Yogurt Bagels Air Fryer Style

Name: Yogurt Bagels Air Fryer Style
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 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing); Toppings of your choice (e.g., everything seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds)

Highlighted under: Busy Recipes

I absolutely love making bagels at home, and this Yogurt Bagels Air Fryer Style recipe has become one of my favorites. The combination of Greek yogurt and self-rising flour creates a simple dough that’s incredibly quick to whip up. What I enjoy most is the air fryer method, which yields a perfectly golden crust while keeping the bagels soft and chewy inside. Plus, they’re ready in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional boiling and baking methods. You won’t believe how easy these are to make!

Created by

Wendy Ashbourne

Last updated on 2026-03-20T22:14:18.496Z

When I first tried making bagels with yogurt, I was blown away by the simplicity of the recipe. By using just two ingredients—Greek yogurt and self-rising flour—I was able to achieve a dough that required no resting time and was ready to shape in minutes. I love experimenting with different toppings, from everything seasoning to sesame seeds, making each batch unique and delicious.

One tip I found helpful is to be cautious not to over-knead the dough; you want it to be just combined and slightly sticky. This method eliminates the need for boiling, and the air fryer seals in the moisture, creating the ideal texture both inside and out. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought bagels!

Reasons You'll Love These Bagels

Easy two-ingredient dough that comes together quickly
Soft and chewy texture with a crisp exterior
Customizable with your favorite toppings
No boiling required for a simplified process

Understanding the Dough

The dough for these yogurt bagels relies on a simple combination of Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. The yogurt not only provides moisture but also contributes to the bagels' tender texture, while the self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which help the bagels rise without the need for additional leavening agents. This makes the dough quick to prepare and perfect for those who want homemade bagels without the lengthy proofing process typically required.

When mixing the dough, aim for a consistency that’s smooth yet slightly sticky. This indicates that the flour has absorbed enough moisture from the yogurt, providing a balance that will yield soft, chewy bagels. If the dough feels too wet, you can incorporate a touch more flour gradually, but be cautious; too much flour can lead to dry bagels.

Once the dough is formed, kneading it gently for only 1-2 minutes ensures gluten development, which gives the bagels a nice stretchy quality. Over-kneading, however, can lead to a tough texture. A light, gentle touch is key!

Shaping for Success

Proper shaping of the bagels is essential for achieving that classic bagel look and texture. When you divide the dough into four pieces, make sure they are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Rolling each piece into a ball and then forming the hole for the bagel is a crucial step. Poking your finger through the center and slowly stretching the hole helps maintain the integrity of the bagel while also allowing it to rise properly during cooking.

When stretching the hole, don't be afraid to make it a bit larger than you think; it will shrink slightly in the air fryer. This ensures that your bagels will not end up as solid lumps but will retain that delightful chewy texture in the center. Visual cues, such as a well-formed round shape and an even hole, can help you gauge readiness.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with the shape. You can create mini bagels, knots, or even bagel bites. Just remember that adjusting the cooking time may be necessary for different shapes to ensure they cook thoroughly without burning.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious yogurt bagels.

Yogurt Bagels Ingredients

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Toppings of your choice (e.g., everything seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds)

Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results!

How to Make Yogurt Bagels

Follow these simple steps to make your bagels in an air fryer.

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Stir until a dough forms, then knead gently for about 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center to form the bagel shape. Gently stretch out the hole to make it larger.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Bagels

Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Brush the tops with olive oil and add your chosen toppings. Cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Once cooked, let the bagels cool for a few minutes before enjoying them warm!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or even herbs into the dough for a savory twist!

Storage and Reheating Options

These yogurt bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing the bagels. After they cool completely, place them in a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, which will restore their fluffy interior and crisp exterior.

If you plan to serve these bagels for a brunch or special occasion, you can make the dough ahead of time, shape the bagels, and refrigerate them. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. This is a wonderful way to have fresh bagels with minimal last-minute effort!

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts about these bagels is their versatility. You can enhance their flavor by incorporating spices or herbs into the dough, such as garlic powder or dried herbs like dill. Additionally, the toppings you choose can dramatically change the profile of your bagels. Everything seasoning provides a savory explosion, while sesame and poppy seeds add a nutty crunch. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite toppings!

If you're looking for a breakfast twist, consider adding shredded cheese directly into the dough for cheesy bagels, or folding in cooked bacon bits and chives for a decadent breakfast option. For a sweeter version, try adding a tablespoon of honey or cinnamon while mixing for a sweet breakfast that pairs well with cream cheese or jam.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

While you can, Greek yogurt yields a denser texture that works best for this recipe.

→ What is self-rising flour?

Self-rising flour is all-purpose flour that has baking powder and salt added. If you don't have it, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

→ Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes instead.

→ How should I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the toaster for best results.