Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels

Name: Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup self-rising flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash); Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love making Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels! They're quick to whip up and use just a few simple ingredients that I always have on hand. The texture is soft and chewy on the inside while maintaining a satisfying crust on the outside. Plus, with the air fryer, they come out perfectly golden brown without any messy oil. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with my favorite spreads, these bagels have become a staple in my kitchen. They are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional bagels.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:04:17.925Z

When I first tried making bagels in the air fryer, I was amazed at how quickly they cooked while retaining their fluffy inside and crispy outer layer. The high heat creates a lovely crust without the need for boiling, which saves a huge amount of time and cleanup.

One trick I discovered is to let the dough rest briefly before forming the bagels. This allows the gluten to relax and makes shaping much easier, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture that rivals even the best traditional bagels.

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Quick and easy recipe with minimal ingredients
Healthier alternative without the need for boiling
Perfectly chewy texture with a golden crust
Customizable with your favorite toppings

Mastering the Dough

When making Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels, the dough is key to achieving the right texture. The combination of Greek yogurt and self-rising flour not only provides a rich flavor but also ensures the bagels have the perfect balance of chewiness and softness. Self-rising flour contains added baking powder and salt, which means there's no need for additional rising time, making this recipe incredibly efficient. The yogurt adds moisture and tanginess, which further enhances the overall taste.

Kneading the dough is an essential step that many may overlook. A brief knead of just 1-2 minutes is enough to bring the ingredients together into a smooth, cohesive ball without overworking it. Over-kneading can lead to tough bagels, so keep an eye on the texture. When it feels smooth and elastic, you know it's ready to be shaped. Don’t forget to flour your surface generously to prevent sticking!

Achieving the Perfect Bagel Shape

Shaping your bagels correctly is crucial for cooking and presentation. After dividing the dough into four pieces, roll each ball gently in your palms to create a smooth exterior before poking a hole. Use your fingers to stretch the hole slightly as the bagels will puff up during cooking, ensuring that you end up with a classic bagel shape. The key is to make the hole larger than you think, as it will close up a bit while cooking.

Take care to keep the bagels evenly sized for consistent cooking. If you prefer smaller or larger bagels, adjust the dough pieces accordingly, but remember to adjust your cooking time slightly if you change their size. Smaller bagels may need around 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, while larger ones might require closer to 15-17 minutes. Just keep an eye out for a golden-brown finish as your guide.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning (optional)

Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is key to achieving the right dough consistency!

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, salt, and honey if using. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 1-2 minutes until smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel.

Prepare for Cooking

Brush each bagel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your favorite toppings.

Air Fry the Bagels

Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching, and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow bagels to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your choice of toppings!

Be careful when handling hot bagels right out of the air fryer.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try mixing in herbs or spices into the dough! You can also experiment with flavored yogurts for different twists.

Customizing Your Bagels

One of the best aspects of Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels is how easily they can be customized to match your cravings. From savory to sweet, topping options are endless! Try classic garnishes like sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a traditional touch, or mix it up with everything seasoning for a flavor punch. For a sweet variation, drizzle some honey on top before air frying or sprinkle the dough with cinnamon sugar for a delightful breakfast treat. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect combination.

If you’re looking to cater to specific dietary needs, consider replacing the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt. Ensure it maintains comparable consistency and thickness to achieve the same texture. Additionally, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the self-rising flour by adding a teaspoon of baking powder and a sprinkle of salt to mimic its leavening properties.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These yogurt bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage is necessary to maintain their chewy texture. Allow the bagels to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bagels, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. To reheat, pop them into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to revive that fresh-baked texture. Alternatively, you can slice them in half and toast them in a skillet or a toaster, adding a little butter for added flavor and richness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, but Greek yogurt yields a thicker dough which helps with the structure of the bagels.

→ How long do these bagels last?

They are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the bagels?

Absolutely! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or toaster when ready to eat.

→ Is self-rising flour necessary?

Self-rising flour helps the bagels rise properly. If unavailable, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.