High-Protein Bagel Bites (5-Ingredient Wonder)

Name: High-Protein Bagel Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 scoop (30g) unflavored protein powder; Pinch of salt; ⅔ cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt; 10 tsp cream cheese (about 1 tsp per bite); 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for egg wash); Everything But The Bagel seasoning

I never thought a 15-minute snack could change my protein game—until these high-protein bagel bites came into my life!

Listen, I know what it’s like to be caught between wanting something delicious and needing something nutritious. Last week, I was rushing between recipe testing sessions and desperately needed a quick protein boost. These high-protein bagel bites were born out of that hungry moment, and wow, did they deliver! They’re now my go-to for those busy mornings when I need something portable but satisfying. The best part? That moment when you bite in and hit the creamy center—it’s like discovering a delicious secret! Trust me—you’re going to want these in your regular rotation.

Why These High-Protein Bagel Bites Are Game-Changers

When I first started playing with high-protein bagel bites recipes, I wanted something that felt like a treat but worked hard nutritionally. These little gluten-free bagel bites surprised even me!

No yeast or rising time needed—just mix, stuff, and air fry
Each bite packs a serious protein punch (7-10g per bite!)
The texture is just right—chewy outside, soft inside, with that creamy center
They freeze beautifully for those mornings when you need breakfast in seconds
Way more satisfying than those processed protein bars that never quite hit the spot

These are the kind of recipes that make me fall in love with my kitchen all over again. Simple ingredients creating something truly special!

Let’s Talk Ingredients for Perfect High-Protein Bagel Bites

Greek Yogurt: This is our protein powerhouse and moisture-maker! I prefer the thickest Greek yogurt I can find—it creates that perfect bagel texture.

Gluten-Free Flour: I use an all-purpose blend, but what matters most is finding one that doesn’t have that gritty texture. In my kitchen, I reach for brands that include xanthan gum.

Protein Powder: Unflavored works best here, but if vanilla is all you have, just reduce any added sweeteners. I’ve found that whey-casein blends give the best texture for these high-protein bagel bites.

Cream Cheese: The star of our filling! I like to use a block-style cream cheese and keep it cold until right before filling—makes it so much easier to work with.

Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: This adds that signature bagel flavor and crunch—feel free to load it on generously! I keep a big jar in my pantry at all times.

Baking Powder: The secret to getting that nice rise without having to mess with yeast. Make sure yours is fresh—I learned that lesson the hard way when making these air fryer bagel bites!

Let’s Make These High-Protein Bagel Bites Together

Gluten-free high-protein bagel bites dough being mixed with a spatula in a glass bowl

Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. I’ve found this temperature gives the perfect golden exterior without drying out our cream cheese filled bagel bites.

Step 2. Mix your dry ingredients first—the gluten-free flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3. Now add in that Greek yogurt! This part’s a bit messy—I use a fork first, then switch to my hands when it gets too thick. You want a sticky but workable dough.

Step 4. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. I use a kitchen scale for this (about 30g each), but eyeballing works too!

Step 5. Here’s my favorite trick for perfect filling: flatten each dough ball in your palm, add the cream cheese to the center, then fold the edges up and roll between your palms to seal. No leaks, promise!

Step 6. Brush with beaten egg or spray with oil—both work beautifully. The egg gives a shinier finish that helps the seasoning stick better to your high-protein bagel bites.

Step 7. Sprinkle generously with Everything Bagel seasoning. Don’t skimp here—it’s what brings that authentic bagel flavor!

Step 8. Place them in your air fryer basket with a little space between (they’ll expand slightly). My air fryer fits about 5 at a time.

Step 9. Air fry for just 5-6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. They might not look fully done, but trust me—they continue cooking a bit after you take them out.

Step 10. Let them cool for just a few minutes before diving in. That cream cheese center gets superhot!

Store Your High-Protein Bagel Bites Like a Pro

These protein powerhouses are perfect for meal prep—I make a double batch every Sunday!

Fridge Storage: Pop them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. I like to line my container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Freezer Tips: These gluten-free bagel bites freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! I freeze mine on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag—this prevents them from sticking together.

Reheating Advice: From the fridge, just 15 seconds in the microwave brings them back to life. From frozen, I pop them in the air fryer at 325°F for 4-5 minutes—tastes just like fresh-made!

What Pairs Well With These High-Protein Bagel Bites

Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness of seasonal fruit balances the savory bagel bites perfectly. My summer favorite is mixed berries with a tiny drizzle of honey.

Greek Yogurt Parfait: For a protein-packed breakfast that’ll keep you full for hours, pair these with a simple parfait of Greek yogurt, granola, and a swirl of jam.

Veggie Sticks with Hummus: When I’m meal prepping for the week, I’ll pack these bagel bites with cucumber and bell pepper sticks plus a dollop of homemade hummus.

Protein Smoothie: Sometimes I’ll grab two of these bites and a green protein smoothie for a complete on-the-go breakfast that keeps me energized all morning.

FAQs

Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely! I’ve tested them in the oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to watch them closely the first time since oven temperatures can vary.

How can I make high-protein bagel bites?

You can swap the Greek yogurt for a thick coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

For sure! If you don’t need them to be gluten-free, regular flour works perfectly. You might need to adjust the amount slightly—start with ½ cup and add more if the dough feels too sticky.

Why did my bagel bites turn out soggy in the middle?

This usually happens if they’re not cooked long enough or if your Greek yogurt was particularly wet. Try straining your yogurt in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before using, or add an extra minute to your cooking time.

Can I make different flavors of bagel bites?

I love experimenting with flavors! Try mixing cinnamon and raisins into the dough for a sweet version, or fold in fresh herbs like dill and chives. The cream cheese filling can be flavored too—I’ve tried everything from scallion to strawberry!