough until it’s smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Consider this your mini workout for the day!
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a bagel by poking a hole in the center and gently stretching it out. Make it cozy!
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This step is key—don’t rush it!
- Brush the tops of the bagels with the whisked egg (or non-dairy milk) and sprinkle on those toppings that make your heart sing.
- Carefully place the bagels in your air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like magic!
- Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, patience pays off!
Best way to enjoy it
These bagels are delightful straight out of the air fryer, but why not elevate the experience? Top them with cream cheese, avocado, or smoked salmon for a brunch treat that’ll impress anyone sitting at your table. Drizzle a bit of honey or hot sauce for a sweet and spicy combo—your bagel, your rules!
For an additional side, fresh fruit or a simple salad can complement the meal perfectly. Get creative with your presentation, and don’t forget a steaming cup of coffee or tea to wash it all down.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? First off, congrats! Store your bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep them around longer, they freeze like a dream! Simply wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to devour one (or three), just thaw them at room temperature and give them a quick reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a couple of nuggets to ensure your bagel game is strong:
- When kneading the dough, don’t overdo it! Just enough to combine—tough bagels are a no-go.
- Experiment! Add in garlic powder or herbs to the dough for an infusion of flavor.
- If the dough feels too sticky, a pinch of flour can help out.
- Consider toasting any toppings (like sesame seeds) for an intense burst of flavor right before you sprinkle them on.
Creative Twists
Why stick to the basics? Here are a few variations to consider:
- Sweet Bagels: Swap the salt for a pinch of sugar and add some cinnamon to the mix. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet breakfast.
- Savory Options: Incorporate minced garlic and onion flakes directly into the dough for an ultra-savory bite.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in shredded cheese of your choice for an extra cheesy bagel that’ll give your taste buds a treat!
- Herbal Delight: Fresh herbs like dill or chives added to the dough can transform your bagels into a gourmet breakfast option.
Your questions answered
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on how many bagels you’re making.
- What’s the prep time? From start to finish, plan on about 30 minutes.
- Can I use self-rising flour? Yes! Just omit the baking powder and salt if you do.
- What’s the best topping? That’s totally subjective! Some like classic cream cheese, while others might prefer a herbed cream cheese spread.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based option and skip the egg wash or use an alternative for that.
If you’re craving homemade doughy goodness, making these air fryer bagels is a fun and rewarding cooking affair. Plus, they come together without any fuss. So, roll up your sleeves and dive in! I can’t wait to see how these turn out for you, so don’t forget to share your twists and tweaks. Remember, every kitchen tells a story, so let yours be filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked bagels!
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Bagels
Description
Recreate the nostalgic smell of freshly baked bagels in your own kitchen with this simple air fryer recipe. Fluffy, chewy, and customizable, these bagels are perfect for any breakfast or brunch.Ingredients for Air Fryer Bagels
Main Ingredients
Preparation Instructions
Steps to Make Bagels
-
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined. -
Combine Dough
Add the Greek yogurt into the dry mix. Stir until it starts clumping together into a dough. -
Knead Dough
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough until it's smooth, about 1-2 minutes.Don’t over-knead. -
Shape Bagels
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a bagel by poking a hole in the center and gently stretching it out. -
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F.This step is key. -
Brush and Add Toppings
Brush the tops of the bagels with the whisked egg or non-dairy milk and sprinkle on toppings. -
Air Fry Bagels
Carefully place the bagels in your air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.Kitchen will smell amazing! -
Cool and Serve
Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.Patience pays off!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 100 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Phosphorus 100 mg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
