Perfect Air Fryer Two-Ingredient Bagels: Easy, Quick & Weight Watchers Friendly

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked bagel, perfectly golden and chewy, without spending hours in the kitchen. With the magic of an air fryer and just two simple ingredients – Greek yogurt and self-rising flour – that dream becomes a reality! These Air Fryer Two-Ingredient Bagels are not only incredibly easy to make but also a fantastic Weight Watchers friendly option, allowing you to enjoy a classic comfort food without compromising your healthy eating goals.

I’ve been a huge fan of Weight Watchers two-ingredient dough for quite some time now, and for good reason! Even when I’m not actively following a specific plan, this remarkably simple dough has proven itself to be a versatile base for countless delicious recipes, from pretzels to pizza crusts. But, if there’s one thing it excels at, it’s creating the absolute best homemade bagels you’ll ever try – especially when cooked in an air fryer.

What I adore most about this recipe is the ability to customize these bagels just like your favorite traditional ones. Whether you’re craving a savory crunch or a hint of sweetness, the possibilities are truly endless. I often adorn mine with classic toppings such as Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for that authentic New York-style flavor. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, imagine a cheddar cheese bagel, or even transforming them into mini pizza bagels – perfect for a quick lunch or snack!

The Magic Behind Two-Ingredient Dough

The concept of two-ingredient dough is a culinary revelation, particularly for those seeking healthier and simpler alternatives. The combination of Greek yogurt and self-rising flour creates a dough that’s high in protein (thanks to the yogurt) and surprisingly easy to work with. The acidity in the yogurt reacts with the leavening agents in the self-rising flour, resulting in a light, airy, and chewy texture that mimics traditional yeast-risen doughs without the long proofing times. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals or anyone looking to whip up fresh baked goods on a whim.

Beyond bagels, this adaptable dough can be transformed into a myriad of delights. Think fluffy dinner rolls, savory pretzels, crispy pizza crusts, or even sweet pastries. Its versatility is truly its superpower, making it a staple in many healthy-eating kitchens. The best part? The prep time for these delightful bagels can be further shortened by making the dough in advance. Simply wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days, ready to be shaped and air-fried whenever a craving strikes.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Bagels?

While oven-baked bagels are certainly delicious, using an air fryer elevates the experience with unparalleled efficiency and a superior texture. Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, creating a convection effect that cooks food faster and more evenly. For bagels, this means a wonderfully crisp exterior and a tender, fluffy interior in a fraction of the time compared to a conventional oven.

• Speed: Air frying significantly cuts down on cooking time, getting warm bagels on your plate in about 10-12 minutes.
• Texture: The intense circulating heat creates an irresistible golden-brown crust that’s perfectly chewy, reminiscent of a traditionally boiled and baked bagel.
• Convenience: No need to preheat a large oven, saving energy and making cleanup a breeze, especially if you use parchment liners.
• Even Cooking: The consistent airflow ensures each bagel cooks uniformly, preventing burnt spots or undercooked centers.

Customizing Your Bagels: A World of Toppings

One of the most enjoyable aspects of making homemade bagels is the endless potential for customization. While “Everything but the Bagel Seasoning” is a universal favorite, don’t limit your imagination!

• Savory Classics: Besides Everything Bagel Seasoning, consider sesame seeds, poppy seeds, caraway seeds, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
• Cheesy Delights: Before air frying, top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a gooey, savory treat.
• Herb Infusion: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough, or sprinkle them on top with a little garlic powder for an aromatic twist.
• Sweet Variations: For a sweeter bagel, skip the savory seasonings. Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, dried fruit bits (like raisins or cranberries), or even a drizzle of honey before baking. These are delightful with cream cheese or a fruit spread.
• Pizza Bagels: A family favorite! After cooking, spread a little pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and your favorite mini toppings (pepperoni, olives) and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Two-Ingredient Bagels

Making these bagels is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal equipment and just a few key ingredients. I typically use my Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer, which comfortably fits an entire batch of bagels in its spacious basket, ensuring even cooking.

Essential Equipment:

• Air Fryer: Any model will work, but a larger capacity (like 5-6 quarts) allows you to cook more bagels at once.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining the dough ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing the dough.
• Pastry Brush: Essential for applying the egg wash.
• Optional: Air fryer parchment liners or a non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. A kitchen scale can be helpful for precise dough portioning.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 cup Self-Rising Flour: This is the base of our dough. The leavening agents (baking powder) and salt are already mixed in, simplifying the process.
• 1 cup Non-Fat Greek Yogurt: The other half of our dynamic duo. Non-fat Greek yogurt adds moisture, protein, a slight tang, and helps create the chewy texture. Ensure it’s plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
• 1 Large Egg: For the egg wash. This gives the bagels their beautiful golden-brown color and helps toppings adhere.

Bagel Toppings (Optional, but highly recommended for flavor!):

As mentioned, the variety is endless! My personal favorite is “Everything but the Bagel Seasoning” for a savory kick. But feel free to experiment with:

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Flaky sea salt
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan)
• Cinnamon sugar
• Dried onions or garlic flakes

DIY Self-Rising Flour:

No self-rising flour in your pantry? No problem! It’s incredibly easy to make your own. For every one cup of self-rising flour needed, simply combine:

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt

Sift these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution, and you’re good to go!

