Air Fryer Bagels Recipe

Air Fryer Bagels are a revelation for breakfast lovers and busy folks alike—a chewy, golden delight made without any yeast, rising time, or complicated techniques. In less than half an hour, you’ll have warm, fresh bagels perfect for all your favorite toppings, and these beauties are easily adapted for both classic and gluten-free diets. I truly think making bagels in the air fryer gives you the best combo of quick, easy, and delicious, all without turning on the oven. If you’ve never tried Air Fryer Bagels, get ready to add a new staple to your morning routine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to whip up Air Fryer Bagels, and each one plays a crucial role in giving your bagels that signature crust, tender crumb, and crave-worthy flavor. Trust me—simple never tasted so good, and you likely have everything sitting in your kitchen already!

• All-purpose flour: This is your bagel base, making the dough soft and chewy. For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free blend instead!
• Baking powder: Adds lift and fluffiness, helping the bagels puff up, especially since we aren’t using yeast.
• Kosher salt: Brings out the bagel’s flavor, keeping them from tasting flat.
• Plain Greek yogurt: The secret twist for tanginess, moisture, and protein-packed dough.
• Large egg (or egg white): Used for brushing on a glossy, golden finish—helpful for sticking on toppings, too.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds (optional): Sprinkle your way to bagel greatness and change up the flavor whenever you like.
• Olive oil spray: Prevents sticking in the air fryer and helps the bagels crisp beautifully on the outside.

How to Make Air Fryer Bagels

Step 1: Mix Your Dough

Start by grabbing a medium-size bowl and mixing together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt. You can use a fork, your hands, or a trusty rubber spatula here. The dough will look a bit shaggy and chunky, but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want for creating tender Air Fryer Bagels.

Step 2: Knead and Shape

Turn your dough out onto a generously floured surface. Now for the fun part: use your hands to knead the dough just until it comes together into a smooth ball. Divide it into four equal pieces—this recipe makes four perfect bagels!

Step 3: Form Your Bagels

Roll each piece into a 5 to 6 inch rope, about 3/4 inch wide. Form it into a circle and pinch the ends together so you don’t have any gaps. This step creates that classic bagel shape.

Step 4: The Egg Wash and Toppings

In a small bowl, beat together your egg yolk (or egg white if making it gluten-free) with a splash of water. Brush this mixture all over each shaped bagel. Now’s the time to get creative: leave them plain or sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds!

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Mist the basket with olive oil spray so nothing sticks. Arrange the bagels in a single layer with at least two inches between each. Air fry for about 10 minutes, checking at 8 or 9 minutes—since air fryers differ, give them a peek to make sure you achieve that deep golden crust without over-browning.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your Air Fryer Bagels cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or adding more toppings. This little pause keeps the crumb moist and lets the bagels firm up—so don’t skip it, no matter how tempting!

Step 7: Gluten-Free Bagels Adaptation

To make gluten-free Air Fryer Bagels, just swap in gluten-free flour and use egg white as your binder. Mix the dough as before, combine until crumbly, knead, and shape just like the classics. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll be amazed at how well gluten-free bagels turn out.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagels

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Air Fryer Bagels with everything from classic everything bagel seasoning to flaky sea salt, fresh herbs, or a dusting of Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, try a honey drizzle or chili flakes for an extra kick! These bagels are a blank canvas for both savory and sweet cravings.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm bagels with fluffy scrambled eggs, a colorful fruit salad, or crispy bacon. They also make a dreamy partner to smoked salmon, capers, and a swipe of cream cheese if you’re channeling NYC brunch vibes. You can even serve mini bagels as a crowd-pleasing appetizer board—think dips, spreads, and sliced veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond breakfast by slicing your Air Fryer Bagels and using them for lunch sandwiches, mini pizzas, or even bagel bites for snacks. For gatherings, set up a bagel bar with an array of toppings—each guest gets to customize their own fresh-from-the-air-fryer treat. Don’t underestimate how fun and versatile these bagels can be!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover Air Fryer Bagels keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight bag at room temperature or in the fridge. To lock in moisture, you can tuck a small piece of paper towel inside the bag to absorb any extra humidity and keep the bagels just right.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, let your bagels cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be happy in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature, or leave one bagel out overnight for a fuss-free breakfast.

Reheating

There are a couple of easy ways to revive your Air Fryer Bagels. Pop them in a toaster for a few minutes for a crisp crust and soft inside, or reheat straight in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make bagels rubbery instead of deliciously chewy.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for more bagels?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to double or even triple—just be sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, or work in batches so each bagel bakes evenly and gets that irresistible golden crust.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

If you’re out of Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt works as a substitute—just know the dough may be a touch stickier and slightly less tangy. Full-fat is best for richness!

Do Air Fryer Bagels really taste like traditional bagels?

They do! You get that chewy, tender texture and shiny coating even without boiling or yeast. While a purist might notice the difference, you’ll find these bagels just as satisfying and so much easier to make at home.

What toppings work best for Air Fryer Bagels?

The sky’s the limit! Everything bagel seasoning is a classic, but sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or rolled oats are all fantastic. For sweets, try cinnamon sugar or dried fruit mixed into the dough—have some fun experimenting.

Are these bagels suitable for kids and picky eaters?

Definitely! Kids love shaping the dough themselves, and since you control the toppings, you can make plain, cheesy, or even pizza bagels with a swipe of marinara and mozzarella. It’s a recipe the whole family can enjoy together.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times these little Air Fryer Bagels have saved my morning or become the star of a family brunch! Fast, forgiving, and endlessly customizable, they’re a game changer for anyone who wants fresh, homemade bagels without the wait. I hope you give them a try and find your own delicious twists to make them your new favorite, too!

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