Air Fryer Bagel Recipe With Greek Yogurt

So you’re craving something warm, chewy, and ridiculously satisfying but the idea of spending hours in the kitchen sounds like a cruel joke? Oh, my friend, do I ever feel you. We’re talking bagels here – the perfect carb hug – but with a twist that makes them stupidly easy and fast thanks to our countertop BFF, the air fryer. And guess what? We’re ditching yeast for the magical, creamy power of Greek yogurt. Prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) blown without breaking a sweat. Or a budget, for that matter.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, time is precious, and so is your sanity. This air fryer bagel recipe isn’t just “good,” it’s **life-changing** for anyone who loves bagels but hates the fuss. First off, no yeast! That means no waiting for dough to rise, no panicking about water temperature, just mix-and-go goodness. It’s essentially a two-ingredient dough (plus baking powder and salt, but who’s counting those tiny things?). It’s also incredibly versatile, and did I mention how quickly these bad boys cook up in an air fryer? You’ll go from zero to warm, chewy bagel in about 15 minutes. It’s practically idiot-proof; seriously, even I managed not to mess it up, which is saying something.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your simple arsenal, my friend. We’re keeping it minimal because complicated is boring.

• 1 cup Self-Rising Flour: The hero of our story! If you don’t have self-rising, no worries! Just add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Ta-da! Instant self-rising.
• 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt: The other half of our dynamic duo. Make sure it’s thick, plain Greek yogurt. None of that runny stuff, or your bagels will be sad.
• 1 egg (beaten): For that glorious, golden-brown shine. This is your bagel’s glow-up.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (or your fave!): Because sprinkles make everything better. Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes—you do you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get Your Mix On: In a medium bowl, combine your self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix it up with a spoon until it starts to form a shaggy dough.
2. Knead It Out: Flour your hands and a clean surface lightly. Turn the dough out and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour. If it’s too dry, a tiny splash of water or yogurt.
3. Shape ‘Em Up: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-8 inches long, then connect the ends to form a bagel shape. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, just poke a hole in the middle of a ball and gently stretch it out.
4. Egg Wash & Season: In a small bowl, lightly beat your egg. Brush each bagel generously with the egg wash. This helps with browning and makes your seasoning stick like glue. Now, sprinkle on your chosen seasoning! Go wild!
5. Air Fryer Time: **Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.** This is crucial for that perfect texture. Place 2-3 bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching (we’re not building a bagel tower here).
6. Cook ‘Em: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color. Repeat with the remaining bagels.
7. Enjoy! Slice ’em open, slather on some cream cheese, avocado, or just eat them plain because they’re that good.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to Preheat: Rookie mistake! Seriously, **always preheat your air fryer**. It ensures even cooking and that lovely crust. Otherwise, your bagels might be pale and sad.
• Using the Wrong Yogurt: If it’s not thick, plain Greek yogurt, it won’t work. The liquid content is key to the dough’s consistency. Don’t grab that vanilla sugar-filled stuff, or your bagels will be weird.
• Overcrowding the Basket: We want crispy, evenly cooked bagels, not steamed dough balls. Give them space to breathe and brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not Kneading Enough: A well-kneaded dough leads to a smoother, chewier bagel. Don’t be lazy here; it’s only a few minutes!

Alternatives & Substitutions

This recipe is a blank canvas, my friend! Get creative!

• Flavor Boosters: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little bit of cheese (cheddar or Parmesan are divine!) into the dough itself. Imagine a cheesy bagel, fresh out of the air fryer! YUM.
• Sweet Tooth? Skip the savory seasonings and mix in some cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar into the dough. Top with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
• Flour Power: While self-rising flour is easiest, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier bagel. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more. FYI, I usually stick to white flour for the classic texture.
• No Egg Wash? You can use a bit of milk or water for the seasoning to stick, but the egg wash really gives it that bakery-style shine and color.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I probably do too, but I’ve figured some of these out already!

• Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Nope, sorry! Regular yogurt is too thin and will make your dough sticky and unmanageable. Stick with thick, plain Greek yogurt for this recipe.
• My dough is super sticky, what do I do? Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. Humidity can affect dough, so don’t fret if it’s a bit different each time.
• How do I store these bagels? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just slice them before freezing, then pop ’em straight into the toaster.
• Do I really need an air fryer? Can I use an oven? You *can* use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, but the air fryer gives them a fantastic crust and cooks them way faster. Plus, it’s why you’re here, right?
• Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let them come closer to room temp before air frying.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Air fryer bagels with Greek yogurt – a game-changer for your breakfast, lunch, or even an anytime snack craving. You’ve just unlocked a new level of culinary genius, and it only took a few ingredients and about 15 minutes. Now go impress someone – or just yourself, because you’re awesome – with your new fast-food-but-better skills. You’ve earned it!