Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick and healthy homemade snack or breakfast option, featuring a high-protein dough made with cottage cheese and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They come out golden brown, fluffy, and can be customized with your favorite toppings like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
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 to a medium bowl and mix together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt if using, ensuring they are 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 it starts forming 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 well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour or coat your hands lightly with flour while kneading. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a 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 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 & Prepare Basket: Preheat the 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 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 & 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
- Make sure to knead the dough just until smooth to avoid tough bagels.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid making it too dry.
- Use low-fat or regular cottage cheese based on your dietary preference.
- Customize toppings to your liking—everything seasoning, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds all work well.
- Letting bagels cool helps them set and makes slicing easier without tearing.
