Homemade Air Fryer Mini Bagels – Gluten Free
Make delicious Easy Homemade Air Fryer Mini Bagels – Gluten Free in just 15 minutes with 2 ingredients! Perfect for busy mornings and gluten-free beginners.
You know what I love about Sunday mornings? The smell of fresh bagels filling the kitchen while I’m still in my pajamas, coffee in hand. But here’s the thing—gluten-free bagels at the bakery cost a small fortune, and let’s be honest, they’re often dense enough to use as doorstops.
That’s exactly why I created these Easy Homemade Air Fryer Mini Bagels – Gluten Free. They take just 15 minutes from start to finish, use only two main ingredients, and come out perfectly golden with that satisfying chewy texture we all crave. No boiling water, no complicated techniques, and definitely no expensive specialty ingredients.
These gluten-free air fryer mini bagels have become my secret weapon for busy weekday mornings, after-school snacks, and even as slider buns for game day. My kids request them constantly, and I’m pretty sure my neighbor thinks I’ve opened a secret bagel shop based on how often she “stops by” around breakfast time!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free 1:1 flour | 1 cup | King Arthur recommended |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Aluminum-free preferred |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | Or sea salt |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1 cup | Full-fat works best |
| Everything bagel seasoning | 2 tablespoons | Or your favorite topping |
| Olive oil spray | As needed | Egg white or water also works |
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour with the baking powder and salt to create your self-rising flour base. Add in the Greek yogurt and mix well using a fork until a thick, slightly wet, chunky dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at first—that’s totally normal for this air fryer bagel recipe!
Step 2: Sprinkle a little flour on your hands and the dough, then mix and knead it right in the bowl until a smooth dough ball forms. This takes about a minute or less—the dough should feel soft and pliable, like playdough but slightly stickier.
Step 3: Turn the bagel dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for another minute until it’s completely smooth. Use a rounded tablespoon to scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon (roughly 1 ounce) of dough, roll it into a ball between your palms, and place it onto a clean plate. Continue until you’ve rolled all the dough—you should get 12-13 adorable mini bagels.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F while you prep the bagels. Once it’s warming up, lightly spray or brush each dough ball with olive oil spray (egg white or water works too). Add the everything bagel seasoning to a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the seasoning until well coated, or simply sprinkle the seasoning on top if you prefer a lighter touch.
Step 5: Spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol olive oil spray, then arrange the easy gluten-free bagels in a single layer with about 1 inch of space between them since they’ll puff up as they cook. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to work in batches—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!
Step 6: Cook the mini bagels for 10-12 minutes, checking one at the 10-minute mark by carefully pulling it apart (watch out, they’re hot!). If the inside still looks doughy, give them 1-2 more minutes. Remove them from the air fryer, transfer to a plate, and let them cool for 5 minutes before diving in. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Step 7: Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread. Man, oh man, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly made bagel—especially when you made it yourself in less time than it takes to run to the store!
Substitutions
Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, you can make your own using a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, though results may vary slightly. For the most reliable texture in this air fryer bagel recipe, stick with a quality store-bought blend like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill.
Yogurt Swaps: Can’t do dairy? Try using dairy-free Greek-style yogurt made from coconut or almond milk—just make sure it’s thick and not runny, or your dough won’t come together properly. Regular yogurt is too thin for these gluten-free air fryer mini bagels, so Greek-style is really the way to go.
Seasoning Options: While everything bagel seasoning is my go-to, you can use cinnamon sugar for a sweet version, garlic powder and herbs for an Italian twist, or even just coarse sea salt for a classic flavor. According to trusted culinary nutrition experts, adding seeds and seasonings boosts both flavor and nutritional value.
Troubleshooting
Dough Too Sticky: If your dough feels impossibly sticky and won’t form a ball, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable. Different gluten-free flour blends absorb moisture differently, so don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
Bagels Turning Out Dense: This usually means you over-kneaded the dough or your baking powder is old and has lost its oomph. Fresh baking powder is essential for these easy gluten-free bagels to get that light, fluffy texture inside with a golden exterior.
Uneven Cooking: Make sure your bagels are roughly the same size and spaced evenly in the air fryer basket. If some are browning faster than others, rotate the basket halfway through cooking or rearrange the bagels for more even heat distribution.
Seasoning Won’t Stick: The oil, egg white, or water coating is crucial for getting that seasoning to adhere properly. If you skip this step or apply it too lightly, your everything bagel topping will end up on your counter instead of your bagels!
Storage
Store these air fryer mini bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—just pop them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes, or toast them like regular bagels. Well… I rarely have leftovers because they disappear so quickly, but when I do, reheating them makes them taste freshly made again!
Serving Suggestions
These mini bagels are perfect for breakfast sandwiches stuffed with eggs, cheese, and bacon—the smaller size makes them ideal for little hands and portion control. Pair them with your favorite complete gluten-free Chex party mix for a game-day spread everyone will love.
