Discover the joy of making fresh, warm bagels at home with this incredibly simple 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe. Combining pantry staples and a trusty air fryer, this recipe delivers soft, chewy bagels with crispy outsides faster than you’d expect—no need for yeast or complicated techniques. Perfect for busy mornings or casual brunches, these bagels are versatile, fun to make, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not only straightforward but also work in harmony to create the perfect bagel dough. Each one plays a crucial role—flour forms the structure, Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess, and baking powder acts as a gentle leavening agent to give just the right rise and texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): The foundation of your bagels, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture, a slight tang, and contributes to the dough’s tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: A natural leavener that gives your bagels lift without needing yeast.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
- Optional toppings (Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds): Add a burst of flavor and texture to your golden bagel tops.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. This blend ensures your bagels will have the ideal rise and seasoning from the very beginning.
Step 2: Add the Greek Yogurt
Stir in the plain Greek yogurt until the mixture turns slightly crumbly but comes together as a dough. The yogurt’s moisture binds everything, creating a soft, workable dough that’s delightfully tangy.
Step 3: Knead and Divide
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, which should only take a few minutes. Then divide the dough into four equal parts—this step is key to evenly sized bagels that cook uniformly.
Step 4: Shape Your Bagels
Roll each piece into a log shape and carefully pinch the ends together to form classic bagels with a lovely hole in the middle. This shaping is satisfying and sets the stage for that iconic bagel look and texture.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Brush the shaped dough with an egg wash if you have it on hand—it promotes a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle on your favorite toppings like Everything Bagel Seasoning or sesame seeds to boost flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the bagels inside. Cook them for about 10 minutes until they’re perfectly golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer delivers crispness on the outside while keeping the inside tender and chewy—bagel dreams come true!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Classic cream cheese is a natural pairing, especially when spiked with herbs or a hint of honey for sweetness. You can also top with smoked salmon, sliced tomato, or avocado for a fresh, gourmet touch that elevates these simple bagels.
Side Dishes
Pair these homemade bagels with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed greens for a balanced meal. For a cozy breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a warm cup of coffee to complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your bagels into breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and bacon or turn them into mini pizzas by adding tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings before popping them back in the air fryer for a quick melt. The possibilities are endless with this base recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bagels. To maintain softness, add a slice of bread to the container to preserve moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each cooled bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bagels last up to three months and are perfect for quick breakfasts on the go.
Reheating
Thaw frozen bagels overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Warm them in the toaster or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that freshly-baked taste and delightful chewiness. It almost tastes like you just made them!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free flour works just fine in this recipe. The texture might be slightly different, but your bagels will still be delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
Do I have to use Greek yogurt, or can I substitute it?
Greek yogurt provides the ideal consistency and tang, but if you’re out, a thick plain yogurt or even sour cream can be used as a substitute, though results may vary slightly.
Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the bagels in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out.
How many calories are in one bagel from this recipe?
One bagel made from this recipe generally contains around 200-250 calories, depending on toppings and spreads added. It’s a satisfying yet reasonably light option for breakfast or snacks.
Can I add flavors to the dough itself?
Yes! Feel free to mix herbs, garlic powder, or even cinnamon and raisins into the dough before shaping. It’s a great way to customize these bagels and make them your own.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to treats whenever bagels are calling my name. The simplicity, speed, and delicious results make it perfect for any skill level. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bagels as much as I do—trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to buy bagels from the store again!
Print
3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels are a quick and easy homemade bagel recipe made with just flour, Greek yogurt, and baking powder. Perfectly golden and chewy, they can be customized with your favorite toppings and cooked in an air fryer for a fast breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional Toppings
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Egg wash (for brushing, optional; typically made of 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Add Yogurt: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is slightly crumbly but holds together, forming a dough.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Then divide the dough into four equal pieces.
- Shape Bagels: Roll each piece into a log and pinch the ends together to form a classic bagel shape.
- Apply Toppings: Brush each bagel with egg wash to help toppings adhere, then sprinkle your choice of everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds on top.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook Bagels: Place the shaped bagels in the air fryer basket without overcrowding and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy yogurt, but texture may vary.
- If you don’t have an egg on hand for egg wash, you can brush with milk or water, but egg wash provides the best shine and color.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and browning.
- 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 few minutes to regain crispness.
