Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a healthy, high-protein alternative to traditional bagels, made easily in the air fryer. With simple ingredients like cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, these bagels come together quickly and cook to a golden, fluffy perfection. Topped with your favorite seasonings and seeds, they make a delicious low-fat breakfast or snack option that’s perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake without sacrificing taste.
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% fat)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour to a medium bowl and mix together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt if using, ensuring they are evenly combined.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until it starts forming a chunky dough. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If sticky, sprinkle additional flour or coat your hands lightly with flour while kneading. This step can also be done using a stand mixer with the dough hook.
- 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 bagel shape. Repeat with all four dough portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack and whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush this egg wash over each bagel to help toppings adhere and create a golden crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until golden brown, checking around 10 minutes to monitor progress as cooking times can vary by air fryer model.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the golden and fluffy bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the 2% or 4% cottage cheese with low-fat options but avoid fat-free for best texture.
- The egg wash is optional; you can brush the bagels with milk or water instead for a less rich crust.
- Feel free to experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually to reach the right consistency for easy shaping.