How to Make Air Fryer Two-Ingredient Bagels

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious, homemade air fryer bagels:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine one cup of self-rising flour and one cup of non-fat Greek yogurt. Begin stirring them together with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. At first, it might seem a bit shaggy, but continue to mix until the ingredients fully combine and start to thicken, eventually forming a cohesive ball of dough. If the dough seems too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour (about a teaspoon at a time) until it’s workable. If it’s too dry, add a touch more yogurt.

2. Shape the Bagels:

Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it a few times until smooth. Divide the dough into 4 or 6 equal pieces, depending on your desired bagel size. For shaping, roll each piece into a small rope, approximately 6-8 inches in length. Then, bring the ends of each rope together, pinching them firmly to form a classic bagel shape with a hole in the center. Ensure the seam is well sealed to prevent it from coming apart during cooking.

3. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings:

In a small bowl, whisk one large egg until well combined. Using a pastry brush, liberally brush each shaped bagel with the egg wash. This not only gives the bagels a beautiful golden sheen but also helps any toppings adhere perfectly. Now is the time to get creative! Sprinkle your chosen toppings generously onto each bagel. “Everything but the Bagel Seasoning” is a crowd-plepleaser, but feel free to add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of cheese for a different flavor profile.

4. Air Fry to Perfection:

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While a thermometer is always helpful for checking internal temperatures, one of my highest recommended products for air fryers is air fryer parchment sheets. They make for an incredibly easy cleanup! If you opt not to use liners, be sure to lightly spray your air fryer basket with an air fryer safe cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the prepared bagels into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if necessary.

Air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your bagels. They are done when they’ve achieved a beautiful golden-brown color and feel firm to the touch. Once cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make bagels tough.
• Flour Your Hands and Surface: This dough can be a bit sticky, so a lightly floured surface and hands will make shaping much easier.
• Even Dough Portions: For consistent cooking, try to divide your dough into equal pieces. A kitchen scale can help with this.
• Seal the Ends Firmly: When forming the bagel shape, ensure the ends are pinched together tightly to prevent them from separating during air frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook bagels in a single layer with some space between them for optimal air circulation and even browning. If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches.
• Monitor Closely: Air fryer cooking times can vary. Check your bagels around the 8-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed until they are golden brown.

Storing Your Homemade Bagels

These Air Fryer Two-Ingredient Bagels are always at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh, straight from the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: For maximum freshness, consume within a day.
• Refrigeration: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or toaster for best texture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze bagels for up to 3 months. Slice them first, then place parchment paper between slices before putting them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to grab and toast individual slices. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Once your homemade air fryer bagels are ready, the real fun begins – deciding how to enjoy them! Their versatility makes them perfect for a variety of meals and snacks:

• Classic Cream Cheese: Spread with your favorite cream cheese, whether it’s plain, flavored, or a low-fat option to keep them Weight Watchers friendly.
• Savory Sandwiches: These bagels make an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches (egg, cheese, ham/bacon), lox and cream cheese, or even a deli-style lunch sandwich.
• Sweet Spreads: Enjoy with jam, jelly, honey, or a nut butter for a sweet start to your day.
• Avocado Toast Twist: Top with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and everything bagel seasoning for a gourmet breakfast.
• Butter or Margarine: Sometimes, simplicity is key. A simple spread of butter or margarine on a warm, toasted bagel is pure comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Two-Ingredient Bagels

Can I double the 2-Ingredient Bagel Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up or down. Doubling the recipe will yield 8-12 bagels, depending on how large you make each piece of dough. If you only need one or two bagels, you can easily half the recipe as well. Just ensure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded, and cook in batches if necessary for even results.

Can I make 2-Ingredient Bagels in the Oven?

Yes, you certainly can! If you don’t have an air fryer, or prefer oven baking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Place the prepared bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. While the oven works, the air fryer significantly cuts down on cooking time and often results in a slightly crispier exterior, making it a more efficient method for these bagels.

How should I store the bagels?

For the best taste and texture, enjoy these bagels fresh. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in an air fryer, toaster, or oven until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Can I top these bagels with cream cheese?

Absolutely! A classic pairing for a reason. To keep these delicious bagels Weight Watchers friendly, opt for a low-fat or fat-free cream cheese. You can also get creative with other spreads like light avocado mash, hummus, or even a thin slice of lean turkey to make a fantastic bagel sandwich.

What’s the difference between self-rising flour and regular flour?

The key difference lies in what’s already added to the flour. Self-rising flour is a pre-mixed convenience product that contains all-purpose flour, baking powder (a leavening agent), and a pinch of salt. Regular or all-purpose flour, on the other hand, is just plain flour, requiring you to add leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda) and salt separately for recipes that need them to rise. This is why self-rising flour is perfect for our two-ingredient dough, as it simplifies the recipe by eliminating the need for extra ingredients.

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising?

You can, but you’ll need to turn it into “self-rising” first! As explained above, for every cup of regular all-purpose flour, mix in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Sift them together well before combining with the Greek yogurt.

My dough is sticky/dry, what should I do?

The consistency of the dough can sometimes vary slightly due to differences in Greek yogurt brands (some are thicker than others) or humidity. If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a very small amount (about a teaspoon at a time) of additional self-rising flour until it reaches a workable, non-sticky consistency. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more Greek yogurt, also a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together into a smooth dough ball. Adjust slowly until you find the perfect balance.

These Air Fryer Two-Ingredient Bagels are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying breakfast or snack. With minimal ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy warm, homemade bagels whenever you desire. Experiment with different toppings and spreads to make them uniquely yours. Happy air frying!

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