Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels

Name: Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 ½ cups self-rising flour; 1 egg (for egg wash); Toppings of your choice (e.g., sesame seeds, everything seasoning)

Highlighted under: Express Kitchen

I love how easy it is to make fresh bagels at home, and these Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels are a game changer. With just two main ingredients—yogurt and self-rising flour—this recipe is both simple and quick. The air fryer ensures that the bagels are perfectly golden on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. I enjoy experimenting with various toppings like everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds, making each batch unique. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast or a snack, these bagels are sure to impress.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:05:35.758Z

When I first attempted making bagels, I was astounded by how straightforward this air fryer method was. As someone who loves quick yet delicious recipes, using just yogurt and self-rising flour was a revelation. I found that the key to achieving that perfect chewy texture is not overworking the dough, allowing it to rise just enough.

After baking the bagels in the air fryer, I made sure to let them cool slightly before adding my favorite toppings. This step adds an extra layer of flavor, as the warm bagel cradles the toppings perfectly. Trust me, you won't regret trying these!

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Quick and easy preparation with minimal ingredients
Soft and chewy texture that rivals store-bought bagels
Versatile toppings for a personalized touch
Healthier alternative with lower calories compared to traditional bagels

The Science Behind the Ingredients

The beauty of these Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels lies in their simplicity, which is largely due to the use of self-rising flour. This ingredient already contains baking powder and salt, providing both leavening and flavor without the need for additional ingredients. It’s essential to use plain yogurt because the acidity reacts with the baking powder to create a wonderful rise, producing a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewy crust.

If you are in a pinch and don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This substitute will yield similar results, but the texture may be slightly different, so it's worth sticking to the original ingredients if possible for the best outcome.

Techniques for Perfect Bagels

Kneading is a crucial step in making these bagels. Knead the dough gently for just 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic; over-kneading can make your bagels tough. If you notice the dough sticking to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour while kneading. This helps maintain the soft and chewy texture characteristic of great bagels.

When shaping the bagels, ensure that your hole is sizable enough. The bagels will rise and may close up a bit during cooking, so I recommend aiming for a hole about 1-2 inches in diameter. This technique will help retain the bagel shape and prevent them from puffing up excessively in the air fryer.

Serving and Storage Tips

These yogurt bagels are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but if you want to make them ahead, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for longer freshness. To revive their texture, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

For fun variations, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough before shaping. A tablespoon of garlic powder or dried herbs like rosemary can elevate the flavor profile. When it comes to toppings, I love experimenting with a garlic and herb mix or even shredded cheese for an extra boost. The options are endless!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your bagels!

Bagel Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
1 ½ cups self-rising flour
1 egg (for egg wash)
Toppings of your choice (e.g., sesame seeds, everything seasoning)

These few ingredients will create delicious, homemade bagels in no time.

Instructions

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt and self-rising flour. Stir until a dough forms, then knead gently on a floured surface for about 1-2 minutes until smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then use your finger to create a hole in the center, forming a bagel shape.

Prepare for Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Brush each bagel with beaten egg and sprinkle your favorite toppings over the top.

Air Fry the Bagels

Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown.

Enjoy

Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade yogurt bagels!

Enjoy your fresh bagels straight from the air fryer!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try incorporating herbs or spices into the dough, or mix cheese into the batter for cheesy bagels.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bagels are coming out overly dense or flat, it may be a sign that the dough was over-kneaded or that there wasn't enough moisture. Adjusting the yogurt slightly, or adding a touch more flour can help balance the dough. Remember, the consistency should be slightly sticky but still manageable.

On the other hand, if the bagels are undercooked in the center, make sure they are evenly spaced in the air fryer to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes and check frequently to avoid overcooking the exterior.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe scales easily if you're feeding a crowd! To make eight bagels instead of four, simply double each ingredient. Keep in mind that the air fryer will need to batch cook them in two rounds if you don’t have a larger model. Ensure you stagger the cooking times accordingly for consistent results across all batches.

You can also freeze the formed, unbaked bagels. Shape them and place them onto a parchment-lined tray; freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, you can air fry them straight from the freezer—just add an extra 2-4 minutes to the cooking time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds a tangy flavor to the bagels.

→ What if I don't have self-rising flour?

You can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a zip-top bag and reheat them in the air fryer when needed.