If you’ve been searching for a quick, high-protein bagel that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and doesn’t need yeast or rising time, you’re in the right place. This article covers how to make cottage cheese bagels in the air fryer, with a no-fail dough, minimal ingredients, and crave-worthy texture. You’ll also find answers to common questions like: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese? Do I need baking powder? What’s the best temperature for air fryer bagels?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Story & Why I’m Hooked on Cottage Cheese Bagels
Growing up in my family’s Chicago deli, I was surrounded by carbs—big Italian rolls, seeded rye, and bagels dense enough to sink a canoe. But I didn’t discover the magic of no-boil, no-yeast bagels until much later—thanks to a half-tub of cottage cheese sitting in my fridge.
I remembered the viral Greek yogurt protein bagels and thought: why not try a cottage cheese twist? I tossed it with flour, baking powder, and salt, and popped it in the air fryer.
Ten minutes later, I had golden, puffy bagels with a chewy crust and soft, tender inside. It was the beginning of an obsession—one that led to experimenting with Bethenny Frankel-inspired cottage cheese bagels and even 2-ingredient cottage cheese bagels.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels in the Air Fryer
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Cottage Cheese Bagels Air Fryer Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
These cottage cheese bagels made in the air fryer are high-protein, fluffy inside, crispy outside, and done in under 15 minutes—no yeast, no boiling required.
Ingredients
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup AP flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: everything seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Mix cottage cheese and flour in a bowl until a shaggy dough forms.
Lightly knead on a floured surface until smooth.
Divide dough into 4 equal pieces and roll into ropes.
Form each rope into a circle and pinch the ends.
Place on parchment or greased air fryer basket.
Brush with egg wash and add toppings if desired.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for best results.
To make gluten-free: substitute with 1:1 GF baking flour.
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze for 1 month.
Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Only a Few Ingredients Needed
One of the best things about these cottage cheese bagels is how little you need to get started. No yeast, no proofing, no boiling water. Just a simple dough that comes together in under five minutes. The magic happens when the air fryer transforms it into a golden, chewy bagel with a tender inside.
Here’s your short, powerhouse list:
- Cottage cheese (full-fat for better texture)
- Self-rising flour (or AP flour + baking powder + salt)
- Egg wash (for that glossy top)
- Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or shredded cheese
Looking for alternatives? Try bread flour for a chewier bite or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Even a keto cottage cheese bagel version works beautifully in the air fryer.
Mixing, Shaping & Air Frying
- Drain the cottage cheese if it’s too wet.
- Mix with flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead lightly and divide into 4 equal parts.
- Roll each into a rope, shape into a circle, and pinch the ends.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place shaped bagels on parchment with holes poked in, or directly in the basket. Brush with egg wash and add toppings.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway if needed. When golden and firm, they’re done. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
These bake up similar to my gluten-free bagels—light, chewy, and utterly satisfying.
Custom Flavors & Fixes for Cottage Cheese Bagels Air Fryer Style
Flavor Ideas for Cottage Cheese Bagels in Air Fryer
Once you’ve nailed the base, it’s easy to branch out. This is where cottage cheese bagels air fryer magic really comes alive. You can go sweet, savory, or protein-packed without changing the basic dough.
For sweet versions, add:
- A dash of cinnamon and monk fruit sweetener to the dough
- Raisins or dried cranberries kneaded in
- A vanilla protein glaze on top post-baking
For savory bagels, mix in:
- Shredded cheddar or parmesan
- Use everything seasoning inside and out
- Everything bagel seasoning in the dough and as topping
Need more protein? Add unflavored whey to the dough—just like in this high-protein bagel version.
Fixes for Texture, Stickiness & Flattening
If your cottage cheese bagels in the air fryer come out flat or gummy, don’t worry. It’s easy to troubleshoot.
- If the dough is sticky: Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- If the bagels deflate: Don’t overmix or overhandle the dough.
- If the air fryer bagels bake unevenly: Preheat fully and flip halfway.
- If your dough is too wet: Use full-fat cottage cheese and drain excess liquid.
Want extra height and chew? Use bread flour for structure and chill the dough 10 minutes before shaping. And remember: cottage cheese bagels air fryer recipes don’t need to look perfect. That rustic texture is part of their charm.
The key to success is consistent shaping and making sure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded.
How to Store, Reheat & Serve Cottage Cheese Bagels Air Fryer Style
Storing and Reheating for Best Texture
Once cooled, store your cottage cheese bagels air fryer batch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—or refrigerate for up to five. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for a month, easy.
To reheat, avoid the microwave. Use your air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to restore that perfect crisp. This keeps your air fryer cottage cheese bagels from turning rubbery. You can also slice and toast them straight from frozen—just like store-bought.
Looking for a freezer-friendly meal prep option? The gluten-free version is especially freezer-stable.
Creative Ways to Serve Them
These cottage cheese bagels air fryer creations are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some ideas:
- Classic breakfast: Schmear with whipped cream cheese and top with smoked salmon and capers.
- Sweet snack: Drizzle with honey and cinnamon or slather on almond butter and banana slices.
- Mini sandwiches: Stuff with turkey, avocado, and a swipe of Dijon for the ultimate power lunch.
- Post-workout fuel: Pair with eggs or cottage cheese for a high-protein meal.
Their neutral flavor means they work with sweet or savory toppings. I even paired them with my cowboy butter once—total flavor bomb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Bagels Air Fryer
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for air fryer bagels?
Yes, but expect a slightly drier texture. Full-fat cottage cheese delivers better moisture, chew, and richness in your cottage cheese bagels air fryer recipe.
Do I need self-rising flour for cottage cheese bagels?
Not necessarily. You can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup.
Can I make cottage cheese bagels without egg wash?
Yes. Skip the egg wash if you prefer an egg-free version, but the tops won’t get as golden. You can brush with milk or plant-based milk instead.
What’s the best air fryer temp for bagels?
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Most cottage cheese bagels air fryer recipes bake in 10–12 minutes, but always check at 8 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying a simple 2-ingredient cottage cheese bagel, going gluten-free, or pushing for more protein, air frying your bagels is a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice texture or flavor.
They’re chewy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—no yeast, no rising, no boiling needed. And if you’re still wondering if you can swap Greek yogurt for cottage cheese, try it yourself—or explore our Greek yogurt protein bagels to compare.
If you’re curious about the nutritional science behind cottage cheese, check out Healthline’s guide to cottage cheese. For baking science tips, I often refer to King Arthur Baking for flour insights. And for air fryer troubleshooting, Serious Eats has solid advice on air frying texture and technique.
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