If you’ve been searching for a way to indulge your bagel cravings without sacrificing your health goals, these Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a total game changer. Imagine a warm, golden bagel with a chewy interior, brimming with protein and made in under 25 minutes. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and protein powder, giving you a nutritious, satisfying breakfast or snack that feels like a treat. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just love a homemade bagel, Air Fryer Protein Bagels deliver big flavor with a fraction of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Protein Bagels is how you need just a handful of kitchen staples to whip them up. Each ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s adding structure, boosting protein, or creating that classic golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture, tang, and a protein punch, creating a tender crumb inside every bagel.
- Self-rising flour: Gives rise and structure for that classic bagel chew; if you don’t have it, you can easily make your own with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Unflavored or vanilla protein powder: Bumps up the nutrition and helps you stay full longer, whether you use unflavored for neutrality or vanilla for a hint of sweetness.
- Egg (beaten): The secret to that shiny, bakery-style crust and helping the toppings stick.
- Optional toppings (sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds): Let you customize each bagel with your favorite crunch and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Combine the Greek yogurt, self-rising flour (or your homemade blend), and protein powder. Stir everything together until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy! That’s totally normal at this stage and means you’re on the right track.
Step 2: Knead for Smoothness
Lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board, then turn the dough out onto the surface. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes, dusting with a bit more flour if it’s too sticky. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and just slightly tacky but not wet. This step gives your Air Fryer Protein Bagels their classic texture.
Step 3: Shape Your Bagels
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 to 8 inches long. Then, bring the ends together and pinch them firmly to form a bagel shape. If you want perfectly round bagels, gently smooth the seams with your fingers.
Step 4: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F while you get your bagels ready for their golden transformation. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, making sure to coat them evenly for that irresistible sheen. Sprinkle your chosen toppings over each bagel—don’t be shy!
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If your basket is on the small side, cook them in batches so they have room to rise and crisp up. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed and beautifully golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving—they’ll smell incredible, but patience pays off for the perfect bite!
How to Serve Air Fryer Protein Bagels
Garnishes
There are endless ways to top your Air Fryer Protein Bagels. For a classic look and flavor, sprinkle on sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a generous shake of everything bagel seasoning. If you’re feeling adventurous, try shredded cheese, dried herbs, or a pinch of flaky salt. Each garnish adds a pop of texture and color that makes your bagels irresistible and totally customizable.
Side Dishes
Pair your freshly baked bagels with a side of crisp fruit, a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. If you’re making brunch, serve with smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, and red onions for a deli-inspired spread that feels fancy without any fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Air Fryer Protein Bagels aren’t just for breakfast! Slice them for hearty sandwiches, toast them and spread with your favorite nut butter, or use mini versions as sliders for a unique party snack. They also make a fantastic base for open-faced avocado toast or a protein-packed egg sandwich—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Air Fryer Protein Bagels (though they tend to disappear fast!), cool them completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your bagels once they’ve cooled. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring your bagels back to life, toast them in a toaster or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and lightly crisped. This revives the texture and makes them taste freshly baked, even days later. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make them chewy.
FAQs
Can I use a flavored protein powder in Air Fryer Protein Bagels?
Absolutely! If you love a hint of vanilla or another mild flavor, a flavored protein powder works well. Just keep in mind that a strongly flavored powder might affect the overall taste of your bagels.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you need a dairy-free option, try a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt. The consistency should be similar to Greek yogurt for the best texture in your Air Fryer Protein Bagels.
Why did my bagels turn out dense?
Over-kneading or using too much flour can make the bagels dense. Aim for a dough that’s just smooth and slightly tacky, and be careful not to overwork it. Also, be sure your leavening is fresh if you’re making your own self-rising flour.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double (or even triple) the batch if you’re feeding a crowd! Just work in batches when air frying to ensure each bagel cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
Are Air Fryer Protein Bagels gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses regular or self-rising flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder and protein powder are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Making Air Fryer Protein Bagels at home is incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait for you to experience that first bite! Each bagel is packed with protein, easy to customize, and ready in no time—perfect for busy mornings or healthy snacking. Give them a try, and you might never look at store-bought bagels the same way again!
Print
Air Fryer Protein Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Protein Bagels are a quick, healthy breakfast option combining Greek yogurt, protein powder, and self-rising flour for a soft, protein-packed treat. Made in the air fryer, they have a golden crust with optional toppings to customize each bagel.
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt)
- 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder (about 25g)
Toppings and Egg Wash
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and protein powder until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 6–8 inches long, then pinch the ends together to form a bagel shape.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat.
- Prepare Bagels for Cooking: Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
- Air Fry: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based yogurt with similar thickness.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Bagels can be frozen for longer storage; thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
