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Quick Description:

These Air Fryer Bagels are the perfect way to enjoy fresh, soft, and chewy bagels without having to turn on your oven. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious bagels in under 30 minutes, including topping them with your favorite seasonings. The air fryer provides a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Whether you love a classic Everything Bagel, a Sesame Bagel, or even a Plain Bagel, this recipe is a game-changer for bagel lovers!

Servings & Timing:

Servings: 4 bagels (you can double or triple the recipe to make more)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes (including prep and cooking)

Ingredients List:

For the Bagels:

2 cups all-purpose flour (for the dough)
1 tablespoon sugar (for sweetness)
2 teaspoons instant yeast (for the rise)
1 teaspoon salt (for flavor)
3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F to activate the yeast)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for richness in the dough)

For the Boiling:

2 cups water (for boiling the dough)
1 tablespoon baking soda (to make the water slightly alkaline, which gives the bagels their chewy texture)
1 tablespoon honey (for a slight sweetness and traditional bagel texture)

For Topping:

Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional)
Sesame seeds (optional)
Poppy seeds (optional)
Salt (for finishing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F) and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir the sugar into the water until dissolved. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons instant yeast over the surface of the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and active. If your yeast doesn’t foam, discard the mixture and start over with fresh yeast.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
Add the wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise: Once the dough is smooth, form it into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

Preheat the air fryer: While the dough is rising, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Shape the bagels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to create a hole in the center of each ball, stretching the dough into a ring shape. If needed, you can gently roll the edges to smooth them out.
Prepare for boiling: In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and 1 tablespoon honey to a boil. Stir to dissolve the baking soda and honey. Reduce the heat to a simmer once the water is boiling.

Step 3: Boil the Bagels

Boil the bagels: Carefully drop each bagel into the simmering water, one at a time. Boil the bagels for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step helps to create a chewy crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels from the water and place them on a paper towel to drain.

Step 4: Air Fry the Bagels

Sprinkle with toppings (optional): After draining the bagels, place them on a tray or plate. Sprinkle with your desired toppings. You can use Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. If you prefer plain bagels, leave them as they are.
Place the bagels in the air fryer: Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to work in batches.
Air fry the bagels: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the bagels for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Check them halfway through and flip them over for even cooking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Cool the bagels: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. This step helps the bagels firm up and makes them easier to cut.
Serve: Once cooled slightly, slice the bagels and serve with your favorite spread, such as cream cheese, butter, jam, or avocado. Enjoy them fresh and warm!

Additional Notes:

Bagel Size: The size of the bagels will affect the cooking time. If you prefer larger or smaller bagels, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller bagels may need only 10-12 minutes, while larger ones may need closer to 15 minutes.
Flavor Variations: You can add other seasonings to the dough itself, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for extra flavor.
Toppings: For a fun twist, top your bagels with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet bagel option. Alternatively, try a cheddar cheese topping or a sun-dried tomato topping.
Frozen Bagels: If you have extra bagels, you can freeze them! After air frying and cooling, wrap the bagels in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to bring them back to life.

Dietary Information (per bagel, plain):

Calories: 200-250 calories (depending on toppings)
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on portion size and toppings used.

Flavor Tips & Variations:

Flavor Enhancers:

Garlic Butter: For a delicious twist, brush the bagels with garlic butter after air frying. Simply melt butter and mix with minced garlic for a savory topping.
Sweet Bagels: For a sweet breakfast, top the bagels with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Creative Variations:

Cheddar Jalapeño Bagels: Fold finely diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough for a spicy, cheesy bagel.
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add raisins and cinnamon to the dough for a classic sweet bagel. You can even add a cinnamon sugar topping before air frying.
Sesame or Poppy Seed Bagels: After boiling, top the bagels with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a traditional bagel variety.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:

Bagel Sandwiches:

Use these Air Fryer Bagels as the base for breakfast sandwiches. Layer with scrambled eggs, avocado, bacon, or smoked salmon for a hearty meal.

Bagel with Cream Cheese:

Serve these bagels with cream cheese, butter, or jam for a simple, delicious breakfast. Add smoked salmon and capers for an upscale treat.

Bagel with Fresh Fruit:

Pair these bagels with fresh fruit, like berries, bananas, or melon, for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Storage & Make-Ahead:

Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the fridge to keep them fresh for a longer period, but they may dry out slightly.
Freezing: After air frying and cooling, wrap the bagels individually in plastic wrap and foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the frozen bagels in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs:

Can I make these without an air fryer?
- Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the bagels in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can use bread flour for a slightly chewier bagel. Just note that the dough may need a bit more water to come together, as bread flour absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.
Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the bagel dough. Shape the dough into bagels, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just boil and air fry the frozen bagels directly—no need to thaw.

Optional Personal Story:

Making bagels has always been a fun tradition in my home. While the process of boiling and baking used to feel like a time-consuming task, the Air Fryer Bagels recipe has completely changed the game. It’s quick, simple, and yields bagels that are just as crispy and chewy as the ones from a bakery. My family loves how easy it is to make fresh bagels, and they’re always a hit at breakfast or as a snack!

Call-to-Action:

Ready to make these delicious Air Fryer Bagels? Grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and let’s bake up some fresh bagels! Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram—tag me and let me know how they turned out!