Dinner

3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe

ByRafael Mansero February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Introduction

Enjoy fresh, homemade bagels with just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer. This easy recipe delivers soft, fluffy bagels in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them traditionally, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

The image shows six golden brown bagels on a white marbled surface. Four of the bagels are topped with a mix of white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and dried onion flakes, giving them a textured, crunchy look with speckles of black and white on top. One bagel has only white sesame seeds sprinkled all over, while another plain bagel has a smooth golden crust without any toppings. One of the seeded bagels is cut into quarters, displaying its soft, light cream-colored inside. To the right, a wooden spoon holds additional mixed seeds and flakes, some scattered around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder (optional, for extra fluffy bagels)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 large egg (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: Everything Bagel Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and mix with a fork, your hands, or a rubber spatula until the dough is wet but slightly crumbly with large doughy pieces.
Step 2: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a smooth ball. Divide the dough into four equal pieces.
Step 3: Roll each piece into a 5-6 inch long, 3/4 inch wide log. Form each log into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal.
Step 4: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a little water to make an egg wash. Brush this over the tops and centers of each bagel. Add toppings if desired.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and spray the basket with olive oil. Place bagels in a single layer, about 2 inches apart. Cook for 10 minutes, checking at 8-9 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Remove bagels from the air fryer and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For gluten-free bagels, substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, and use an egg white in the dough.
Try different toppings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds for variety and extra flavor.
Make sure your dough is not too dry; if crumbly, add a teaspoon of yogurt at a time until it holds together.

Storage

Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze bagels wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Reheat in the toaster or air fryer briefly to refresh before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of an everything bagel cut in half and stacked on a white marbled surface. The bagel has two main layers: the outer crust is golden brown with a shiny texture and sprinkled with black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, and tiny bits of dried garlic and onion. The inner layer is soft, light cream-colored, and airy with many small and medium holes, showing a fluffy texture. Some sesame seeds and crumbs are scattered on the white marbled surface around the bagel halves. In the background, more bagels are slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick texture which helps the dough hold together better. Regular yogurt may make the dough too wet, but you can try using it by reducing other liquids slightly.

Will these bagels rise like traditional boiled and baked bagels?

This recipe creates a softer, fluffier bagel without boiling. The baking powder and air fryer simulate a light texture but won’t create the same chewy crust as traditional bagels.