air fryer bagel recipe
The Best air fryer bagel recipe
I have been making bagels at home for years, but ever since I got an air fryer, this recipe has become a weekly staple in my kitchen. The air fryer gives the bagels that perfect chewy texture on the inside and a golden, slightly crisp crust on the outside without needing to boil them first. It is so much faster than the traditional method, and my kids absolutely love helping me shape the dough into rings.
They think it is like playing with play dough, and I love that we can make fresh bagels any morning of the week. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want something warm and satisfying but do not have time to wait for dough to rise for hours. The air fryer cuts the cooking time down to just about 10 minutes, so from start to finish you can have fresh bagels in under an hour.
I often make a batch on Sunday evenings and then we have them for breakfast all week. They are also great for lunch sandwiches or as a snack with cream cheese and smoked salmon. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
You do not need any special equipment or hard to find ingredients. The dough comes together quickly with flour, yeast, salt, and warm water. You can also add toppings like sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version.
My family loves the everything bagel version the most, and I always make a double batch because they disappear so fast. Health wise, making bagels at home lets you control what goes into them. You can use whole wheat flour for more fiber, or add flax seeds for extra omega 3s.
They are also much lower in sodium than store bought bagels, and you can adjust the salt to your taste. Plus, since they are air fried instead of boiled and baked, they come out with a lighter texture and less oil than traditional bagel recipes. That means you can enjoy a warm, fresh bagel without feeling guilty.
Air Fryer Bagel Recipe
These homemade bagels are made in the air fryer for a quick and easy breakfast. They have a chewy interior and a golden crust, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings.
🥘Ingredients
For the Dough
For the Topping
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Air Fryer Bagel Recipe Works
These air fryer bagels are a wonderful addition to any meal, whether you are serving them for a quick breakfast, a brunch with friends, or as a base for sandwiches at a family gathering. They come together easily with basic ingredients and the air fryer makes them perfectly golden and chewy every time.
I love that I can make a batch fresh in the morning without a lot of fuss, and they always get rave reviews from my family. For storage, let the bagels cool completely, then keep them in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to two days.
To reheat, just pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for a few minutes until they are warm and the crust crisps back up. You can also freeze them for up to three months, which is perfect for having a quick breakfast option on hand.
Serve them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread, and they will be a hit every time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bagel
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you do not need to proof it in water first. Just mix it directly with the flour and salt, then add the warm water and sugar. The rising time may be slightly shorter, so check the dough after 30 minutes.
2. Why are my bagels not rising in the air fryer?
If your bagels are not rising, the yeast may be expired or the water temperature was too hot or too cold. The water should be around 110°F, warm but not hot to the touch. Also, make sure your air fryer is not too hot when you place the bagels inside. Let the dough rise fully before shaping for the best results.
3. Can I make these bagels gluten free?
You can try using a gluten free all purpose flour blend, but the texture will be different. Gluten free doughs are often stickier and may not hold their shape as well. You might need to add a binder like xanthan gum if it is not already in the flour blend. Expect a denser, more cake like bagel.
4. How do I store leftover bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warm and crisp.
5. Can I add flavors like cinnamon or garlic to the dough?
Absolutely. For cinnamon bagels, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the flour mixture. For garlic bagels, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. You can also mix in shredded cheese or chopped herbs. Just be careful not to add too much moisture or the dough will become sticky.