So let me first tell you how these 2-ingredient air fryer bagels became a full-blown obsession in my house.
A few months ago, I was in my kitchen—messy bun, yoga pants, no plans—and craving something bready. You know that specific kind of craving? Not quite toast. Not quite a donut. I was looking for something warm, chewy, comforting… but also not a full-blown baking project. I mean, who has time to wait for dough to rise for three hours when you’re just hangry and want something now?
Anyway, I had this tub of Greek yogurt staring at me from the fridge and half a bag of self-rising flour in the pantry from some long-forgotten baking attempt. And I remembered someone once casually mentioned a “two ingredient bagels” recipe in passing. I didn’t take them seriously back then—bagels with no yeast, no boiling, no kneading? Yeah, right. But desperation makes you bold.
So I tried it. I scooped. I mixed. I air fried. And OH. MY. GOD. What came out of that air fryer was nothing short of magic. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, totally customizable, and ready in under 20 minutes. I threw on some Everything Bagel seasoning and ate one standing at the counter. Then another. And then my husband walked in, took a bite, and gave me that “Wait… you made this?” look. That was it. I was hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Dish (Like… a Lot)
1. Minimalist Magic
Two ingredients. That’s it. No long shopping list, no mystery items. If you’ve got self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, you’re golden. It’s the ultimate lazy-girl (or guy) solution to homemade bagels without the hassle.
2. Fast & Furious (In the Best Way)
From “I want bagels” to “I’m eating bagels” in under 20 minutes. There’s no rising, no proofing, no waiting. And let’s be real—sometimes you want that instant carb satisfaction without an all-day commitment.
3. Air Fryer = Game Changer
That crispy, golden crust? Thank the air fryer. You get that satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Plus, no need to preheat an oven or heat up the whole kitchen.
4. Surprisingly Healthy
They’re lower in calories than traditional bagels and pack some solid protein from the yogurt. We’re talking easy homemade protein bagels that don’t feel like a “diet” food. It’s basically healthy comfort food.
5. So Many Variations
Want them sweet? Add cinnamon and raisins. Going savory? Toss in garlic powder and cheese. You can even go gluten-free with the right flour. This is your bagel canvas. Go wild.
6. Kid (and Spouse) Approved
I’m not even exaggerating when I say my kids devour these. And my husband? He’s requested “those air fryer bagel things” more times than I can count. They’re a total crowd-pleaser.
7. Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a batch on Sunday, freeze or refrigerate, and you’ve got easy breakfasts or snacks for the week. Pop them in the toaster or microwave and boom—bagel bliss in seconds.
Ingredients for the 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels Recipe
- Self-rising flour – 1 cup
- Plain Greek yogurt – 1 cup (full-fat or 2% work best)
Optional add-ins:
- Everything Bagel seasoning
- Cinnamon + sugar
- Shredded cheese
- Garlic powder or herbs
Cooking Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Air fryer
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Cooking Instructions for the 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of self-rising flour and 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Mix with a spoon or spatula until it forms a shaggy dough. Don’t overthink it—it’ll look a little messy.
Step 2: Knead It Out
Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on top. But not too much—you don’t want them dry.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each one into a rope and form a circle, pinching the ends together to close the loop. Doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is in.
Step 4: Add Toppings (If You Want)
This is where you can go wild. Brush the tops with a little egg wash if you want that shiny finish, then sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or whatever your heart desires.
Step 5: Air Fry Like a Pro
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 2-3 minutes). Place bagels on parchment or a greased basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and smell amazing.
Notes: Make It Work for You
Go Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free self-rising flour blend. Not all blends are created equal, so look for one with xanthan gum already in it.
Boost the Protein
Use high-protein Greek yogurt like Fage or Chobani. You’ll get more bang for your bite, especially if you’re aiming for low calorie bagels with a nutritional punch.
Add Flavor Inside
Mix in shredded cheese, dried herbs, or even minced jalapeños into the dough before shaping for a flavor bomb in every bite.
Make It Sweet
Add a tablespoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a sweet twist. Perfect with a shmear of cream cheese and honey.
Freeze for Later
Once cooled, toss them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop in the toaster or microwave. Fresh and ready in under a minute.
Macronutrients (Per Serving – 1 Bagel)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Pro Tips for the Recipe
Don’t Overmix
Seriously—just stir until combined. Overmixing makes them tough and dense, and we’re not here for that.
Air Fryer Space Matters
Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Give each bagel a little room to breathe so they cook evenly and get that golden crisp.
Try Egg Wash
Brushing the tops with a beaten egg before cooking gives that shiny bakery look. Totally optional, but totally worth it.
Season Both Sides
Flip halfway and sprinkle more seasoning on the bottom if you’re all about max flavor. Because who wants a one-sided bagel?
Use a Silicone Mat
A silicone air fryer liner or parchment makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking. Less scrubbing = more time eating.
Let’s Get Toasty: Your Bagel Questions, Answered
Here are some of the most common questions I get (and yes, I’ve tested them all myself).
Q: What can I serve with these bagels?
These pair beautifully with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, smoked salmon, or even a bowl of soup. For a sweet vibe, slather on some nut butter and banana slices. They’re kind of good with everything.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
Totally. Make a batch, let them cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days—or freeze them for longer. Just pop in the toaster when you’re ready to eat.
Q: How do I make the dough less sticky?
If it’s super sticky, just sprinkle a little extra flour while kneading. Don’t go overboard though—too much and they’ll get dry. It should feel slightly tacky but manageable.
Q: Can I bake them instead of using an air fryer?
Yep! Just bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-22 minutes. You won’t get that crisp air fryer texture, but they’ll still be tasty and golden brown.
Q: Any fun toppings to try besides Everything Bagel seasoning?
Absolutely! Try shredded cheddar, sesame seeds, cinnamon sugar, or crushed garlic + rosemary. You can even stuff them with cream cheese or jam before baking for a surprise inside.
Q: Are these good for sandwiches?
Heck yes. Slice them in half and pile on turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard—or go breakfast-style with egg and cheese. They’re sturdy and hold up like real-deal bagels.
