Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe

Name: Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups self-rising flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain); 1 tablespoon baking powder

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By: Maria
Posted: 05/05/2025

Looking for a quick and healthy breakfast that’s high in protein and low in fuss? This Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe is the perfect solution. Made with just three wholesome ingredients and cooked in the air fryer, these bagels come out perfectly golden, soft on the inside, and slightly crisp on the outside. Ideal for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or meal prepping!

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Ingredients for Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or 2%)
1 cup self-rising flour
1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder

Optional Toppings:

1 egg (for egg wash)
Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or cinnamon sugar

Substitutions

Greek Yogurt: Swap with dairy-free Greek-style yogurt for a vegan-friendly option.
Self-Rising Flour: Make your own using 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt.
Protein Powder: Use whey, casein, or plant-based protein. Vanilla flavor works well for sweet variations.

How to Make Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels in the Air Fryer

Combine Ingredients: Mix Greek yogurt, flour, and protein powder in a bowl until a sticky dough forms.
Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
Shape: Divide into 4 portions. Roll each into a rope and form into a bagel shape.
Optional Topping: Brush with egg wash and add desired toppings.
Air Fry: Preheat Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook bagels for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway if necessary.
Cool & Serve: Let them cool slightly before slicing or storing.

Mix-Ins for Flavorful Variations

Sweet: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough.
Savory: Mix in shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños.
Fruity: Fold in blueberries and a touch of maple extract.

Recipe Tips

Don’t over-knead the dough to keep bagels soft and fluffy.
Lightly flour your hands if the dough feels sticky.
For even cooking, don’t overcrowd the Air Fryer basket.
Adjust cooking time slightly based on your Air Fryer model.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave before eating.
Reheating: Use the Air Fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh the texture.

Recipe Variations

Mini Bagels: Divide into 6–8 pieces for snack-size bagels.
Cinnamon Sugar Bagels: Top with cinnamon and coconut sugar before air frying.
Everything Bagel Bites: Make small rounds and coat with everything seasoning.

FAQs About Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes in a conventional oven.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be if you use gluten-free self-rising flour and protein powder.

What’s the best protein powder to use?

Whey or plant-based powders both work—vanilla adds sweetness, unflavored keeps it neutral.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe

These protein-packed bagels require only three ingredients and cook up perfectly in the air fryer. They're chewy, fluffy, and a healthier alternative to traditional bagels — perfect for breakfast or meal prep.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings BAGELS

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Air fryer
Tongs
Brush
Parchment paper

Ingredients

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1 egg optional, for egg wash

Instructions

In a bowl, mix self-rising flour and Greek yogurt until a dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
Roll each into a rope and shape into a bagel.
Brush tops with egg wash for a shiny finish (optional).
Place on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can add toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before air frying. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for best results. These bagels are great plain, with cream cheese, or even as sandwich buns.

Keyword 3 ingredient recipe, easy snack, greek yogurt bagel, healthy breakfast, high protein, meal prep, protein bagels, self-rising flour

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these protein bagels ahead of time, and how should I store them?

Yes, you can definitely make these bagels ahead of time! Allow the bagels to cool completely after air frying. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, individually wrap the cooled bagels and freeze them for up to 2 months. To refresh them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave briefly, then reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispness.

What are some good substitutions for the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt?

You can easily make your own self-rising flour by using 1 cup of all-purpose flour, plus 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. For a vegan option, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt, ensuring it has a similar thickness and consistency. If you don’t have protein powder, you can omit it; however, the protein content will be reduced. The texture might be slightly different, but the bagels will still be delicious.

How do I know when the protein bagels are perfectly cooked in the air fryer?

The bagels are perfectly cooked when they are golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. They should also have a slightly crisp exterior. Visually, look for a deep golden color, especially on the top and bottom. You can gently tap the bagel; it should feel firm, not soft or doughy. Cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but always check for doneness, as air fryer models vary.

Can I scale this recipe up to make more bagels at once?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe! When doubling, simply double the quantities of all ingredients. However, when air frying, it’s essential to cook the bagels in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which will result in uneven cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer and the number of bagels being cooked at once. Keep an eye on them and flip them halfway through for even browning.

What are the nutritional benefits of these 3-ingredient protein bagels?

These bagels are a great source of protein, primarily from the Greek yogurt and protein powder (if used), which helps with satiety and muscle repair. Greek yogurt also provides calcium and probiotics, which are beneficial for bone health and gut health. The use of self-rising flour contributes carbohydrates for energy. The addition of toppings like everything bagel seasoning can add fiber and flavor.

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Simple 3 Ingredient Protein Bagels – Air Fryer Recipe

Enjoy a quick and healthy bagel option made with just three simple ingredients using your air fryer!

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 cups self-rising flour
1 cup Greek yogurt plain
1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, Greek yogurt, and baking powder until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and shape each into a bagel.
Place bagels in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes.