Ready in: 25 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Air Frying · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze.
Quick Answer
To make Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels, blend cottage cheese, flour, and seasonings, shape into bagels, air fry, and enjoy a fluffy, cheesy treat in less than 30 minutes.
With the festive season upon us, I'm always on the lookout for easy yet delicious recipes that can impress guests without taking over my kitchen. Living in New York City, where brunch culture is practically a sport, I have come to truly appreciate the simplicity and versatility of bagels. This season, I'm excited to share a delightful recipe for Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels that promises a crispy exterior and a fluffy, cheesy interior-all made in a fraction of the time of traditional baking methods.
A Perfect Make-Ahead Brunch Dish
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare-perfect for busy holiday seasons.
- Crispy exterior with a fluffy, cheesy interior.
- Perfect for brunch gatherings with friends and family.
- Versatile ingredients that can be modified to your preference.
- Storage friendly-great for meal prepping or freezing.
Ingredients
This Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
How to Make Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels (Step-by-Step)
This simple process takes you from mixing ingredients to enjoying freshly made bagels in no time.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, I start by blending the cottage cheese, egg, and shredded mozzarella. As I whisk, the mixture transforms into a creamy, cheesy blend-so satisfying!
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, I gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Avoid overmixing, as I'm looking for a soft dough that isn't too sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Lightly flour my hands and divide the dough into equal parts. I roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center to form the classic bagel shape. It's a bit messy, but I love seeing the dough come to life!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
I always preheat my air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Meanwhile, I prepare a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet for easy transfer.
Step 5: Air Fry
Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching. I air fry them for about 10-12 minutes, and halfway through, I give them a gentle flip. The aroma of baking bagels fills my kitchen, combining the cheese with the delightful scent of baked dough.
Step 6: Add Toppings
If desired, I sprinkle them with my favorite toppings during the last few minutes of cooking. The everything bagel seasoning adds such a wonderful crunch!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once they're golden brown and cooked through (a slight jiggle should be absent when I gently shake the basket), I allow them to cool just slightly-if I can wait long enough to resist!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much flour: It can lead to dense bagels instead of light and airy.
- Not preheating the air fryer: This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crust.
- Overmixing the dough: This can make the bagels tough, so gentle folding is key.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
- Try adding herbs or spices directly into the dough for extra flavor.
- Serve with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado for a delightful brunch spread.
Variations
- Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique flavor.
- Incorporate seeds or nuts into the dough for added texture.
How to Serve
- Enjoy the bagels warm straight from the air fryer.
- Top with cream cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit for a complete brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storage: After they cool completely, store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Bagels freeze beautifully-wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered that simplicity is key during the busy holiday season. A couple of pantry staples and my air fryer allow me to create delicious bagels that even the pickiest of eaters can appreciate. It's a testament that cooking need not be complicated to be remarkable.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 Bagels · Serving Size: 1 Bagel
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~180 calories · 10g protein · 20g carbs · 6g fat
Recipe by:
Fluffy Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, blend cottage cheese, egg, and shredded mozzarella until creamy.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt to form a soft dough.
- Divide the dough, shape into bagels, and poke a hole in the center.
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and prepare a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Place bagels in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Sprinkle desired toppings during the last minutes of cooking.
- Cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the bagels?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese! Cream cheese or cheddar can be great alternatives to mozzarella, depending on your taste preferences.
How do I know when the bagels are fully cooked?
The bagels should be golden brown and cooked through. You can gently shake the air fryer basket; if there's no jiggle, they are ready to enjoy!
Can I make these bagels ahead of time?
Absolutely! After cooling, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them wrapped individually for later use.
