Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

These Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels are a delightful treat your entire family will adore! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even brunch gatherings, these bagels are wonderfully light and fluffy. With only five ingredients and no yeast required, you can whip them up in just about 12 minutes using an air fryer or oven. What’s more, they are gluten-free, making them a versatile option for everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes, you can have fresh bagels ready in under 15 minutes!
• No Yeast Required: Skip the long rising times usually needed for traditional bagels. This recipe is yeast-free!
• Gluten-Free Option: Made with gluten-free flour, these mini bagels cater to different dietary needs without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Toppings: Enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite spreads; they pair well with butter, cream cheese, and more!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in shaping the dough into mini bagels for a fun cooking experience together.

Tools and Preparation

To make these easy air fryer mini bagels, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Measuring cups
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Air fryer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Fork: Using a fork helps break down the yogurt into the flour smoothly, creating an even dough.
• Air fryer: This tool cooks the mini bagels quickly while keeping them perfectly light and fluffy.

Ingredients

To prepare these delicious easy air fryer mini bagels, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bagels

• 1 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour – like King Arthur’s
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Everything bagel seasoning
• Olive oil spray, egg white, or water – for coating the bagels so the seasoning sticks to them

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium-sized bowl combine the flour with the baking powder and salt to make gluten-free self-rising flour. Then add in the yogurt and mix well (I like to use a fork) until a thick, slightly wet, chunky dough forms. Add a sprinkle of flour to your hands and the dough and mix and knead it in the bowl until a smooth dough ball forms. This takes about 1 minute or less.

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

Turn the bagel dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for another minute. Use a rounded tablespoon or spoon to scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon (about 1 ounce) of dough into your hands and roll it into a ball. Place it onto a clean plate. Continue until you have rolled all of the dough. This recipe makes 12-13 mini bagels.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.

Step 4: Season the Bagels

While preheating, spray or lightly brush each bagel ball with olive oil spray (you can also use egg white or water), then add everything bagel seasoning to a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball in it. You can also sprinkle some seasoning onto each bagel if you prefer less flavor.

Step 5: Cook in Batches

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray (non-aerosol). Place each bagel into the basket in a single layer without touching them; keep about 1 inch apart since they will expand slightly as they cook. You may need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Cook the mini bagels for 10-12 minutes. After 10 minutes, check one by pulling it apart (be careful as they will be hot!). If still doughy inside, cook for another 1-2 minutes. Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a plate for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve with butter or cream cheese and enjoy your homemade easy air fryer mini bagels!

How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

These easy air fryer mini bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick snack or a delightful breakfast, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your bagel experience.

With Cream Cheese

• Cream cheese spread adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft bagels. Try flavored varieties like chive or berry for an extra twist.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

• Slice the mini bagels in half and fill them with scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, and your choice of cheese for a hearty breakfast option.

Topped with Avocado

• Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the bagel, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for a healthy topping that is both filling and delicious.

Dipped in Hummus

• Serve the mini bagels with hummus for a fun, nutritious snack. Choose from different flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic for variety.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair your mini bagels with slices of fresh fruit such as strawberries or bananas for a refreshing and balanced meal.

How to Perfect Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

For the best results, follow these tips to ensure your easy air fryer mini bagels turn out light and fluffy every time.

• Use Gluten-Free Flour: Choose a quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to maintain the right texture without using wheat-based flours.

• Don’t Skip the Yogurt: The yogurt adds moisture and richness to the dough, ensuring that your bagels remain tender and flavorful.

• Knead Lightly: When mixing the dough, knead gently just until it comes together. Over-kneading can lead to tough bagels.

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bagels while they cook. If they seem too soft inside after 10 minutes, add an extra minute or two until they are fully cooked.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

Pairing side dishes with your easy air fryer mini bagels can enhance any meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Salad
   A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette adds freshness that complements the chewy bagel texture beautifully.

2. Vegetable Soup
   A warm bowl of vegetable soup can make for a comforting meal alongside mini bagels, especially during colder months.

3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a sweet side dish that balances out savory flavors from the bagels.

4. Fruit Skewers
   Colorful fruit skewers provide a fun and healthy addition that pairs well with any type of topping you choose for your bagels.

5. Cucumber Slices
   Crisp cucumber slices drizzled with olive oil or balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with soft bagels.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   Oven-roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs add depth to your meal while bringing out natural sweetness alongside your mini bagels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the kneading – Not kneading the dough enough can lead to dense bagels. Make sure to knead until a smooth ball forms.
• Overcrowding the air fryer – Placing too many bagels in the air fryer can prevent even cooking. Always keep them about 1 inch apart.
• Not checking doneness – If you skip checking the bagels at 10 minutes, they might be undercooked. Always pull one apart to check for doneness.
• Using the wrong flour – Using regular flour instead of gluten-free flour will alter the texture and taste. Stick to gluten-free 1:1 flour for best results.
• Neglecting oil spray – Forgetting to coat the bagels with olive oil or egg white can result in seasoning not sticking. Make sure to coat them well before seasoning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat the bagels for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place a bagel on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds, making sure it doesn’t get soggy.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels:

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Using regular flour will change the recipe’s texture and may not yield the same lightness as gluten-free options.

How long do Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

What can I serve with Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels?

These mini bagels pair well with butter, cream cheese, or any favorite spreads you enjoy.

Can I customize the toppings on my Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels?

Absolutely! You can try different seasonings such as sesame seeds, garlic powder, or even cheese.

How do I know when my bagels are done cooking?

Check them after 10 minutes; if they look golden brown and are not doughy inside when pulled apart, they are ready!

Final Thoughts

These Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels are not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different toppings or spreads based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade mini bagels that everyone will love!