Air Fryer Bagels Recipe

Learn how to make homemade air fryer bagels with this easy baking recipe! These quick, no-boil bagels deliver authentic chewy texture and golden crust using Greek yogurt dough. Perfect for beginners, these best homemade bagels are ready in under 30 minutes - no yeast or rising time required!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

4 bagels

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Toppings of choice: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or coarse salt (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper liner or silicone mat for air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing 240g all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the Greek yogurt to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until the mixture begins to form large clumps. The yogurt's acidity will react with the leavening agents in the self-rising flour, helping the bagels rise without yeast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic. The dough should feel tacky but not overly sticky - add small amounts of flour if needed, but be careful not to add too much as this will make your bagels dense.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Divide the dough into 4 equal portions (about 120g each for consistent sizing). Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center of each ball. Gently stretch the hole wider by twirling the dough around your fingers until you have a ring about 8-10cm in diameter with a 2.5cm hole. The hole will appear large now but will shrink during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. While it's heating, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel with the egg wash, then sprinkle with your desired toppings, pressing gently to help them adhere.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat (this prevents sticking). Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them as they will expand. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Air fryers vary in intensity, so check after 8 minutes on your first batch. The high circulating heat creates a beautiful crust similar to traditional oven baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the interior structure to set properly, ensuring that perfect chewy bagel texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Once cooled, slice horizontally with a serrated knife and enjoy with your favorite toppings. These bagels are best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. To refresh, simply toast before serving.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Bagels Recipe?

Air Fryer Bagels require simple ingredients: self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, salt, an egg for washing, and optional toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or coarse salt. The recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of yeast for faster preparation.

How to cook Air Fryer Bagels Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Bagels by first combining self-rising flour with salt, then mixing in Greek yogurt to form a dough. Knead briefly, shape into rings, brush with egg wash, and add desired toppings. Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. The process takes under 30 minutes with no boiling or rising time needed.

Why don't these bagels need to be boiled like traditional recipes?

The air fryer's intense circulating heat creates a similar effect to boiling by quickly setting the exterior to form a chewy crust. The Greek yogurt dough also contributes to the authentic texture, allowing you to skip the traditional water bath while still achieving that characteristic bagel chewiness.

Can I make these bagels if I don't have self-rising flour?

Absolutely! Make your own self-rising flour by combining 240g all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This homemade version works perfectly in the recipe and allows you to create delicious bagels without needing to purchase specialty flour.

How do air fryer bagels compare to traditional oven-baked ones?

Air fryer bagels cook faster (just 10-12 minutes) and develop a golden crust similar to oven-baked versions. They have comparable chewiness and texture but require less time and energy. The air circulation creates even browning, while the compact cooking space helps maintain moisture for that perfect bagel consistency.

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