Bagels in the air fryer? Yep, we're doing it, turning the classic dense, chewy bread roll-traditionally boiled then baked-into a quick air-fried version.
Making bagels at home sounds intimidating, but it's way easier than you think, especially when using only basic pantry staples like flour, Greek yogurt, and baking powder. We've spent countless mornings testing and munching to bring you this gem of a recipe.
You want bagels that are crispy outside, soft inside, and ready in minutes. No need to wait hours for dough to rise.
Whether you're a morning person or a night owl, our air fryer bagels will fit right into your schedule.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bagels
Get these ingredients ready to whip up some bagel magic:
- All-Purpose Flour: Your base ingredient.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and tang.
- Baking Powder: For that extra fluff.
- Salt: Because flavor, duh.
- Egg Wash: For that lovely golden shine.
- Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels
Follow these pointers to ensure your bagels are on point:
If serving these bagels as part of a larger meal, pair them with hearty options like side dishes for hearty beef tips.
- Use Thick Greek Yogurt: Avoid any runny yogurts for the best dough consistency; Greek yogurt's high protein content gives structure similar to a yeast dough; for other simple air-fryer recipes try air fryer chicken wings for easy meals.
- Don't Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can make the dough tough.
- Uniform Size: Make sure each bagel is about the same size (about 3.5 ounces or 100 g each) for even cooking.
Variations and Add-Ons
Customize your bagels with these tasty additions:
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough.
- Cheesy Bagels: Mix in shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well) or sprinkle on top, and serve with moist cornbread variations for savory sides.
- Sweet Bagels: Incorporate a little bit of sugar (about 1 tablespoon) and top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your bagels with these complementary spreads and toppings:
- Cream Cheese: Classic and always a hit, with its tangy, creamy finish, especially plain full-fat cream cheese.
- Avocado: Smash it up for a healthy option.
- Smoked Salmon: Turn it into a fancy bagel sandwich.
Easy Homemade Air Fryer Bagels
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin (optional)
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Greek yogurt thick, not runny
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg for egg wash
- Optional toppings sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into four equal parts and roll each into a ball. Poke a hole through the center of each ball to form bagels.
- Brush the bagels with the egg wash and sprinkle with optional toppings.
- Place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the bagels are golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Be cautious with toppings; too much can prevent even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of your bagels.
Nutrition
Homemade bagels pair well with crispy air-fryer fries that take about 20-25 minutes at 380°F for golden edges: crispy air-fryer fries for beginners. For a protein-forward brunch option, try a quick air-fryer tuna steak cooked to medium-rare in about 6-8 minutes: easy air-fryer tuna steak tips.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
