Air Fryer Mini Bagels Recipe

Let’s be honest, some mornings are a beautiful, leisurely dance of brewing coffee and toasting bread. Others are a whirlwind of misplaced keys and trying to find a matching sock. It was on one of those whirlwind mornings that my love affair with these Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels began. They are the ultimate kitchen superhero: faster than a speeding toddler, able to leap over complicated recipes in a single bound. They deliver that incredible, chewy bagel texture we all crave, but they’re ready in a fraction of the time, making them perfect for busy weekdays or a fun weekend project with the kids.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

This recipe is about to become your secret weapon. Here’s why:

• Crazy Quick: From bowl to belly in under 30 minutes. Yes, really.
• Incredibly Simple: No boiling, no fancy baking skills required. If you can mix and shape dough, you’re a bagel pro.
• Kid-Approved Fun: This is a fantastic recipe to get little hands involved in the kitchen. Let them shape their own mini bagels!
• Totally Customizable: Keep them plain for a classic treat or go wild with your favorite toppings like everything bagel seasoning, cinnamon sugar, or a sprinkle of cheese.

Gather Your Ingredients

You probably have most of this in your pantry right now! This easy bagel recipe keeps things wonderfully simple.

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• 1 cup self-rising flour, plus a little more for dusting
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat both work!)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for the egg wash)
• Your favorite toppings: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse salt, etc.

Let’s Make Some Bagels!

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer bagels every single time.

1. Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt together with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. If it feels a bit sticky, add a tiny bit more flour.
2. Knead It: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Shape the Mini Bagels: Divide the dough into 6 equal-sized balls. Poke your thumb through the center of each ball to form a hole, then gently widen it to create that classic bagel shape.
4. Prep for the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the shaped bagels in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with your chosen toppings.
5. Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the mini bagels are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Enjoy! Let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack (if you can wait that long) before slicing, toasting, and slathering with cream cheese.

My Go-To Air Fryer Bagel Tips

A few little nuggets of wisdom to make your bagel-making journey even smoother:

• Yogurt Check: If your dough is too wet, your yogurt might be the culprit. Greek yogurt can vary in thickness. Just add flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is workable.
• No Self-Rising Flour? No problem! You can make your own by whisking together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Giving the bagels some space in the air fryer basket is key for that even, golden crispiness we’re after. Cook in batches if needed.
• Get Creative: For a sweet twist, brush the baked bagels with a little melted butter and dip them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s a game-changer!

Can I make these mini bagels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the bagels and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you air fry them. This is a great way to get a head start on a busy morning.

How should I store leftover bagels?

Once completely cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. For longer storage, I highly recommend freezing them. They reheat beautifully straight from the freezer in the toaster.

Can I use a different type of flour?

This recipe is specifically designed for self-rising flour, which has the leavening agent built-in. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free self-rising flour blend should work well, though the texture may be slightly different.

What’s the best way to reheat a bagel?

The air fryer is your best friend here! Reheating at 350°F for 2-3 minutes will bring back that wonderful crisp exterior. A toaster works great, too.

Serving Up Some Smiles

The best part about these easy air fryer mini bagels is how they can anchor a simple, satisfying meal. They’re a dream for a quick breakfast paired with a healthy morning smoothie. For a more substantial brunch, serve them alongside a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs and some fresh fruit. And let’s not forget the classic: toasted until golden and piled high with your favorite cream cheese, maybe with a few slices of smoked salmon for a real treat.

So, the next time you’re craving the comfort of a warm, chewy bagel but don’t have hours to spare, remember this recipe. These Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels are proof that the most joyful kitchen creations don’t have to be complicated. They’re a little bite of pure happiness, and I can’t wait for you to try them.