008: AIR FRYER BAGELS

🥯 Air Fryer Bagels — Golden Rings of Morning

Archetype: The Everyday Magician — flour, air, and heat spun into chewy rounds; café ritual, no oven required.

🥣 What It Is

Bagels, quick and magical in the air fryer. Choose the classic yeasted path for bakery chew, or the viral 2-ingredient Greek yogurt method for weekday speed. Both crisp golden outside, tender inside — ready for cream cheese, lox, or cinnamon sugar.

🧾 Ingredients (makes 4 bagels)

• Classic Yeast Bagels:
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2½ cups bread flour (or AP flour)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Toppings: everything seasoning, sesame, poppy, or cinnamon sugar
• 2-Ingredient Healthy Bagels:
  • 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup AP flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (thick, strained)
  • Optional egg wash for shine

✍️ Method (Classic — ~60 min total)

1. Bloom yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Rest 5 min until foamy.
2. Make dough: Add flour and salt. Knead 6–8 min until smooth. Cover and rise 45 min.
3. Shape: Divide into 4 balls. Poke a hole in center, stretch into bagel shape.
4. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Egg wash & top: Brush bagels with beaten egg. Sprinkle toppings.
6. Air fry: Cook 10–12 min until deep golden. Cool 5 min before slicing.

✍️ Method (2-Ingredient — ~20 min total)

1. Mix: Stir flour and Greek yogurt into a sticky dough. Knead lightly 1–2 min.
2. Shape: Divide into 4 pieces. Roll into logs, join ends into bagel rings.
3. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Top: Brush with egg wash if using. Add seasoning.
5. Air fry: Cook 10–12 min until puffed and golden.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Classic chew: Bread flour = stronger gluten = better bagel bite.
• Healthy hack: Use nonfat Greek yogurt for lighter results.
• Toppings: Sweet path? Brush with butter, dip in cinnamon sugar after cooking.
• Storage: Best fresh; freeze extras, reheat in air fryer 2–3 min.

📜 Lore / Origin

Bagels rose from Polish markets into New York legend, their shiny crust born of boiling water. Here, the air fryer becomes the shortcut forge: still golden, still morning magic.

🌺 Benefits

• Quick option: 2-ingredient method in 20 minutes flat
• Protein boost: Greek yogurt for satiety and balance
• Versatility: Savory or sweet, breakfast or snack

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Texture & Crust: 20/20
• Ease & Flexibility: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Golden rings of morning, oven-free.