Soft Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels

Name: Soft Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 cup self-rising flour; 1 large egg (for egg wash); Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Classics

I absolutely love starting my day with a warm, freshly baked bagel, and these Soft Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels have quickly become my favorite breakfast treat. They're easy to whip up and require only a few simple ingredients, making them perfect for busy mornings. The air fryer ensures they're soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, creating a delightful texture. I often experiment with toppings, but whether you choose cream cheese or your favorite spread, these bagels are always a hit in our house.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:43:09.452Z

When I first decided to make bagels at home, I was a bit intimidated. However, this recipe has turned out to be extremely forgiving and fun. The blend of yogurt and self-rising flour creates a dough that’s not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying to work with. I remember the first batch I made—my family couldn’t believe they were homemade and begged for more!

I always keep a few bagels prepared to toast throughout the week. One tip I've learned is to let the bagels cool completely before storing them. This helps maintain their soft texture. Enjoying one toasted with a smear of cream cheese makes all the effort worthwhile!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy preparation with minimal ingredients
Perfectly soft texture that rivals store-bought bagels
Versatile enough to enjoy sweet or savory

      

Perfecting the Dough

The quality of your bagel dough significantly influences the final texture. Using full-fat Greek yogurt not only adds moisture but also enhances the flavor profile, making your bagels richer. Self-rising flour is essential here; it contains the right balance of baking powder and salt to give the bagels a nice rise without requiring additional leavening agents. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can mimic self-rising flour by adding one and a half teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup used.

When you mix the yogurt and flour, aim for a shaggy dough that holds together but isn’t too sticky. If it sticks to your fingers, incorporate small amounts of flour until it achieves the right consistency, similar to play dough. As you knead, the gluten in the flour develops, which is crucial for providing the chewy texture bagels are known for. Remember, over-kneading can lead to tough bagels, so a gentle hand is key!

Shaping and Topping Tips

Shaping your bagels evenly is important to ensure consistent cooking and texture. A standard size for bagels is about 3 inches in diameter. After dividing the dough, gently roll each piece into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center, spinning to create that classic bagel shape. Accessorizing your bagels should be a fun part of the process; feel free to get creative with toppings. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor, while everything bagel seasoning delivers a wonderful crunch with garlic and onion notes.

For the egg wash, beating the egg until it's glossy will help it adhere better and create that golden exterior. It's an optional step, but I find that it enhances both the appearance and flavor of the bagels. Additionally, consider adding herbs or spices (like garlic powder or onion powder) to the egg wash for an extra layer of flavor. Remember to keep an eye on the bagels while frying; each air fryer can vary slightly, and cooking time may need adjustment based on your specific model.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients for Bagels

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup self-rising flour
1 large egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you knead the dough.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your bagels:

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Divide into four equal sections and shape each section into a bagel.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) while you shape the bagels.

Egg Wash and Season

Brush each bagel with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired.

Air Fry the Bagels

Place the bagels in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your homemade bagels any time of the day!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough before mixing. You can also experiment with different toppings based on your preferences.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Soft Air Fryer Yogurt Bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily prepare them ahead of time. After shaping the bagels, flash freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply air fry them from frozen at 320°F for 15-18 minutes. This will ensure they retain their soft texture while achieving that perfect crisp exterior.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked bagels. Just pop them in a toaster or air fryer for a few minutes to revitalize, bringing back that warm, freshly baked essence. If you find the bagels a bit dry upon reheating, a light sprinkle of water can help steam them back to their original glory.

Flavor Variations

Experimenting with flavors can turn a simple bagel dough into something extraordinary. Consider adding ingredients like diced jalapeños, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a savory twist. For a sweeter version, mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit. Just be cautious about adding extra moisture with the ingredients; if you add fruit, you might need to reduce the yogurt slightly to maintain a workable dough consistency.

Another fun option is to try different seasonings mixed into the dough itself. For instance, a hint of cinnamon can provide a delightful contrast to cream cheese toppings, while a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can elevate your bagels to new heights, pairing beautifully with avocado or savory spreads.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use non-Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but the texture may be slightly different.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?

Yes, they can be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

→ Are these bagels gluten-free?

This recipe uses self-rising flour which contains gluten; for gluten-free bagels, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.