Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick and easy recipe made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They have a soft and fluffy interior with a golden crust topped with flavorful seeds and seasoning, making them a healthy, protein-packed alternative to traditional bagels.
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)
- Splash of water or milk (for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (if using) into a medium bowl and mix 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 the mixture starts to form a chunky dough. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour or dust your hands lightly with flour while kneading. This can also be done with a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment.
- 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 form a classic bagel shape. Repeat this for each dough portion.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over each bagel. This will help the toppings stick to the surface and give the bagels a shiny, golden crust after cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until they turn golden brown. Check around the 10-minute mark to monitor progress, as cooking times may vary by model.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the cooked bagels from the air fryer and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to enjoy their best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can omit the egg wash for an egg-free version, but the crust may be less shiny and toppings may not adhere as well.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these bagels in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Adjust toppings to your preference—try poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a blend like everything seasoning.
- Use 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese for the best texture; low-fat or fat-free versions can result in a drier dough.
- Allow the bagels to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from becoming gummy inside.
