Air Fryer Bagels: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Solution

You can make bagels in an air fryer, and it only takes a few minutes! You can toast shop-bought bagels in the air fryer, or make them from scratch. To make bagels from scratch, you'll need self-rising flour and Greek yoghurt, and optionally, butter and toppings such as poppy seeds or sesame seeds. First, mix the flour and yoghurt in a bowl, then transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it. Divide the dough into portions, roll each portion into a sausage shape and connect the ends to create a bagel shape. Brush the exterior with butter and add your toppings, then transfer the bagels to the air fryer and cook for 8-14 minutes.

How long to cook a bagel in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bagels in an air fryer! If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, this is a great option.

To cook a bagel in an air fryer, you'll first want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheating option, you can set the temperature and let it cook for 4-5 minutes before adding the bagels.

Next, slice your bagel in half and, if desired, spread butter on the cut side of the bagel. Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up.

Air fry your bagel at 370-400°F for 3-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bagel. If you're cooking from frozen, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Once your bagel is golden and toasted to your liking, it's ready to serve! Enjoy it with your favourite spread or make a breakfast bagel sandwich.

How to make bagel dough

Making bagel dough from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious bagel dough:

Ingredients:

• Bread flour: Using bread flour is essential for achieving the characteristic chewy texture of bagels. It has a higher protein content, resulting in a denser and smoother dough.
• Active dry yeast: Opt for active dry yeast instead of rapid-rise yeast to avoid overproofing.
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and contributes to the chewy crust.
• Granulated sugar: Provides additional sweetness and can be substituted with brown sugar if desired.
• Salt: Don't skimp on the salt as it balances the flavours and enhances the savoury taste of the bagels.
• Water: Feel free to use any type of water, as it doesn't significantly affect the outcome.

Instructions:

• Combine the dry ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and yeast in that order. You can also mix them by hand in a large bowl.
• Add water: Start by pouring 1 cup (237 ml) of water into the dry ingredients. You may need up to 1.5 cups (355 ml) total, but it's best to start with less to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
• Mix the dough: Begin mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to high. If the dough seems dry, slowly add small amounts of the remaining water. The dough should be tough but smooth, as bagels are meant to be dense.
• Knead the dough: Once the dough comes together, you can continue kneading it in the mixer for about 10 minutes on medium speed or turn it out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 15 minutes. Stretch and pull the dough upwards and inwards, working it until it feels strong and elastic.
• Shape the dough: After kneading, shape the dough into a smooth ball. Then, using a sharp knife or a kitchen scale for precision, divide it into 6-8 equal pieces, depending on your desired bagel size.
• Let the dough rise: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal or flour. Shape each piece of dough into a round ball and place them 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart on the prepared sheets. Cover with plastic wrap or a dish towel, and let them rise in a warm place for about an hour.
• Shape the bagels: Once the dough has risen, use your thumb to make a hole in the centre of each ball. Gently stretch and spread the hole to form the bagel shape, aiming for a hole about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Cover the shaped bagels again and let them rest while you prepare the water bath.
• Prepare the water bath: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add about 1 cup (237 ml) of brown sugar to the simmering water to enhance the chewiness of the bagels.
• Boil the bagels: Carefully drop each bagel into the boiling water and cook for about 1 minute on each side. Use a spatula or tongs to flip them over gently.
• Bake the bagels: After boiling, place the bagels back on the baking sheets. If desired, brush them with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a pinch of salt and 2 teaspoons of water) and sprinkle with toppings such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, cheese, or cinnamon sugar. Bake at 425-450°F (218-232°C) for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the bagels are golden brown.
• Cool and serve: Allow the bagels to cool before slicing and serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, or peanut butter.

Bagel toppings

There are endless possibilities for bagel toppings and fillings, ranging from sweet to savoury options. Here are some ideas to elevate your bagel experience:

Savoury Options:

• Cream cheese, either plain or flavoured with herbs, garlic, chives, onion, scallions, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeños, or strawberries.
• Peanut butter or any other nut/seed butter.
• Greek yoghurt and fruit.
• Lox (smoked salmon) with whipped garlic and herb cream cheese, capers, and red onions.
• Fried, scrambled, or sheet pan eggs.
• Avocado, either sliced or mashed, for a boost of healthy fats.
• Smoked salmon or sardines with cream cheese.
• Veggies such as chopped broccoli, grated zucchini, matchstick carrots, sliced cucumbers, or fresh herbs like dill or basil.
• Deli meats like ham, salami, or bacon.
• Cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, or halloumi.
• Tofu, either plain or flavoured.
• Hummus, either plain or flavoured with pumpkin seeds, spinach, beets, or pears.
• Pesto, either traditional basil or a variation like beetroot or zucchini pesto.
• Salads such as a salmon bean salad or egg salad.

Sweet Options:

• Peanut butter and jelly.
• Fresh fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or other berries, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
• Honey.
• Maple syrup and walnuts.
• Jam, either store-bought or homemade, in various flavours like strawberry, grape, mango, rhubarb, or pineapple.
• Mashed sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Applesauce, optionally with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon raisin bagel with almond or walnut cream cheese.
• Butter and honey or clover honey.
• Almond or walnut cream cheese.
• Lime Mascarpone Cream Mousse.
• Lemon Ricotta Cream Mousse.

How to store leftover bagels

To store leftover bagels, it is best to keep them in a paper bag or a zip-top bag on the counter. Avoid leaving them uncovered and exposed to air for too long. If you want to store them for more than three days, it is best to freeze them. Before freezing, slice the bagels in half horizontally and wrap them in plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper. Then, place the wrapped bagel halves in a sealable freezer bag.

Bagels should not be stored in the refrigerator as they can become stale faster. Refrigerating bagels can cause them to become stale faster, as the starch molecules will recrystallize at cool temperatures.

Bagels will stay fresh and soft for up to five days at room temperature and up to three to four months in the freezer.

How to make bagel pizzas

Ingredients:

• 2 standard-sized bagels
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded cheese
• Your favourite pizza toppings

Instructions:

• Slice the bagels in half and place them into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and cut-side up.
• Air fry the bagels at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The timing will depend on how crispy you like your bagels. For a lighter crisp, air fry for 2-3 minutes, and for a darker crisp, air fry for 3-4 minutes.
• Once the bagels are toasted to your liking, remove them from the air fryer.
• Spread marinara sauce on top of the bagel slices, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• Add your favourite pizza toppings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
• Place the bagel pizzas back into the air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the bagel pizzas for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Remove the bagel pizzas from the air fryer and serve them while they're still hot.

You can also get creative with different types of bagels, such as cinnamon raisin or onion bagels, and choose toppings that complement those flavours. Enjoy your homemade bagel pizzas!

Frequently asked questions