Air Fryer Bagel: Homemade and Easy

There’s something special about enjoying a warm, freshly baked bagel. Whether you prefer it with a schmear of cream cheese, topped with lox, or as the base for a delicious breakfast sandwich, bagels are a comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. But let’s face it—sometimes making bagels at home can feel daunting. Enter the air fryer. With the magic of this innovative kitchen appliance, you can easily make homemade bagels that are fluffy, crispy on the outside, and perfectly cooked in less time than it takes to wait in line at your local bagel shop.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making air fryer bagels: from ingredients and preparation to pro tips, cooking times, and creative serving suggestions. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of homemade, fluffy bagels without breaking a sweat. Let’s get started!

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Making Bagels?

If you’ve never thought about using an air fryer to make bagels, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why you should consider using this method for your next batch of bagels.

1. Time Efficiency

Traditional bagel-making involves multiple steps, including proofing, boiling, and baking. While these steps help create the classic chewy texture, they also require a lot of time and attention. With an air fryer, you can skip some of the steps and still achieve an almost identical result in a fraction of the time.

• No preheating required: The air fryer heats up quickly, so you can start cooking right away.
• Fast cooking: Most air fryer bagel recipes take only about 8-10 minutes of cooking time, making them ideal for busy mornings.

2. Healthier Cooking

While traditional bagels are often boiled in water before baking, air fryer bagels use far less oil, making them a healthier option overall. The air fryer circulates hot air around the dough, creating a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying or excessive amounts of oil.

• Less oil, same crispiness: The air fryer uses only a minimal amount of oil or none at all to create a crunchy exterior.
• Lower fat content: Because you’re using less oil, the fat content of air fryer bagels is significantly lower compared to deep-fried alternatives.

3. Fluffiness and Crispy Exterior

One of the challenges of making bagels at home is achieving the right balance between a fluffy interior and a crispy outer crust. The air fryer is a perfect tool for this. It evenly distributes heat, ensuring that the bagels cook through while developing a satisfying crunch on the outside.

• Chewy interior: The inside of the bagel remains soft and chewy, just like the best bagels you can find in a bakery.
• Crispy outer crust: The high heat in the air fryer creates a perfect golden-brown exterior, without drying out the bagel.

Ingredients for Homemade Air Fryer Bagels

The ingredients for making air fryer bagels are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

🥯 Air Fryer Bagels 🥯

Recipe by Air Fryer Repasts

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

160

kcal

Total time

22

minutes

This recipe doesn’t contain pork or alcohol.
Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy some warm, fluffy bagels made right in your air fryer? Let’s do this!

Ingredients:

• For the dough:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, full-fat or low-fat)

• 1 cup self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)

• For topping (optional):

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

Directions

• Prepare the dough:
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Mix with a spoon until the dough starts to come together, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic. Add a bit of flour if it feels sticky.
• Shape the bagels:
  Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, about 6 inches long, and join the ends to form a bagel shape. Pinch the ends firmly so they don’t separate during cooking.
• Prepare for cooking:
  Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. While it heats, brush the top of each bagel with beaten egg (optional) and sprinkle with your desired toppings.
• Air fry the bagels:
  Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching each other. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re ready when golden brown and slightly puffed.
• Cool and enjoy:
  Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and add your favorite toppings like cream cheese, butter, or avocado.

Notes

• Notes:
  Greek Yogurt Tip: Make sure to use thick Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt will make the dough too wet.
  No Self-Rising Flour? No problem! Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt to substitute.
  Crispier Bagels: If you like a firmer crust, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  Storage: These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick refresh.

These ingredients are common in most bagel recipes. The active dry yeast helps the dough rise and gives the bagels their characteristic chewy texture, while the flour forms the dough base. Baking soda is used to boil the bagels, mimicking the traditional process of boiling bagels before baking them in a traditional oven.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Bagels

1. Activate the Yeast

The first step in making any yeast dough is activating the yeast. This is a crucial step, as the yeast needs to be “woken up” by the warm water and sugar to start producing gas and help the dough rise.

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see the yeast foam and bubble—this means it’s ready to use.

2. Mix the Dough

Now that your yeast is activated, it’s time to bring the dough together.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well and stir until a dough forms. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Once the dough is mixed, it’s time to let it rise.

• Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the bagels.

• Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions, depending on the size of bagels you want.
• Roll each portion into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Stretch the hole to form a bagel shape. Don’t worry about perfection—bagels come in all shapes and sizes!

5. Boil the Bagels

Traditional bagel recipes call for boiling the dough before baking it to create a chewy texture. You can achieve the same result without a traditional pot by boiling your bagels in a water-baking soda mixture.

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
• Carefully drop each bagel into the water and let it cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. You should see the bagels puff up a bit as they cook.

6. Air Fry the Bagels

After boiling, the bagels are ready for the air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
• Place the boiled bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the bagels halfway through. They should turn a golden-brown color with a crispy exterior.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels

To ensure your bagels turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

It’s essential to give your bagels space in the air fryer basket so that hot air can circulate around each one, ensuring even cooking. If you’re making a large batch, air fry the bagels in batches.

2. Experiment with Toppings

Bagels are versatile, so feel free to experiment with toppings. Before air frying, brush the bagels with olive oil or egg wash and sprinkle with toppings such as:

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Cinnamon and sugar (for a sweet twist)

3. Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Crispiness

If you prefer a crunchier bagel, you can add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep an eye on your bagels to avoid overcooking.

4. Customize the Flavor of the Dough

If you want to give your bagels a more unique flavor, add herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, or even shredded cheese into the dough. This will give your bagels a distinctive taste that’s perfect for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Bagels

Once your bagels are ready, there are countless ways to enjoy them. Here are some ideas for serving your air fryer bagels:

1. Classic Bagel with Cream Cheese

This is a timeless option that never goes out of style. Spread a generous amount of your favorite cream cheese (or flavored cream cheese) onto the warm bagel.

2. Bagel with Lox and Capers

For a more gourmet breakfast or brunch option, top your bagel with lox (smoked salmon), capers, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon.

3. Breakfast Sandwich

Transform your bagel into a hearty breakfast sandwich by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese. This is perfect for a filling and satisfying meal.

4. Avocado Bagel

Smash avocado onto your bagel and add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. For extra flavor, top it with a poached egg.

FAQs About Making Air Fryer Bagels

1. Can I Make Air Fryer Bagels Without Yeast?

Yes, you can make bagels without yeast by using a baking powder dough. However, this will give the bagels a different texture, more biscuit-like than chewy.

2. How Can I Make Air Fryer Bagels Vegan?

To make vegan bagels, simply substitute dairy ingredients (such as milk or butter) with plant-based alternatives, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) in place of the regular egg wash.

3. Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the bagels should still turn out delicious.

4. How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?

Store your bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their texture.

Conclusion: Enjoy Homemade Bagels with the Power of the Air Fryer

Making bagels at home doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With an air fryer, you can create delicious, fluffy, and crispy bagels in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them with a classic cream cheese spread or transforming them into a breakfast sandwich, these homemade air fryer bagels are perfect for any occasion.

Ready to try making your own air fryer bagels? Get your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and start baking! You’ll be enjoying fresh, homemade bagels in no time.

Call to Action:

Have you tried making air fryer bagels? Share your results with us and let us know how you like to enjoy your homemade bagels. Tag us on social media with your creations, and let’s continue baking up some deliciousness together!