Homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating light, fluffy, and utterly delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels right in your own kitchen! Forget the long waits and complex techniques of traditional bagel making. Our innovative recipe simplifies the process, using a unique Greek yogurt dough that bakes up beautifully in your air fryer, delivering those coveted nooks and crannies with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a fun new breakfast project, these homemade cinnamon raisin bagels are destined to become a staple. They’re not just lighter than conventional bagels; they’re packed with warm cinnamon spice and plump, sweet raisins, making for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack. Get ready to fill your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bagels!

The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, toasted cinnamon raisin bagel. Whether it’s just out of the oven, releasing its fragrant spices, or perfectly browned from the toaster, few scents evoke such a feeling of cozy satisfaction. For years, the thought of making bagels at home seemed daunting, reserved for expert bakers with ample time for kneading and proofing. However, with the rise of the air fryer and the clever use of Greek yogurt dough, that culinary barrier has been completely shattered.

A few months ago, while perfecting my everything bagel recipe, I was inspired to adapt it into a cinnamon raisin version. After several delightful attempts, I’ve finally cracked the code to what I believe is the perfect homemade cinnamon raisin bagel. This recipe delivers a lower-fat alternative to traditional bagels, crafted with a simple Greek yogurt dough and generously studded with sweet, plump raisins and aromatic cinnamon. The result? Bagels that are not overly sweet, yet still boast that beloved chewy texture and all those wonderful nooks and crannies – ideal for cradling pools of melted butter, a generous smear of cream cheese, or your favorite jam.

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Crafting these delectable bagels requires just a handful of common pantry items. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the powerful combination of flavors and textures that come from these readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring these amazing bagels to life:

Raisins: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a lovely chew. We’ll plump them up for extra juiciness.
Ground Cinnamon: For that quintessential warm, aromatic spice that pairs so perfectly with raisins.
Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar enhances the sweetness of the raisins and balances the dough.
Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt: The secret ingredient! It provides structure, a slight tang, and a significant protein boost, making these bagels lighter and simpler to prepare without yeast.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough, providing the necessary gluten structure for that satisfying chew.
Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring our bagels rise beautifully and achieve a soft, airy interior in the air fryer.
Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dough.
Egg Wash: A simple mixture of one beaten egg and a splash of water, brushed over the bagels before frying, gives them a beautiful golden-brown crust and a slight sheen.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Follow these easy instructions to create homemade bagels that are sure to impress. The process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring delicious results even for novice bakers.

Plump the Raisins: Begin by placing 1/4 cup of raisins into a small, heat-proof bowl. Pour enough boiling water over the raisins to completely submerge them. Set the bowl aside and allow the raisins to soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for softening and plumping the raisins, preventing them from drying out during cooking and ensuring they infuse moisture and sweetness into every bite.

Soaking the raisins is a simple yet effective trick. As they absorb the hot water, they rehydrate, becoming delightfully plump and juicy. This not only enhances their texture but also helps distribute their natural sweetness more evenly throughout the bagel dough.
Prepare the Vanilla Yogurt: While the raisins are soaking, turn your attention to the Greek yogurt. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly until the vanilla is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Set this aside for a moment.

The Greek yogurt is a game-changer for this recipe. It eliminates the need for yeast, drastically cutting down on preparation time by skipping the proofing stages. Its natural acidity reacts with the baking powder, providing the necessary lift, while its creamy texture contributes to a wonderfully tender crumb. The vanilla extract adds a subtle aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the bagels.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, measure and add 1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour, 2-1/4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (set aside the remaining 1/2 teaspoon for later), and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a whisk to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly. Ensuring an even distribution of baking powder and salt is key for a consistent rise and flavor throughout your bagels.

Whisking helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) is evenly dispersed, which is crucial for a uniform texture in your finished bagels. Don’t skip this step!
Form the Dough: Add the vanilla-infused Greek yogurt directly into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a sturdy rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until it is just combined. The dough will appear shaggy and somewhat sticky at this stage. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough bagels.

