3-Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels: Easy & Blissful Gluten-Free Hack

Oh my gosh, you have no idea how excited I am to share this ridiculously easy bagel recipe with you! I stumbled upon these 3 ingredient air fryer bagels one sleepy Sunday morning when I desperately needed breakfast but didn’t want to run to the store. Three ingredients – that’s it! Just flour, yogurt, and an egg. And guess what? They come out perfectly chewy on the inside with that gorgeous golden crust we all love. The best part? They’re ready in about 20 minutes flat, and if you need them gluten-free, just swap in GF flour – nobody will know the difference. My kids go crazy for these, and honestly, so do I. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought!

Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Let me tell you why these little wonders have become my go-to breakfast miracle:

• Crazy quick: From bowl to table in 20 minutes—no yeast, no waiting, no fuss.
• Too easy to mess up: Just mix, shape, and air fry. Even my 6-year-old can do it (with supervision near the fryer, of course).
• Your canvas, your rules: Top with everything seasoning for savory kicks or cinnamon sugar when your sweet tooth strikes.
• Secretly wholesome: Greek yogurt packs protein, and using gluten-free flour? Totally works without sacrificing that perfect chew.

Trust me, once that first warm, golden bagel hits your plate, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Ready for the easiest shopping list ever? Here’s all you need for perfect homemade bagels:

• 1 cup self-rising flour (or gluten-free self-rising flour – my favorite hack for GF friends!)
• 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (though full-fat works too for extra richness)
• 1 large egg (just for that gorgeous golden egg wash – trust me, it makes all the difference)

That’s seriously it! I keep these staples in my pantry at all times for last-minute bagel cravings. The flour and yogurt do all the heavy lifting while the egg gives them that beautiful bakery-style shine.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Alright, let’s get these beauties made! Here’s my foolproof method for perfect bagels every single time:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes while you prep the dough – this ensures even cooking.
2. Mix the magic: In a medium bowl, stir together flour and yogurt until a shaggy dough forms. It’ll look messy at first, but keep mixing – it’ll come together!
3. Knead lightly: Turn onto a floured surface and knead 10-12 times until smooth (don’t overdo it or they’ll get tough).
4. Shape your bagels (see below for my shaping tricks!).
5. Egg wash glory: Beat the egg with 1 tsp water and brush generously over each bagel – this gives that golden crunch.
6. Air fry: Cook 12-15 minutes until deeply golden. Oh, that smell!

Shaping the Bagels

Here’s my favorite method: divide dough into 4 equal blobs (like making snowballs!). Roll each into a 6-inch rope, then pinch ends together to form rings. Pro tip: make the holes slightly bigger than you think – they’ll puff up! If dough sticks, wet your hands lightly.

Air Frying Tips

Space is key – don’t crowd them! I do 2 bagels at a time with space between. Check at 12 minutes – tops should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce time by 1-2 minutes. And peek through the window – no peeking = no heat escape!

Variations for 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Now for the fun part – let’s dress these babies up! The beauty of these bagels is how easily they transform. Right after the egg wash, while they’re still sticky, is your golden opportunity to get creative. Here are my family’s favorite ways to mix things up:

• Everything but the kitchen sink: Press on everything bagel seasoning for that classic deli flavor (I keep a big jar of this stuff just for bagel emergencies).
• Sweet morning treat: A mix of cinnamon sugar makes these perfect with cream cheese and jam – my kids call these “doughnut bagels.”
• Savory twist: Grated parmesan and garlic powder create an amazing cheesy crust that’s killer with avocado.
• Sesame street special: Toasted sesame seeds give that authentic bakery feel – brush with extra egg wash so they stick properly.

Honestly? Sometimes I make a batch of each so everyone gets their favorite. Why choose when you can have it all?

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities! These bagels are like little edible plates waiting for your favorite toppings. My absolute must? A thick schmear of cream cheese while they’re still warm – it melts just enough to make you weak in the knees. Feeling fancy? Top with avocado and everything seasoning for the ultimate breakfast. Weekend brunch calls for smoked salmon, capers, and a squeeze of lemon. And don’t even get me started on using them for mini sandwiches – ham and cheese gets melty-perfect after 30 seconds back in the air fryer. Morning, noon, or midnight snack… these bagels never disappoint!

Storing and Reheating 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Now, I know these bagels disappear fast (mine never last more than an hour!), but if you somehow have leftovers, here’s the scoop: toss them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. For that just-baked magic, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up. Pro tip: If you want to freeze them, wrap individually in foil first, then thaw at room temp before reheating. Still tastes like you just pulled them from the fryer!

Nutrition Information for 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Here’s the skinny on these guilt-free goodies (per bagel, based on my exact recipe!):

• 180 calories – lighter than most bakery versions!
• 35g carbs – fuel for your morning
• 8g protein thanks to that Greek yogurt power
• 1g fat (if using non-fat yogurt)

Remember – these numbers dance a bit depending on your flour brand or if you use full-fat yogurt. My nutritionist friend approves these as a balanced breakfast option – especially with all that protein keeping you full!

FAQ About 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels

Okay, let’s tackle those burning questions I always get about these miraculous bagels:

Can I use regular flour? Absolutely! Just add 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt per cup of all-purpose flour. But self-rising is my lazy-day hero – one less step!

No egg wash? No problem! Brush with milk or melted butter instead. They won’t get quite as shiny, but still delicious. Or skip it entirely for a softer crust.

Baking instead of air frying? Sure thing! 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Rotate pans halfway.

Freezer-friendly? Oh yes! Freeze baked bagels in single layers first, then bag them up. Reheat frozen – no thawing needed – for 3-4 minutes in the air fryer.

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