Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels Recipe

If you’re a fan of chewy, doughy bagels but want a shortcut that skips the boiling and long proofing, let me introduce you to your new obsession: Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels. These gluten-free beauties get their rise from just Greek yogurt and baking powder, require less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and emerge from your air fryer golden, fluffy, and ready for all your favorite bagel toppings. Whether you’re new to air frying or simply need a fun, crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack, you’ll love how flavorful and simple these mini bagels are to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s genuinely amazing how a handful of humble ingredients can transform into such crave-worthy bites! Each item here has a real job: building structure, boosting flavor, and ensuring that classic bagel chew. Simple, but each is essential for perfect Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels.

• Gluten-free 1:1 flour: Choose a quality blend (like King Arthur’s 1:1) for classic bagel structure and a tender crumb, making your bagels allergy-friendly too.
• Baking powder: This does the heavy lifting (literally!), helping your mini bagels puff up gorgeously without yeast.
• Kosher salt: A pinch brightens flavors and gives that bagel-shop authenticity.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds protein, tang, and moisture, binding everything together for a perfectly chewy bite.
• Everything bagel seasoning: A crunchy, savory burst on every bite — it’s the secret to that iconic bakery flavor.
• Olive oil spray, egg white, or water: Brushing or spraying helps the seasoning stick and ensures a golden finish.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to create your gluten-free self-rising flour. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt using a fork until a shaggy, thick dough forms. Sprinkle a bit of flour onto your hands and knead the dough right in the bowl for about a minute, until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should come together easily — if it’s sticky, add a tiny bit more flour.

Step 2: Shape the Mini Bagels

Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough, giving it another quick knead for just a minute. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough (about 1 ounce each), roll them between your palms into balls, and set them on a plate. You’ll get 12 to 13 mini bagels this way, perfectly snack-sized and ready for that signature bagel shape.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Giving it a few minutes to preheat means your Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels will start cooking instantly, leading to that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Add Seasoning and Prep for Cooking

While the air fryer heats, brush each dough ball lightly with olive oil spray (or use egg white or water). Roll them in everything bagel seasoning placed in a shallow bowl so each mini bagel gets generously coated. For a lighter touch, just sprinkle a bit of seasoning on top instead. This step is the secret to that bakery-style finish!

Step 5: Arrange and Air Fry

Mist the air fryer basket with olive oil spray so your mini bagels don’t stick. Space the dough balls in a single layer, making sure they’re about an inch apart, since they’ll expand as they cook. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to work in batches. Don’t crowd them — airflow is key to an even rise!

Step 6: Cook Until Golden

Air fry the bagels for 10-12 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark. Carefully tear one open (they’ll be hot!) — if the center is still doughy, give them another minute or two. As soon as they’re done, transfer them to a plate and let them cool for about five minutes. This sets their structure and makes for the perfect bite.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spread your mini bagels with good butter or a swoop of tangy cream cheese while still warm. These Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels are unbelievably rewarding straight from the basket!

How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels

Garnishes

Enhance each mini bagel with extra warmth and flavor by brushing the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the air fryer. For a pop of color, add minced chives, or a sprinkle of poppy or sesame seeds to your seasoning mix for visual variety.

Side Dishes

Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels pair beautifully with crisp vegetable sticks and a variety of dips for a playful brunch platter. Add a fruit salad or a bowl of herby scrambled eggs for a balanced, colorful breakfast spread that tastes as good as it looks.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mini bagels on a wooden board with a buffet of toppings: flavored cream cheeses, peanut butter, smoked salmon, and sliced tomatoes. For brunch parties, skewer halves onto toothpicks with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, or package them up as part of a DIY bagel brunch box for friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels keep well for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature if you’ll eat them soon, or pop them in the fridge to keep them soft and fresh a little longer.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the bagels to cool completely, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them directly from frozen in your air fryer or oven for a fresh-from-the-bakery experience.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes. You can also toast them in a toaster or warm gently in the oven. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy.

FAQs

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

Yes! This recipe works just as well with regular all-purpose flour if you don’t need the bagels to be gluten-free. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly depending on the texture of your dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can mix and shape the dough the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let the bagels rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before seasoning and air frying.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

No worries! You can make your own blend with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and a pinch of salt, or simply sprinkle with your favorite seeds or spices.

How do I get perfectly round mini bagels?

For classic bagel shape, poke a hole in the center of each dough ball and gently stretch it out before air frying. They still puff up beautifully and retain that adorable, snackable size.

What dips go best with Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels?

Try whipped cream cheese (plain, chive, or flavored), classic hummus, veggie dip, or even sweet options like chocolate hazelnut spread for a playful twist!

Final Thoughts

Once you try your first batch of Easy Air Fryer Mini Bagels, you’ll understand why I make them on repeat! They’re the perfect weekend project or last-minute brunch treat, and I hope this recipe brings as much fun to your kitchen as it does to mine. Give them a try soon — and don’t forget to share and enjoy!

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