Easy Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese Bagels (No Yeast)

Warm, cheesy, and ready in under 25 minutes — these Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese Bagels are the easy homemade breakfast you didn’t know you needed. Made with just Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and a generous handful of sharp cheddar, they come out golden on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside every single time.

Warm, cheesy, and ready in under 25 minutes — these Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese Bagels are the easy homemade breakfast you didn’t know you needed. Made with just Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and a generous handful of sharp cheddar, they come out golden on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside every single time.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by homemade bagels because of yeast, proofing, or boiling, this recipe is about to change everything. There’s no yeast, no waiting, no boiling water on the stove — just mix, shape, and air fry. The Greek yogurt does the heavy lifting, giving these cheddar bagels that classic chewy bagel texture without any fuss.

Love air fryer bagel recipes? You’ll also want to try my Air Fryer Keto Bagels, Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Weight Watcher Bagels, Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels, and Air Fryer Asiago Cheese Bagels.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese Bagels

• Ready in 25 minutes — from mixing bowl to breakfast plate
• No yeast, no boiling, no proofing — Greek yogurt is the secret
• Just 5 simple ingredients you probably already have
• Higher in protein than traditional bagels thanks to Greek yogurt
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly — make a batch, freeze the rest
• Customizable — swap the cheese, add jalapeños, herbs, or bacon
• Weight Watcher friendly — based on the classic 2-ingredient dough formula

Ingredients You’ll Need

This 5-ingredient lineup is part of what makes these bagels so foolproof. Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

• Greek Yogurt: Use plain, full-fat or non-fat. Greek yogurt is what gives these bagels their structure, chewiness, and tang. Don’t sub regular yogurt — it’s too thin.
• Self-Rising Flour: This already contains baking powder and salt, which is what gives the bagels their lift. (Don’t have any? See my easy DIY swap in the recipe notes.)
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers the biggest flavor punch. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded bagged cheese.
• Egg: For the egg wash that gives bagels that gorgeous glossy, golden top.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the cheddar flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese Bagels

Step 1: Mix the dough. In a medium bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Knead gently for about a minute until smooth.

Step 2: Add the cheddar. Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the bagels. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch into a bagel shape. (Tip: You can also roll into a rope and pinch the ends together for a more uniform shape.)

Step 4: Egg wash. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that bakery-style golden finish. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top if you want even more cheesy crust.

Step 5: Air fry. Place bagels in your air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 350°F for 8–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Cool slightly and serve. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing — the inside continues to set.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Bagels

• Use thick Greek yogurt. Watery yogurt = sticky dough. If your dough feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between bagels for airflow — that’s how you get crispy edges.
• Check doneness with a toothpick. Insert into the side; it should come out clean.
• Want extra cheesy? Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Make mini bagels by dividing the dough into 8 pieces instead of 4 — reduce cook time to 6–8 minutes.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Bacon Cheddar Bagels — Mix in 2 tablespoons of crumbled cooked bacon.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels — Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped pickled jalapeños.
• Everything Cheddar Bagels — Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before air frying.
• Herb & Cheese Bagels — Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or fresh chives.
• Pepper Jack Bagels — Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How to Store and Reheat

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked bagels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy toasting.
• Reheat: Pop in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes for that fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without Greek yogurt? Greek yogurt is essential for the texture and rise. In a pinch, full-fat sour cream works as a substitute, but avoid regular yogurt — it’s too thin.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising? Yes! For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Why are my bagels gummy inside? This usually means they were undercooked or the dough was too wet. Add a minute or two to your cook time and check that your yogurt isn’t watery.

Can I make these gluten-free? You can try a 1:1 gluten-free self-rising flour blend, but the texture will be slightly different — denser and a bit less chewy.

Do I have to flip the bagels halfway through? Flipping is recommended for even browning, but if your air fryer cooks evenly, it’s not strictly required.

Can I freeze the dough? Yes — shape the bagels first, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the cook time.

More Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes to Try

Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Weight Watcher Bagels

Air Fryer Bantam Bagels

Air Fryer Keto Bagels

Air Fryer Homemade Strawberry Bagels

Air Fryer Jalapeño and Cheddar Bagels

Air Fryer Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bagel Bites

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