Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Make crispy-outside, fluffy gluten-free 3 ingredient air fryer bagels in just 15 minutes with 3 simple ingredients! Perfect for busy mornings and gluten-free breakfasts.
Have you ever stood in the bakery aisle wishing you could make fresh bagels at home—without all the fuss? I totally get it. For years, I thought gluten-free 3 ingredient air fryer bagels were impossible, like some kind of kitchen unicorn that only existed in my dreams.
Well, here’s what changed everything: I discovered that Greek yogurt and a few basic pantry staples could create something absolutely magical in my air fryer. The first time I made a batch, I was genuinely shocked—they turned out fluffy on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior, ready in under 15 minutes.
You know what the best part is? No complicated techniques, no special equipment beyond your air fryer, and zero intimidation factor.
This bagel recipe gluten-free has become my go-to weekend breakfast because it’s so ridiculously simple yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting the craft. Your whole family will be amazed when you tell them you made these from scratch.
Table of Contents
Amazing Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork or rubber spatula
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Olive oil spray
- Well-floured surface
- Serrated Bread Knife
Ingredients
For Standard Bagels
- 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (gluten-free) optional for extra fluffy bagels
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg for egg wash
Optional Toppings
- as desired everything bagel seasoning
- as desired sesame seeds
- as desired poppy seeds
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the gluten-free flour with baking powder and salt, whisking gently to distribute evenly. Add the Greek yogurt and mix using a fork, your hands, or a rubber spatula until the dough becomes wet but still slightly crumbly with visible doughy pieces.
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it gently with your hands into a smooth ball. The dough will transform from shaggy to silky as you work—this usually takes just 1–2 minutes of light kneading.
- Separate the dough into 4 equal pieces by cutting or pinching off portions. Roll each piece into a 5–6 inch long log that’s about ¾ inch wide, then form it into a circle and pinch the ends together with your fingers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk (or whole egg) with a splash of water to create your egg wash. Brush this mixture all over the top and middle of each bagel, then sprinkle with your favorite toppings—everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds all work beautifully.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with olive oil spray for easy cleanup. Place the formed bagels in a single layer about 2 inches apart—don’t overcrowd the basket, as this ensures even, golden browning.
- Close the air fryer and cook for approximately 10 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. Since air fryers vary, check them around the 8–9 minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and topping. The cooling time allows them to set up and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.
- If using the gluten-free variation, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking powder and salt. Add both the yogurt and 1 whisked egg white to the dry ingredients, then mix until slightly crumbly and proceed exactly as directed above.
Notes
Ingredients For Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| For Standard Bagels | ||
| All-purpose gluten-free flour | 1 cup | |
| Baking powder (gluten-free) | 2 teaspoons | optional for extra fluffy bagels |
| Kosher salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1 cup | |
| Large egg | 1 | for egg wash |
| Optional Toppings | ||
| Everything bagel seasoning | As desired | |
| Sesame seeds | As desired | |
| Poppy seeds | As desired |
Instructions For Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Step 1: In a medium-size bowl, combine the gluten-free flour with baking powder and salt, whisking gently to distribute evenly. Add the Greek yogurt and mix using a fork, your hands, or a rubber spatula until the dough becomes wet but still slightly crumbly with visible doughy pieces.
Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it gently with your hands into a smooth ball. The dough will transform from shaggy to silky as you work—this usually takes just 1–2 minutes of light kneading.
Step 3: Separate the dough into 4 equal pieces by cutting or pinching off portions. Roll each piece into a 5–6 inch long log that’s about ¾ inch wide, then form it into a circle and pinch the ends together with your fingers.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk (or whole egg) with a splash of water to create your egg wash. Brush this mixture all over the top and middle of each bagel, then sprinkle with your favorite toppings—everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds all work beautifully.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with olive oil spray for easy cleanup. Place the formed bagels in a single layer about 2 inches apart—don’t overcrowd the basket, as this ensures even, golden browning.
Step 6: Close the air fryer and cook for approximately 10 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. Since air fryers vary, check them around the 8–9 minute mark to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and topping. The cooling time allows them to set up and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.
Special Instructions for Gluten-Free Bagels
If you’re using the gluten-free variation, follow the same process but combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking powder and salt. Add both the yogurt and 1 whisked egg white to the dry ingredients, then mix until slightly crumbly and proceed exactly as directed above.
The egg white addition in the gluten-free version provides extra binding and structure, ensuring your gluten-free Ninja Foodi recipes—or any air fryer bagels—stay cohesive and delicious. Don’t skip this step if you’re going gluten-free!
Substitutions for Your Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Flour Alternatives
You could experiment with different gluten-free flour blends, though the ratio might need slight adjustment based on absorption rates. If using a blend with xanthan gum already included, you may need to reduce the baking powder slightly to avoid a gummy texture.
Greek Yogurt Swaps
Non-fat or full-fat Greek yogurt both work beautifully—the fat content mainly affects richness rather than structure. If you can’t find Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt works in a pinch, though you might need to add 1 extra tablespoon of flour to balance the moisture.
Egg Wash Alternatives
No eggs? Try brushing with a plant-based milk mixed with a tiny bit of cornstarch for shine. You could also use melted dairy-free butter for a richer, golden finish without any egg at all.
