Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagel Bites Recipe

These high-protein air fryer pumpkin bagel bites are an easy, fall-ready snack you can make with just a few pantry staples. Using Skyr-style or Greek yogurt plus self-rising flour yields a chewy, satisfying texture without the fuss of yeast. Roll the dough into bite-sized rounds, air fry until golden, and finish with a quick pumpkin-spiced glaze for a sweet treat. They’re perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or a party appetizer.

A plate of small, round pastries drizzled with white icing, some partially eaten, on a piece of parchment paper.

It’s surprising how simple higher-protein bagels can be—just flour and yogurt. These pumpkin bagel bites are based on a no-yeast, air-fryer protein bagel method adapted for pumpkin flavor. The handful of ingredients mixes up quickly, and the air fryer turns them into small, chewy rounds in under ten minutes. Add a drizzle of pumpkin glaze to make them dessert-like, or enjoy them plain for a lightly spiced snack.

What You Need for Pumpkin Bagel Bites

  • Self-rising flour – chosen so you don’t need to add a leavener; see the substitution note below if you don’t have it.
  • Plain Skyr or Greek yogurt – both work well; Skyr tends to be higher in protein, while full-fat Greek yogurt gives a richer texture.
  • Unsweetened pumpkin puree – adds moisture, color and pumpkin flavor.
  • Pumpkin pie spice – about a teaspoon for warm, autumnal spice.
  • Egg – whisked and brushed on top before air frying to promote a golden, slightly crisp exterior.

Don’t have self-rising flour?

Use plain all-purpose flour and add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour. This produces a similar lift for the bagel bites.

Easy Pumpkin Glaze Ingredients

Pro tip: don’t skip the glaze. The bagel bites are delicious plain, but a light glaze adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You’ll need:

  • Powdered sugar
  • A splash of milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • A pinch of pumpkin pie spice

You’ll also need an air fryer, parchment paper to line the basket, and a brush for the egg wash.

Ninja-style air fryer on a white background

Substitutions and Tips

If you don’t have Skyr-style yogurt, full-fat Greek yogurt is the next best option—its higher fat content improves texture. We don’t recommend substituting most gluten-free 1:1 flours, as results tend to be denser and the texture will differ from wheat flour. When adjusting dough consistency, add flour a tablespoon at a time until you can form a smooth ball that isn’t overly sticky.

What can I use instead of Skyr-style yogurt?

Regular full-fat Greek yogurt works very well and will give a slightly richer, tender crumb than low-fat yogurts. Avoid very thin yogurts—use the thicker varieties for best results.

Storage

These pumpkin bagel bites are best fresh from the air fryer, but you can refrigerate leftovers. Allow the bagel bites to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Wait to glaze leftovers until just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 1–2 minutes to refresh the exterior and warm them through.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagel Bites

These air fryer pumpkin bagel bites are a quick fall snack that comes together with simple pantry ingredients and cooks in about eight minutes.

Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 8–10 mins • Total: 18 mins • Servings: 4 (about 12 bagel bites)

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup self-rising flour* (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1.5 teaspoons baking powder)
  • 2/3 cup plain Skyr or Greek yogurt
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon milk (or more to reach desired consistency)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together into a smooth ball.
  3. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 1–1½ tablespoons each). Roll each piece into a small ball and brush the tops lightly with the whisked egg.
  4. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Arrange the bagel bites in a single layer, leaving space between them so air can circulate.
  5. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark. Cook time can vary with air fryer model and size of bagel bites; they should be golden and set.
  6. While the bagel bites cook, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and pumpkin pie spice until smooth to create the glaze. Adjust milk quantity to reach a drizzleable consistency.
  7. Remove the bagel bites from the air fryer and drizzle the glaze over the warm bites. Serve immediately.

Tips & Notes

  • If using all-purpose flour, add 1.5 teaspoons baking powder per cup to mimic self-rising flour.
  • This recipe yields 12 bagel bites; a typical serving is three pieces.
  • Higher-fat yogurts (full-fat Greek or Skyr) improve texture and flavor; very low-fat or thin yogurts may alter the dough consistency.
  • If the dough is sticky while shaping, rinse your hands and lightly knead in a bit more flour until manageable.
  • All air fryers run slightly differently; start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • Nutrition estimates do not include the glaze.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 157 kcal • Carbohydrates: 27 g • Protein: 8 g • Fat: 2 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 2 g

Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline only.

A dozen small, round cakes with white icing drizzle, some with bites taken out, arranged on crumpled parchment paper.