Air Fryer Bagels

I discovered this recipe during one of those late-night internet rabbit holes when I was searching for quick bread recipes. The concept seemed almost too simple to be true – just self-rising flour and Greek yogurt to make bagel dough? I had to try it. The first time I made them, I was amazed at how the two ingredients came together into a cohesive, workable dough. It's slightly sticky at first, but as you knead it, it transforms into this beautiful, smooth ball. Shaping them into bagels is actually fun – you roll the dough into ropes and connect the ends, or poke a hole through the center and stretch it gently. The egg wash gives them that beautiful shiny, golden finish, and the everything seasoning sticks perfectly. When they emerge from the air fryer, puffed up and golden brown, you'd swear they came from a professional bakery. The texture is remarkably authentic – that characteristic chew you expect from a bagel is absolutely there. I've made these dozens of times now, experimenting with different seasonings and even adding ingredients to the dough itself. What keeps me coming back is the speed and simplicity combined with genuinely delicious results.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is how it democratizes bagel-making. Before discovering this method, I thought homemade bagels required boiling water, special techniques, and hours of time. This recipe throws all those assumptions out the window. It's accessible, foolproof, and incredibly fast. The fact that you only need two main ingredients means I can make fresh bagels on a whim without a special grocery run. The air fryer is a game-changer here – it gives you that perfect crispy exterior without heating up your whole kitchen or dealing with a pot of boiling water. I also appreciate how customizable these are. You can use regular or gluten-free flour, add herbs or cheese to the dough, or experiment with different toppings. The everything seasoning is my go-to because it's classic and delicious, but cinnamon sugar bagels are amazing too. These bagels have saved me on countless busy mornings when I needed something substantial and satisfying quickly. They're also impressive enough to serve to guests, and people are always shocked when I tell them how easy they are to make.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Self-Rising Flour: Provides structure and leavening; use gluten-free alternative if needed
• Greek Yogurt: Creates moisture and tanginess; must be plain, full-fat works best
• Egg: Brushed on top for golden color and shine
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Classic topping with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the Simple Dough

Start by combining your self-rising flour and Greek yogurt in a large bowl. This magical two-ingredient dough comes together quickly. Mix with a spoon first, then get your hands in there and knead it for a few minutes. You'll feel it transform from sticky to smooth and pliable. This is the foundation of your bagels, so take your time to knead it well until it's no longer sticky.

Shape Into Bagel Rings

Divide your dough into four equal pieces for perfectly sized bagels. Now comes the fun part – shaping! Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long, then bring the ends together to form a circle, pinching them firmly so they stay connected. Alternatively, you can roll each piece into a ball, poke your finger through the center, and gently stretch it to create that classic bagel hole. Don't worry about perfection; homemade charm is part of the appeal!

Add Golden Egg Wash and Seasoning

Beat your egg in a small bowl until smooth. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of each bagel with the egg wash. This step is crucial for that beautiful golden-brown color and professional bakery look. While the egg wash is still wet, sprinkle your everything bagel seasoning liberally over the top. Press it gently with your fingers so it really sticks and won't fall off during cooking.

Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Carefully place your prepared bagels in the basket, making sure they have a bit of space between them for air circulation. Set your timer for 10-12 minutes. About halfway through, flip them over so both sides get that gorgeous golden color. You'll know they're done when they're puffed up and beautifully browned all over.

Cool and Enjoy

Resist the urge to cut into them immediately! Let your bagels rest for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps them set up and makes slicing easier. Once cooled slightly, slice them horizontally and serve them however you like – toasted with butter, loaded with cream cheese, or as the base for your favorite sandwich.

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Switch Things Up

I'll never forget the first time I made these bagels on a lazy Sunday morning when I realized I had no bread in the house. I was skeptical that something so simple could actually work, but desperation and curiosity got the better of me. I mixed the dough, which came together in literally two minutes, shaped them into wonky circles (my first attempt at bagel shaping was... interesting), and popped them in the air fryer. The smell that filled my kitchen twelve minutes later was incredible. When I pulled them out, golden and perfect, I couldn't believe it. I slathered one with cream cheese immediately, and that first bite was a revelation. The texture was spot-on – crispy outside, chewy inside, just like a real bagel. Now I make these every weekend, and my family requests them constantly. I've experimented with different toppings, but the everything seasoning remains our favorite. My kids love helping shape them, and we've turned it into a fun Sunday tradition.

Perfect Pairings

These versatile bagels pair beautifully with classic cream cheese and smoked salmon for an elegant brunch, or keep it simple with butter and jam for breakfast. They make excellent sandwich bases – try them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheddar for a hearty breakfast sandwich. For lunch, load them up with deli turkey, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments. The everything seasoning particularly complements savory spreads like hummus, avocado, or herb cream cheese. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad and Greek yogurt for a complete breakfast spread, or pair with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting lunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake these in a conventional oven at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Why do I need self-rising flour specifically?

Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt already mixed in, which helps the bagels rise and develop the right texture. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can make your own self-rising flour by adding 1.5 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of all-purpose flour.

→ Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?

It's best to stick with plain Greek yogurt. Flavored yogurts contain sugar and artificial flavors that can affect the texture and taste of your bagels.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store cooled bagels in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice them first and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Toast directly from frozen!

→ What other toppings can I use instead of everything seasoning?

You can use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt, cinnamon sugar, dried onion flakes, or leave them plain. Get creative with different combinations!

→ My dough is too sticky, what should I do?

Add flour one tablespoon at a time and knead until the dough is manageable. Different yogurt brands have varying moisture levels, so slight adjustments are normal.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Unfortunately, Greek yogurt is essential to this recipe's chemistry. Dairy-free yogurt alternatives may not provide the same protein content and texture, but you can experiment with thick coconut yogurt.

Conclusion

These air fryer bagels prove that homemade doesn't have to mean complicated. With just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy fresh, warm bagels any day of the week. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and chewy. Whether you're meal prepping for busy mornings or impressing brunch guests, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results without the bakery prices or effort. Plus, with the gluten-free option, everyone can enjoy these delicious bagels. Make a batch today and experience just how satisfying truly fresh bagels can be!