3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, golden bagel that’s soft, chewy, and fresh from your kitchen–in less than 30 minutes! That’s exactly what you get with these ingenious 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels. Minimal ingredients, zero fuss, and a huge payoff in flavor and texture. It’s pure bagel magic, even on your busiest mornings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Could bagel-making get any simpler? Each of these straightforward ingredients brings something crucial to your homemade 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels, ensuring the best flavor, texture, and color with almost no effort required.

• All-Purpose Flour: The classic base for that chewy bagel bite–feel free to sub in gluten-free if you need.
• Baking Powder (Optional): Just a touch lifts your bagels, giving them that gorgeous fluffiness–especially if you’re skipping yeast!
• Kosher Salt: Brings out the flavor and lets your bagels shine–don’t skip this little pinch!
• Plain Greek Yogurt: This secret ingredient provides moisture, tenderness, and a protein boost, replacing both eggs and oil in a single swoop.
• Egg (for wash): The glossy, bakery-style finish is thanks to an easy egg wash brushed on before cooking.
• Optional Toppings: Want that deli bagel vibe? Toss on everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds before air frying for a winning finish.

Variations

The true magic of 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels is how easily you can make them your own! With a few tweaks, you can cater to every craving, dietary need, or pantry situation–so your dream bagel is just a mix away.

• Gluten-Free Bagels: Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and a bit of egg white for a version that’s gluten-friendly but just as scrumptious.
• Egg-Free Bagels: Simply skip the egg wash and instead top with a light spritz of olive oil spray or a brush of melted butter–it still gives a gorgeous golden finish!
• Flavor Twists: Mix in fresh herbs, shredded cheese, cinnamon raisin, or even jalapeños and cheddar to the dough for a fun flavor upgrade.
• Mini Bagels: Divide the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks that are lunchbox-friendly or perfect for party platters.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Step 1: Make the Bagel Dough

Grab a medium bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the Greek yogurt and mix it together using a fork, your hands, or even a sturdy spatula. Your dough will look a bit crumbly and sticky at first, but don’t worry–that’s exactly what you want for chewy, rustic bagels.

Step 2: Knead and Shape

Turn the shaggy dough out onto a well-floured counter, then knead by hand for a few minutes until it comes together in a smooth ball. Divide your dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a 5-6 inch log, then shape into a circle and pinch the ends to form a classic bagel shape.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Topping Time

In a small bowl, mix your egg yolk with a splash of water and get brushing! Gently coat the tops and centers for that irresistible bakery shine. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, seeds, or any favorite toppings now.

Step 4: Air Fry for Bagel Bliss

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray the basket with oil. Place the shaped bagels inside in a single layer, leaving about 2 inches between each so they can puff up beautifully. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (peek at 8 minutes just in case–all air fryers are a little different!).

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once your 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels are gorgeously golden, let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This not only makes them easy to handle but ensures the interior sets for the perfect bagel texture. Slice, schmear, and devour as you wish!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Garnishes

Finish your bagels with a classic sprinkling of everything seasoning for mega crunch, or keep it simple with flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. For a sweet twist, a light brush of melted butter and a dash of cinnamon sugar does wonders. Don’t forget fresh herbs or a swipe of cream cheese to boost color and flavor in a snap!

Side Dishes

Pair your 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels with a bowl of fresh fruit, creamy scrambled eggs, or a crisp salad for a wholesome brunch. They also make a perfect partner for deli meats, smoked salmon, or a steaming cup of rich coffee on a busy weekday morning.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice mini bagels and serve them “slider style” with bacon and eggs, or stack assorted flavors on a big board for a cheerful brunch spread. Try making a bagel bar with an array of toppings–jams, nut butters, lox, veggies–and let everyone build their own masterpiece. It’s a guaranteed showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have bagels left over (rare, but it happens!), just wrap them in plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They stay soft and taste just as fresh with a quick warm-up in your toaster or air fryer.

Freezing

Cool your bagels completely before individually wrapping each one and placing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 30 days. When you want one, just thaw overnight in the fridge, or zap in the microwave for a quick defrost before toasting!

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, slice your bagel and pop it right back into the air fryer or toaster for a few minutes until warmed and crisp–it’ll taste like you made it that morning! Defrost from frozen with a brief stint in the microwave wrapped in a paper towel, slice, and toast for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and rewarding it is to whip up these 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels at home. Whether you’re a bagel traditionalist or love to experiment with flavors, this speedy recipe is one you’ll return to again and again–happy baking, friend!

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