Homemade Bagels
vegetariannut-freebreakfastlunchSpray SurfaceKid-FriendlyMeal-Prep
Homemade bagels are easier than you think in the air fryer. You'll need flour, yeast, and a little honey for the signature chewy crust. Find the step-by-step instructions, ingredients, and timing here.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose, bread flour gives better chew)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey (for the boiling water)
For topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppyseeds, or flaky salt
Steps
- 01Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and stir until a stiff dough forms. This dough should be noticeably tighter than bread dough.
- 02Knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should bounce back when you poke it.
- 03Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center and stretch into a ring about 3 inches in diameter. The hole should be wider than you think because it shrinks during cooking.
- 04Let rest for 15 minutes, covered.
- 05Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the honey. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds per side. This is what gives bagels their chewy crust. Don't skip it.
- 06Remove from water, place on a towel briefly, then brush with egg wash and press toppings into the surface.
- 07Ready for the air fryer.
The boil is not optional. It's what makes a bagel a bagel instead of a bread roll with a hole in it. The boiling water gelatinizes the outside starch, creating that dense, chewy, shiny crust. Honey in the water adds a subtle sweetness and helps the crust brown. 30 seconds per side. Any longer and they get gummy.
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How to Air Fry It
- 01Mix equal parts self-rising flour and plain Greek yogurt in a bowl until a dough forms.
- 02Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth.
- 03Divide into equal pieces, roll into ropes, and pinch the ends to form circles.
- 04Brush the tops with an egg wash and sprinkle with seasoning.
- 05Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F and spray the basket.
- 06Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- 07Let cool slightly before slicing.
Lightly spray the basket or tray before cooking.
Recipe Notes
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