Topping Ideas
Cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even chopped fresh dill and onions create completely different flavor profiles. Well, the beauty of gluten-free air fryer bagels is that you can customize them to match whatever you’re craving.
Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Results
Bagels Come Out Dense or Gummy
This usually means the dough had too much moisture or was overmixed. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t pack down), and mix just until the dough comes together without overworking it.
They’re Browning Too Quickly
Every air fryer runs at slightly different temperatures, so if yours browns faster, lower the heat to 325°F or check them at the 7-minute mark. You can always add a minute or two, but you can’t undo over-browning.
Bagels Are Dry Inside
Dryness happens when they cook too long or if the baking powder ratio was too high. Stick to the timer and check around 8–9 minutes—even 1–2 extra minutes can make them drier, so watch carefully.
Dough Is Too Sticky to Handle
If your dough is more like thick batter than dough, you might need an extra tablespoon or two of flour. Add it gradually while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and workable without being overly dry.
Storage and Meal Prep for Air Fryer Bagels
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container on your fridge’s middle shelf for up to 3 days. You can refresh them by placing them back in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes before serving, which restores that just-made crispiness.
Freezing for Convenient Breakfasts
Cool the bagels completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Toast them straight from frozen in your air fryer at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, or thaw overnight and toast briefly for a quick weekday breakfast.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your warm gluten-free 3 ingredient air fryer bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon for an elegant weekend brunch. Peanut butter and banana, almond butter and berries, or even a simple spread of hummus and cucumber make delicious everyday combinations.
Toast them and top with your favorite toppings—a fried egg with everything bagel seasoning is absolutely unbeatable for breakfast. You can also slice them horizontally and use them as the base for breakfast sandwiches loaded with your favorite fillings.
Variations and Dietary Adjustments
Cinnamon Sugar Bagels
Mix 2 tablespoons cinnamon with ¼ cup sugar and sprinkle generously over the egg wash before air frying. These taste like a sweet treat but are still surprisingly wholesome—perfect for weekend mornings or when you need something special.
Everything Seasoning Version
Skip the other toppings and use everything bagel seasoning exclusively for that classic deli-style flavor. One tablespoon generously sprinkled on each bagel gives you all that savory, umami deliciousness without overdoing it.
Herb & Cheese Variation
Mix 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs into the dough and top with grated Parmesan cheese before air frying. Man, oh man, this savory twist turns bagel recipe gluten-free options into something completely different and absolutely delicious.
Dairy-Free Version
Substitute the Greek yogurt with dairy-free Greek yogurt (usually made from coconut milk) in a 1:1 ratio. The texture might be slightly different, but it works beautifully and keeps your bagels completely plant-based.
FAQs About Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Bagels
Can you make bagels in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for gluten-free air fryer bagels because they cook quickly and create that crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture everyone loves. The circulating hot air mimics traditional bagel-making without requiring boiling water or a special setup.
How do you make gluten-free bagels without xanthan gum?
This recipe doesn’t use xanthan gum at all—instead, Greek yogurt and eggs provide the binding structure you need. Baking powder adds lift and fluffiness, creating the perfect tender crumb without any gums or additives.
Why use Greek yogurt in bagels?
Greek yogurt brings moisture, protein, and tang that mimics traditional bagel dough while keeping the ingredient list super simple. It also creates that slightly chewy texture that makes gluten-free 3 ingredient air fryer bagels taste so satisfying.
How do you store air fryer bagels?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Refresh chilled bagels in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
What’s the best way to slice a warm bagel?
Let them cool for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing—this allows the crumb to set and prevents them from falling apart. A serrated bread knife works best, and sawing gently rather than pressing down helps maintain that beautiful fluffy interior.
Can you customize the flavors of gluten-free bagels?
Completely! Try cinnamon sugar, everything seasoning, Italian herbs, or even add seeds mixed into the dough itself. The base recipe is so flexible that you can make a different flavor every time.
Final Tips for Success
Making gluten-free Ninja Foodi recipes or air fryer bagels doesn’t require any special skills—just a willingness to try something new. The first batch might look slightly imperfect, and that’s totally okay. Each time you make them, you’ll get better at shaping and timing, and honestly, even the imperfect ones taste incredible.
The magic of this recipe is its simplicity and speed—you can have fresh bagels on your table in less time than it takes to drive to the bakery. Keep notes on your air fryer’s quirks (does it run hot? Does one side cook faster?), and you’ll nail this recipe every single time.
For more quick breakfast inspiration, explore our complete gluten-free baking essentials and discover easy dairy-free morning recipes. If you’re looking for weekend brunch ideas beyond bagels, our trusted gluten-free dessert collection has plenty of inspiring options too.
About Air Fryer Cooking and Gluten-Free Baking
Understanding how air fryers work helps you master recipes like gluten-free air fryer bagels every single time. Expert guidance on air fryer cooking techniques explains how circulating hot air creates crispiness while maintaining moisture inside. Additionally, authoritative information on gluten-free flour blends from King Arthur Baking Company provides insight into why certain blends work better for specific recipes and how to adjust recipes based on flour absorption rates.