They’re also fantastic as slider buns for pulled pork or turkey burgers at summer barbecues. My personal favorite? Slathered with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a quick weekend brunch that feels fancy but takes zero effort.
Variations
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Version: Skip the everything bagel seasoning and roll the dough balls in a mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon before air frying. These make an amazing breakfast treat or after-school snack, and you can serve them with easy gluten-free vanilla layer cake for a special celebration.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt and skip the butter for serving—coconut cream makes a delicious spread alternative. The texture stays wonderfully chewy, and no one will guess these gluten-free air fryer mini bagels are dairy-free.
Kid-Friendly Plain Bagels: Omit the everything bagel seasoning and just brush with olive oil before cooking for picky eaters. You can also make these fun for kids by letting them choose their own toppings—my daughter loves creating her own “rainbow” bagels with different seasonings.
Savory Herb Version: Mix 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning directly into the dough and top with grated parmesan before air frying for an aromatic, pizza-inspired twist. These pair beautifully with soup or salad and make fantastic dinner rolls for holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
Homemade Air Fryer Mini Bagels – Gluten Free FAQs
Can I make these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake them at 375°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious—they’ll have a bit more of a traditional bagel crust.
How do these compare to store-bought gluten-free bagels?
These easy homemade air fryer mini bagels are fresher, cheaper, and have a much better texture than most store-bought options. Plus, you control exactly what goes into them, which means no weird preservatives or additives that you can’t pronounce.
What’s the best gluten-free flour for this recipe?
King Arthur’s 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully because it contains xanthan gum, which helps bind everything together. Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 is another excellent choice that delivers consistent results every single time.
Can I shape these into full-sized bagels instead of mini ones?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to 15-18 minutes and make sure to poke a hole through the center of each one before air frying. The mini size cooks more evenly, though, which is why I love it for this particular air fryer bagel recipe.
Why do my bagels taste bland?
Make sure you’re not skipping the salt in the dough—it’s essential for flavor! Also, don’t be shy with the everything bagel seasoning or whatever topping you choose; these little bagels can handle lots of flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Homemade Air Fryer Mini Bagels – Gluten Free have completely changed my breakfast game, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or you’ve been at it for years, this recipe proves that delicious, homemade bagels don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
The two-ingredient dough comes together in minutes, the air fryer does all the heavy lifting, and the results are soft, chewy, and as light and fluffy as a cloud on the inside with a perfectly golden exterior. They’re versatile enough for sweet or savory preparations, and they’ve become a staple in my kitchen that I make at least twice a week.
If you love these mini bagels, you’ll definitely want to check out my detailed gluten-free vanilla cake guide for more beginner-friendly baking tips. According to expert gluten-free nutrition research, maintaining a varied gluten-free diet with homemade options like these supports both health and enjoyment of food.
So grab your air fryer, some flour, and yogurt, and let’s get baking! Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely amazing, and you’re about to become everyone’s favorite person at breakfast time.
Easy Homemade Air Fryer Mini Bagels – Gluten Free
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork
- Tablespoon or scoop
- Shallow bowl
- Olive oil spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour like King Arthur’s
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Everything bagel seasoning
- Olive oil spray, egg white, or water for coating the bagels so the seasoning sticks to them
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour with the baking powder and salt to create your self-rising flour base. Add in the Greek yogurt and mix well using a fork until a thick, slightly wet, chunky dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at first—that’s totally normal for this air fryer bagel recipe!
- Sprinkle a little flour on your hands and the dough, then mix and knead it right in the bowl until a smooth dough ball forms. This takes about a minute or less—the dough should feel soft and pliable, like playdough but slightly stickier.
- Turn the bagel dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for another minute until it’s completely smooth. Use a rounded tablespoon to scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon (roughly 1 ounce) of dough, roll it into a ball between your palms, and place it onto a clean plate. Continue until you’ve rolled all the dough—you should get 12-13 adorable mini bagels.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F while you prep the bagels. Once it’s warming up, lightly spray or brush each dough ball with olive oil spray (egg white or water works too). Add the everything bagel seasoning to a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the seasoning until well coated, or simply sprinkle the seasoning on top if you prefer a lighter touch.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol olive oil spray, then arrange the easy gluten-free bagels in a single layer with about 1 inch of space between them since they’ll puff up as they cook. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to work in batches—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!
- Cook the mini bagels for 10-12 minutes, checking one at the 10-minute mark by carefully pulling it apart (watch out, they’re hot!). If the inside still looks doughy, give them 1-2 more minutes. Remove them from the air fryer, transfer to a plate, and let them cool for 5 minutes before diving in. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
- Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread. Man, oh man, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly made bagel—especially when you made it yourself in less time than it takes to run to the store!
