Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a delightful twist on traditional bagels, made with simple ingredients and cooked quickly in the air fryer. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and featuring a golden, fluffy texture, they are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. The recipe includes everything seasoning, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
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 flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a medium bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until the mixture forms a chunky dough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If sticky, lightly dust with more flour. This can also be done using a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a classic bagel shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel with the egg wash to help toppings stick and achieve a golden crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until golden brown, checking at 10 minutes to monitor progress, as cooking times may vary.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cottage cheese with 2% or 4% fat for best texture.
- The egg wash is optional but helps achieve a golden, glossy crust and better topping adherence.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually; too dry, add a teaspoon of cottage cheese or water.
- Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
