protein bagels with cottage cheese

Whip up a batch of these quick and easy Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese for breakfast or lunch in less than 30 minutes – they come out perfect!

1 cup unbleached all purpose flour, or whole wheat or gluten-free mix like cup4cup, (5 oz total in weight)
2 teaspoons baking powder, make sure it’s not expired or it won’t rise
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, use less if using table salt
1 cup 2% cottage cheese, excess liquid strained well (I like Good Culture)
1 egg white, or 1 large egg, beaten
optional: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk well. Add the strained cottage cheese and mix with a fork or spatula until well combined, it will look like small crumbles.
Using your clean hands, working in the bowl, knead the dough until it comes together and is smooth, tacky, but not sticky, about 2 minutes (it should not leave dough on your hand when you pull away).
Divide into 4 equal balls. Roll each ball into 3/4-inch thick ropes and join the ends to form bagels. (or you can make a ball and poke a hole in the center then stretch it slightly)
Top with egg wash and sprinkle both sides with seasoning of your choice.
Air Fryer Method:
Spray air fryer basket with oil. Transfer the bagels to the air fryer basket in batches without overcrowding and air fry 280F 15 to 16 minutes, or until golden. No need to turn.
Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting, this step is a must.