These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels are quick and easy to make. Just mix flour, yogurt, and baking powder, shape them, and air fry until golden. Simple, right?
They turn out soft on the inside with a nice crust. Perfect for breakfast or a snack! I like to top them with cream cheese or my favorite jam. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Self-Rising Flour: This is the star of the recipe, giving the bagels their rise. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder (2 cups flour + 3 tsp baking powder + 1 tsp salt).
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt adds richness, but you can use low-fat for fewer calories. If yogurt isn’t available, you might substitute with sour cream or even buttermilk, adjusting the amount for consistency.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives your bagels a nice golden color. If you prefer a vegan option, use a mixture of plant-based milk and a bit of oil, or just skip it for a less shiny finish.
Toppings: While everything bagel seasoning is a classic, feel free to get creative! You could use grated cheese, herbs, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
How Do I Get My Dough to Be Just Right?
The dough for these bagels should be slightly sticky to make soft bagels but not so sticky that it clings to your hands. If you find it too sticky, dust in a little more flour gradually while mixing until you reach the right consistency. Kneading can help develop the gluten, improving texture.
- Mix flour and yogurt until it forms a dough.
- Turn it out onto a floured surface, and gently knead for about 5 minutes. It’s okay if it remains slightly tacky.
- Shape into bagels by rolling portions and creating a hole in the center.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Coarse salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish—and then you can enjoy your delicious homemade bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too sticky, just add a little more flour until it’s right.
2. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth. Be careful not to over-knead; it should just come together nicely.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4-5 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball. Then poke a hole in the center with your finger and stretch it out a bit to form a bagel shape. You want a nice ring that will puff up during cooking!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps get your bagels cooking evenly.
5. Apply the Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of each bagel with the egg wash. This step gives your bagels a beautiful, golden crust when they cook!
6. Add Toppings:
Now’s the fun part! Sprinkle your choice of toppings evenly over the bagels; whether you like everything bagel seasoning or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, it’s all delicious!
7. Air Fry the Bagels:
Carefully place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. You might need to cook them in batches if you’re making a lot.
8. Cook Until Golden:
Air fry the bagels for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them as every air fryer is a bit different!
9. Cool and Serve:
Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Then they’re ready to enjoy! Slice them open and add your favorite toppings, like cream cheese or butter.
These bagels are soft on the inside with a slightly crispy crust, perfect for a quick, homemade treat!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can! If using all-purpose flour, make sure to add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt to your flour mixture to mimic self-rising flour.
Can I Make These Bagels Without Eggs?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make them egg-free, simply skip the egg wash. Your bagels may not be as shiny, but they’ll still taste great!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Flavor the Dough?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some herbs, garlic powder, or even cheese directly into the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture these ingredients might add to ensure the dough remains manageable.
