Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagels

These are so good! If you want a great holiday breakfast, try my recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagels.

There is nothing better than a homemade pumpkin air fryer bagel!

If you love all things pumpkin, try my recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Lava Cake, Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast Sticks, air fryer pumpkin spice granola recipe, or air fryer pumpkin bread pudding.

Easy Pumpkin Bagels Air Fryer Recipe

Air fryer pumpkin bagels offer a delightful twist on the classic breakfast staple. These golden-brown beauties boast a warm, aromatic pumpkin flavor with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for cozy fall mornings or anytime indulgence.

The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Enjoy them plain, toasted with a smear of cream cheese, or even as a base for a savory breakfast sandwich.

With their irresistible aroma and comforting taste, these air fryer pumpkin bagels are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Why You Will Love Making Homemade Pumpkin Bagels In Air Fryer

• Homemade pumpkin bagels in the air fryer allow you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences, ensuring a truly personalized breakfast experience.
• Using the air fryer results in perfectly crispy yet tender bagels without the need for excessive oil, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
• The process is relatively quick and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade pumpkin bagels in a fraction of the time it takes to visit a bakery.
• The delightful aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg filling your kitchen as the bagels cook is an added bonus that enhances the overall cooking experience.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagels

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need to make a batch of air-fried pumpkin bagels.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Pumpkin Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the bagels, infusing them with a hint of pumpkin flavor and ensuring a moist crumb.
• Self-Rising Flour: Simplifies the dough preparation process by already containing the necessary leavening agents, resulting in fluffy and tender bagels with minimal effort.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Intensifies the pumpkin flavor and adds moisture to the dough, contributing to the bagels’ rich and aromatic taste.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Enhances the pumpkin flavor profile with a warm blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, providing a quintessential fall-inspired taste.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and spices in the dough, ensuring a well-rounded flavor and enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the bagels, allowing for customization based on personal preference.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Bagels In Air Fryer

Here are the simple steps to make a batch of Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagels.

Combine the pumpkin Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until a dough forms

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour

Divide the dough into equal portions to form bagels. Depending on the size you prefer, you should get approximately 4-6 bagels.

Shape each portion into a ball and poke a hole in the center to create the classic bagel shape. Stretch the hole a bit to prevent it from closing during baking. You need to stretch the hole out a lot.

Tip: The first time I did this, it made the uncooked bagel look like a finished bagel, and by the time it finished cooking, there was no hole.  So the next time, I made sure the hole was really big (you can see in the pictures), and they turned out better.

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C), for 3-5 minutes. Brush the top of each bagel with a little water and sprinkle with your choice of toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.

Place the bagels in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the bagels at air fryer temperature of 375 degrees F (190°C) and set the cook time for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a firm texture. 

Recipe Variations For Pumpkin Bagels Air Fryer Recipe

• Air Fryer Vegan Pumpkin Bagels: Replace Greek yogurt with a vegan alternative and use flaxseed meal as an egg substitute in the dough before air frying.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Sourdough Bagels: Incorporate sourdough starter into the pumpkin bagel dough, then air fry until golden brown.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Bagels: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the pumpkin bagel dough. Air fry until lightly crisp.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip Bagels: Fold in chocolate chips into the pumpkin bagel dough before air frying.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Bagels: Mix chunks of cream cheese into the dough, then air fry.
• Air Fryer Savory Pumpkin Bagels: Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary into the dough. Air fry to a crisp.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin and Cranberry Bagels: Add dried cranberries to the dough before shaping and air frying.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Oat Bagels: Mix in oats with the pumpkin dough, then air fry.
• Air Fryer Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bagels: Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour and proceed as usual.
• Pumpkin and Walnut Bagels: Fold in chopped walnuts into the dough and air fry.

Pro Tips For Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagels

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative), and any other dairy products cold to help the dough maintain its shape and texture.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and a consistent golden-brown finish.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough until just combined to prevent the bagels from becoming dense and tough.
• Create a Smooth Surface: Wet your hands slightly to smooth the surface of the bagels before air frying, which will give them a better texture and appearance.
• Use Parchment Paper: Place the bagels on parchment paper in the air fryer to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Flip Midway: Flip the bagels halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the center of the bagels. If it comes out clean, they are done.
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack after air frying to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Toppings: Sprinkle toppings like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or coarse salt on the bagels before air frying for added flavor and texture.
• Store Properly: Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage. Toast them lightly before serving to restore their crispiness.

Air-Fried Homemade Pumpkin Bagels Faqs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for the bagels? Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

How do I prevent my bagels from sticking to the air fryer basket? Using parchment paper or lightly greasing the air fryer basket can help prevent sticking. You can also use silicone baking mats if they fit in your air fryer.

How do I store leftover pumpkin bagels? Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shape the bagels and bring the dough to room temperature before air frying.

What can I use as a vegan substitute for Greek yogurt? You can use a thick, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, to replace Greek yogurt in the recipe.

How do I ensure my bagels are evenly cooked? Flip the bagels halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.

Can I add other mix-ins to the pumpkin bagel dough? Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, nuts, or seeds to customize your bagels.

What temperature should I air fry the pumpkin bagels at? Air fry the bagels at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make gluten-free pumpkin bagels in the air fryer? Yes, simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

How do I make the bagels more flavorful? Enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough. You can also brush the tops with a bit of maple syrup or sprinkle with your favorite seeds before air frying.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
• Air Fryer Homemade Donuts
• Easy Air Fryer Homemade Donut Holes
• Air Fryer Powdered Sugar Donuts
• Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts

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