Nothing beats a fresh, warm bagel straight out of the air fryer! These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels are light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make — no yeast or boiling required. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, a protein-packed snack, or a healthy sandwich base, this recipe will be your new go-to. You only need a few basic ingredients, and you can even make them gluten-free with a simple swap!
🥯 Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bagels
- Made with only 3 main ingredients you already have at home.
- Ready in under 20 minutes — perfect for busy mornings.
- Fluffy, golden, and delicious, just like bakery bagels.
- Customizable — add your favorite toppings or fillings.
- Yeast-free and no boiling needed.
- Works with regular or gluten-free flour.
Bagels are such a versatile food — you can enjoy them for breakfast with cream cheese, use them as sandwich bread for lunch, or even top them like mini pizzas for a fun dinner idea. Once you see how quick and simple these are, you’ll want to make them every week!
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how simple this recipe is!
For the Bagels:
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
- Greek yogurt: Plain, thick Greek yogurt gives the dough its chewy texture. Full-fat, low-fat, or nonfat all work fine.
- Baking powder: Optional, but it adds that extra lift and fluffiness.
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavor.
Optional for Topping:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried onion or garlic flakes
- Asiago or Parmesan cheese
Egg wash (optional): For a shiny, golden finish, brush the bagels with a whisked egg yolk before air frying.
⚙️ How to Make Air Fryer Bagels
You’ll be amazed by how easy and fast this process is!
- Mix the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. - Add the yogurt:
Stir in the Greek yogurt and mix until the dough starts to come together. It should feel slightly sticky but workable. - Knead the dough:
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for 1–2 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Shape your bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each one into a 5–6-inch log and connect the ends to form a ring. - Add toppings:
Brush with egg wash (optional) and sprinkle with your favorite toppings — or leave them plain! - Air fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil, then place the bagels in a single layer with space between each one.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, until golden and fluffy. - Cool and serve:
Let them cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. The bagels will continue to cook slightly as they rest, so don’t skip this step!
🍞 Gluten-Free Version
To make gluten-free air fryer bagels, simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and add one whisked egg white to help bind the dough. Everything else remains the same! The result is still light, fluffy, and perfectly chewy — you’ll barely notice the difference.
🥯 Bagel Topping Ideas
Get creative! Here are a few topping ideas to make your bagels even more delicious:
- Everything bagel seasoning (classic and crowd favorite)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds
- Shredded cheese (Asiago, cheddar, or Parmesan)
- Dried garlic or onion flakes
- Cinnamon sugar (for a sweet version!)
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use thick Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt is too runny for this recipe.
- Add baking powder for ultra-fluffy bagels.
- Don’t over-knead the dough — just enough for it to hold together smoothly.
- Let them cool before slicing. This helps set the texture and prevents tearing.
- Customize the size. Make mini bagels or larger sandwich-style ones by adjusting the dough portions.
🔥 No Air Fryer? No Problem!
You can still make these bagels in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place shaped bagels on a lined baking sheet and bake on the top rack for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Let them cool before slicing.
🧊 Storing and Freezing
To store: Wrap cooled bagels tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes or toast before serving.
To freeze: Once cooled, wrap each bagel individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to 30 days. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 20 seconds before toasting.
🥣 Make-Ahead Dough
You can prepare the dough ahead of time! Store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, roll out, shape, and air fry — freshly made bagels anytime you want!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These air fryer bagels are perfect for:
- Breakfast: With cream cheese, butter, or jam.
- Lunch: As sandwich bread for turkey, egg salad, or veggies.
- Snacks: Toast and top with peanut butter or avocado.
- Mini pizzas: Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then re-air fry!
Homemade 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels (with Gluten-Free Option)
- Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
For Regular Bagels
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder (optional, for fluffiness)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (thick, not runny)
1 large egg yolk (for egg wash, optional)
Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds
For Gluten-Free Bagels
1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 egg white (whisked until frothy)
Optional: Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. -
Add Greek Yogurt:
Fold in the Greek yogurt and mix with a fork or spatula until the dough begins to form. It should be slightly crumbly but sticky enough to come together. -
Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 1–2 minutes until smooth. -
Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 5–6 inch log, then pinch the ends together to form a ring. -
Add Toppings:
Brush each bagel with a light egg wash, then sprinkle your desired toppings (or leave plain). -
Air Fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray, then place the bagels in a single layer with space between them.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and fluffy. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the bagels cool for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they rest.
Notes
- Use thick Greek yogurt — regular yogurt will make the dough too sticky.
- Add baking powder for fluffier bagels, especially if skipping the egg wash.
- Let the bagels cool before slicing for best texture.
- Want to make it egg-free? Skip the egg wash and brush with melted butter or olive oil spray instead.
- For a sweet version, mix a bit of cinnamon into the dough and top with cinnamon sugar before air frying!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Cuisine: American
