These air fryer protein bagels are simple, chewy, and packed with protein — all made with just Skyr-style (or Greek) yogurt and self-rising flour. No rising or boiling is required; you only need to mix, shape, and air fry. They take under 30 minutes from start to finish and make a fantastic quick breakfast, snack, or lunch option. Kids love helping shape them, and they’re endlessly customizable.
If you prefer a different texture, you can substitute blended cottage cheese for the yogurt. That variation yields a slightly different crumb and a lovely tang.
These two-ingredient bagels have become a reliable, repeatable recipe in many kitchens because they are fast, approachable, and forgiving. Once you have the base method down you can experiment with fillings and toppings, from sweet fruit additions to classic savory bagel seasonings.
What You Need for Protein Bagels
The recipe relies on a few pantry staples and an air fryer. The basics below make four bagels and deliver a high-protein bite without complicated steps.
- Self-rising flour – convenient because it already contains leavening, so there’s no need to add baking powder or salt separately.
- Plain Skyr yogurt or Greek yogurt – Skyr is higher in protein and makes a dense, tender bagel. Full-fat or 2–5% Greek yogurt also works well.
- Egg – whisked and used as an egg wash to get a golden, slightly crisp top.
Essential tools: an air fryer, parchment paper for the basket, and a brush for the egg wash.
Don’t have self-rising flour?
Use 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder as a simple substitute.
Protein Bagel Variations
- Strawberry bagels: fold in ½ cup chopped strawberries and 1 tablespoon brown sugar for a sweet, fruity version.
- Bagel bites: make smaller rounds instead of full-size bagels for easy snacks. This yields about a dozen bites; air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Cottage cheese swap: replace the yogurt with well-blended cottage cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of Skyr-style yogurt?
Plain Greek yogurt (2% or 4%) works well. Blended cottage cheese is another great option if you want a different protein source and texture. Aim for full-fat or higher-fat varieties for the best crumb and flavor.
Serving Ideas
These bagels are delicious simply toasted and spread with cream cheese. For a heartier meal, turn one into a breakfast sandwich: add a fried or scrambled egg, breakfast sausage or bacon, cheddar, and fresh greens like arugula.
Other topping ideas
- Peanut butter and jelly for a quick sweet-savory combo
- Simple butter or herb butter for a cozy snack
- Smoked salmon, capers, and dill for a classic bagel spread
Storage and Shelf Life
Store bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation. For best texture, slice them right before serving.
How to Freeze
These freeze very well. Once cooled, wrap each bagel tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by air frying at 400°F for 1–2 minutes or until warmed through.
Two-Ingredient Air Fryer Protein Bagels — Recipe Overview
Prep time: about 5 minutes. Cook time: about 16 minutes. Total time: roughly 21 minutes. Makes 4 bagels. Each bagel is protein-rich and satisfying — great when you want a homemade bagel without the usual time commitment.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Skyr yogurt or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ teaspoons baking powder)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the yogurt, flour, and sea salt in a large bowl. Stir with a spoon until the ingredients come together, then press and knead with your hands until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is sticky, dust the work surface with a little extra flour.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead briefly until smooth, then divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, flatten slightly, and use your finger or the back of a spoon to create a hole in the center. Stretch gently so the hole remains open while cooking.
- Brush the top and bottom of each bagel with the whisked egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything seasoning if desired.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the bagels in the basket, seed-side down. Depending on your air fryer size you may need two batches.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flip the bagels, then air fry another 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Notes
- Skyr yields a higher-protein result, but full-fat Greek yogurt works well. Blended cottage cheese is another successful substitute.
- If using all-purpose flour instead of self-rising, add 1½ teaspoons baking powder to the flour.
- For a sweeter version, fold in ½ cup chopped strawberries and 1 tablespoon brown sugar before shaping the dough.
- These bagels are best eaten fresh but freeze and reheat very well for convenient make-ahead breakfasts.
Nutrition (approx. per bagel)
Calories: 159 kcal; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 2 g. Nutrition is approximate and will vary by ingredients used.