3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels give you fresh, chewy bagels in under 20 minutes with minimal fuss. I’ve tested this quick recipe multiple times, and it consistently delivers a crisp exterior and tender interior using just self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, and an egg for an egg wash. If you like fast, hands-on bread projects, this is a great weekday or weekend treat.

Why Make This Recipe

• Super quick: from mixing to eating in about 20–25 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
• Minimal ingredients: pantry-friendly — you only need self-rising flour, plain Greek yogurt, and one egg.
• Great texture: air frying gives a crisp crust with a soft, slightly tangy interior from the yogurt.
• Versatile: top with seeds, everything seasoning, or make sweet versions with cinnamon-sugar.
• Personal insight: I love this recipe because it’s forgiving — the dough tolerates small measurement tweaks and still gives a satisfying bagel-like result.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 8–10 minutes (mixing and shaping)
• Cook time: 10–12 minutes (air fryer at 375°F / 190°C)
• Total time: 18–22 minutes
• Servings: 4 medium bagels (about 3–4 inches each)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Method: Mix a quick yogurt dough, shape into bagels, brush with egg wash, and air fry until golden and cooked through.

My Experience Making This Recipe

On the first test, my bagels were slightly dense because I pressed the dough too much; after letting the dough rest 5 minutes and shaping gently, they became noticeably lighter. I also learned that a quick egg wash and a 2–3 minute extra blast at the end gives the best golden color.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

You’ll mix 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt until a soft dough forms, then knead briefly on a lightly floured surface (6–8 turns). Divide into four pieces, roll each into a rope, join the ends to form a ring, and brush with 1 beaten egg. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping or rotating the basket halfway if your fryer crowns unevenly, and expect a light golden crust with a soft center.

(If you enjoy air-fried sweet treats too, check out this take on gluten-free air fryer donuts: Air Fryer Gluten-Free Donuts.)

Expert Tips for Success

• Use thick Greek yogurt (full-fat if possible) for better flavor and structure; thin yogurts make stickier dough.
• Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling — don’t scoop from the bag — to avoid a dry, dense dough.
• Let the shaped rings rest 4–5 minutes before frying so gluten relaxes; this prevents shrinkage while cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer 3–4 minutes to stabilize temperature; a hot basket helps form a crisp crust quickly.
• Use an egg wash (1 beaten egg) for color and seed adhesion; for vegan/dairy-free swaps, try aquafaba for shine.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

• Classic breakfast: split and toast, then spread cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and thin red onion.
• Savory sandwich: slice and fill with avocado, tomato, greens, and a fried egg for brunch.
• Snack board: cut into halves or thirds and serve with hummus, olive tapenade, and sliced cheeses.
• Presentation tip: warm briefly in the air fryer (2–3 minutes at 320°F) before serving and garnish with sesame or everything bagel seasoning.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes, or thaw and refresh in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to preserve texture.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: use a 1:1 gluten-free self-rising flour blend (adjust yogurt slightly if dough is dry); results are slightly crumbly but tasty.
• Dairy-free/vegan: swap Greek yogurt for thick coconut or soy yogurt and use aquafaba for the wash; texture will differ but flavor holds up.
• Whole grain: replace half the self-rising flour with whole wheat self-rising flour for nuttier flavor; expect denser crumb.
• Sweet bagels: add 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough, brush with butter and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar after baking.

Nutritional Highlights

• Protein boost: Greek yogurt adds protein and tang, making these bagels more filling than plain flour-only doughs.
• Lower fat option: using low-fat yogurt reduces calories while keeping structure; full-fat gives richer flavor.
• Allergens: contains gluten, dairy, and egg (unless you use substitutions). Serve-size guidance: one medium bagel per person is a standard portion, adjust for appetite and toppings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dough too sticky: fold in 1–2 tablespoons extra flour at a time until workable; avoid over-flouring which makes dry bagels.
• Bagels won’t brown: make sure to preheat the air fryer and use an egg wash; if needed, finish with a 1–2 minute high-heat blast at 400°F.
• Dense interior: avoid overworking the dough and allow a short rest before shaping; too much pressure knocks out air that lightens the crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this with all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
A: Yes — for 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to mimic self-rising flour. Mix dry ingredients first, then add yogurt and proceed as written.

Q: Can I cook more than four bagels at once in my air fryer?
A: Only if your air fryer basket is large enough to allow space around each bagel for airflow. Cook in a single layer without crowding; you may need to work in batches for even cooking.

Q: Can I freeze the raw shaped bagels and cook from frozen?
A: You can freeze shaped bagels on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Thaw fully before air frying for best texture, though you can air fry from frozen — add 2–4 minutes to cook time and monitor browning.

Q: How do I get a chewier interior like a traditional bagel?
A: Traditional bagels are boiled before baking; for a chewier result, briefly steam the bagels by placing a shallow pan of boiling water under them in an oven for 2–3 minutes before air frying, or increase yogurt slightly and avoid overcooking to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Want to compare other three-ingredient or fast air fryer bagel versions? Check this gluten-free take from Pinch Me Good: 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels – with gluten free option – Pinch Me Good. Becky’s straightforward approach is useful for step-by-step photos: 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels – Becky’s Recipe Box. For a different technique and tips, read the SWEAT + TELL recipe notes here: Recipe: 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels — SWEAT + TELL. If you want a very quick 15-minute method to compare, see Gimme Delicious: 15 Minute Air Fryer Bagels | Gimme Delicious. For another easy version and variations, visit Air Fryer World’s page: Easy Air Fryer Bagels Recipe 3 Ingredients | Air Fryer World.

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