2 Ingredient Bagels Air Fryer Recipe

So you’re craving something warm, bready, and slightly chewy, but the idea of spending hours in the kitchen makes you want to crawl back into bed? Me too, friend. Me. Too. What if I told you there’s a bagel recipe that’s so ridiculously easy, it practically makes itself, and it’s ready faster than you can pick out a Netflix show? Welcome to your new obsession: 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Seriously, this isn’t just easy; it’s dangerously easy. Like, I-might-actually-make-this-every-day easy. We’re talking two humble ingredients, your trusty air fryer, and about 15 minutes to bagel bliss. No yeast, no proofing, no complicated boiling rituals. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius without actually doing any hard work. Basically, it’s magic for the perpetually busy (or delightfully lazy, no judgment here!). Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of fresh, warm bagels anytime the craving strikes? IMO, it’s a game-changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keep it simple, silly! Here’s your minimal shopping list:

• 1 cup Self-Rising Flour: This is your secret weapon. The “self-rising” part is key here, unless you want to get all fancy adding baking powder and salt, which totally defeats the ‘2 ingredient’ vibe. Don’t be that person.
• 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Full-fat, non-fat, 2%—whatever your heart (or fridge) desires. Just make sure it’s plain. Unless you’re into blueberry bagels with savory toppings, then you do you, I guess. But for traditional bagel vibes, stick to plain.
• Optional Toppings: Oh, but the fun part! Everything bagel seasoning (because, duh), sesame seeds, poppy seeds, a sprinkle of cheese, or just leave ’em naked and beautiful. Your bagel, your rules!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix it Up: In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix with a spoon or your hands until it forms a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough. Don’t be shy; get in there!
2. Knead Briefly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 3-5 minutes until it’s smooth and no longer sticky. Don’t overdo it, or your bagels might get tough—we’re making bagels, not stress balls.
3. Divide and Conquer: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then use your finger or the back of a spoon to poke a hole through the center, shaping it into a bagel. Make the hole a little bigger than you think, as it tends to shrink during cooking.
4. Prep Your Air Fryer: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil. This prevents sticking and ensures a lovely golden crust. If your air fryer needs preheating, do that now (usually around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
5. Air Fry Away! Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. You’ll likely need to do this in batches. Air fry for about 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times can vary wildly between air fryers, so keep an eye on them!
6. Optional Finishing Touch: For extra shine and to help toppings stick, you can brush the bagels with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a splash of water) before air frying, or even just milk. Then sprinkle on your chosen toppings.
7. Devour: Let them cool for a few minutes (if you can resist!) before slicing and slathering with cream cheese, butter, or whatever your heart desires.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Wrong Flour: Seriously, don’t use all-purpose flour without adding baking powder and salt. It just won’t rise, and you’ll end up with sad, dense hockey pucks instead of fluffy bagels.
• Over-Kneading: More kneading isn’t always better! Over-working the dough develops too much gluten, making your bagels tough and chewy in a bad way. A gentle few minutes is all you need.
• Forgetting to Grease the Basket: Rookie mistake! Your gorgeous bagels will stick, and no one wants that kind of heartbreak. A quick spray of oil is your friend.
• Crowding the Air Fryer: Resist the urge to cram all the bagels in at once. Air fryers need space for air circulation to work their magic. Give those bagels some room to breathe and crisp up evenly.
• Using Flavored Yogurt: Unless you’re *really* adventurous and want a strawberry-lemon-garlic bagel (please don’t), stick to plain. The savory toppings are where it’s at, trust me.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some tweaks:

• No Self-Rising Flour? No Problem! Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Boom, instant self-rising flour!
• Egg Wash for the Win: For that classic shiny, golden bagel look, brush your bagels with an egg wash (one beaten egg + a tiny splash of water) before air frying. It also helps toppings adhere like a champ.
• Bake ‘Em Instead: No air fryer? No worries! You can bake these bad boys at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. They might not be quite as crispy, but still delish!
• Sweet Tooth? For a sweeter bagel, add a teaspoon of sugar or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. Great for breakfast bagels with a schmear of cream cheese and jam!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek? Nope, not really. Greek yogurt is much thicker, and that’s crucial for the dough’s consistency. Regular yogurt will make your dough too sticky and hard to work with, resulting in a runny mess. Stick to Greek!
• My bagels are a bit dense. What happened? Chances are, you either used too much flour during mixing/kneading or you over-kneaded the dough. Remember, just a light touch!
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? You can! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature for a bit before shaping and air frying. However, they are truly best fresh!
• What kind of toppings work best? Honestly, anything! Everything bagel seasoning is a classic, but sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flaky sea salt, or even shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) are fantastic. Get creative!
• Can I freeze these bagels? Absolutely! Once completely cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When you’re ready for one, just pop it in the toaster or air fryer for a quick refresh.
• My air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting. What do I do? No stress! Just run it empty at the desired temperature for about 3-5 minutes before adding your bagels. Easy peasy!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Your new go-to for when the bagel craving hits, but the effort meter is on ‘low battery.’ Seriously, give these a whirl. You’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life. They’re proof that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated. Now go forth and conquer your breakfast—or lunch, or snack—with these glorious, homemade, practically-no-effort bagels. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you. Happy air frying, my friend!