The consistency of the dough is unique due to the Greek yogurt. It won’t be like traditional yeast dough, but rather a soft, pliable, and slightly sticky mixture. This is perfectly normal and what gives these bagels their characteristic light texture.
Flavor the Raisins and Incorporate: Retrieve your soaked raisins. By now, they should be noticeably plumper. Carefully drain off all the soaking water. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the drained raisins. Stir well to coat the raisins evenly with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. This step infuses the raisins with extra flavor before they’re added to the dough.

The cinnamon-sugar coating on the raisins creates pockets of delightful flavor within the bagel. This small step makes a big difference in the final taste, ensuring every bite is bursting with sweet, spicy goodness.

Once coated, add the flavored raisins to your bagel dough. Using your rubber spatula, gently fold and mix until the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing. The goal is just to incorporate them.
Divide and Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the sticky dough out onto the floured surface. Using a knife or bench scraper, divide the dough into four equal portions. Because the Greek yogurt dough tends to be sticky, it’s helpful to have a small dish of extra flour nearby for dusting your hands and the work surface as needed. Lightly roll each of the four dough portions in a little flour to make them easier to handle.

Working with sticky dough can be a bit messy, but a light dusting of flour is your best friend here. Don’t be afraid to use a little more if needed, but avoid incorporating too much flour into the dough itself, which could make the bagels tough.

With lightly floured hands, take one piece of dough and roll it into a 10-inch rope. Once you have a uniform rope, bring the ends together and firmly pinch them to create a secure seam, forming the classic bagel shape. Ensure the connection is strong, so it doesn’t separate during air frying. Repeat this process with the remaining three portions of dough.

Consistency in rolling and shaping is important for even cooking. Aim for ropes that are roughly the same length and thickness. The pinching step is crucial for maintaining the bagel’s integrity. Don’t be shy – really press those ends together!
Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops and sides of each shaped bagel with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crisp exterior once air-fried.
Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 300℉ (or 150℃). Air fryers vary, so always consult your specific model’s manual for precise preheating instructions.

Working in batches, place 2 of the prepared bagels into your preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space for air circulation. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bagels are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Once the first batch is done, carefully remove them and repeat the air frying process with the remaining two bagels. Your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma!

Allow the freshly baked bagels to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming too dense. Admire their charming shapes and delicious golden crust!

While the shape might not always be perfectly symmetrical, the taste and texture are consistently delightful. These homemade bagels are truly adorable and incredibly satisfying.

Mastering Your Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier and often faster alternative to traditional frying and baking methods. If you’re new to air frying, or just want to understand it better, here’s a brief overview:

What Is Air Frying?

An air fryer is essentially a compact countertop convection oven. It works by circulating super-heated air around your food at a very high speed. This powerful hot air movement creates a “Maillard reaction” on the surface of the food, giving it that wonderfully crispy, golden-brown texture typically associated with deep-frying, but with significantly less oil. You might use just a few spritzes of oil or up to a tablespoon, compared to cups of oil needed for deep frying.

How Is Air Frying Healthier?

The primary health benefit of air frying is the drastic reduction in oil consumption. Since food is not submerged in a vat of hot oil, you save a significant amount of fat and calories without sacrificing flavor or texture. The thin layer of oil (or often no oil at all, depending on the food) crisps up beautifully with the circulating hot air, making it a much lighter cooking method. This means you can enjoy your favorite “fried” foods with less guilt and more often.

It’s important to remember that not all air fryers are created equal. Some models require preheating, while others do not. Sizes also vary considerably, meaning you might need to cook in smaller batches if you have a compact air fryer. My husband, after extensive research, found this air fryer to be one of the best. However, I always recommend doing your own research to find a model that perfectly fits your kitchen space and cooking lifestyle.

For more delicious air fryer recipes, be sure to explore my growing collection on the blog!

How To Toast Your Air Fryer Bagel to Perfection

A freshly baked bagel is fantastic, but a perfectly toasted one is pure bliss. Here’s how to get that ideal level of crispness and warmth from your air fryer:

Slice Your Bagel: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice your cooled cinnamon raisin bagel in half horizontally. A serrated knife helps to cut through the bagel’s crust without squishing it.
Prepare for Toasting: Increase the heat of your air fryer to 360°F (approximately 182°C). Lightly swipe the cut side of each bagel half with butter for a rich, golden toast. If you plan to use cream cheese and want to keep it lighter, you can lightly spray the cut sides with olive oil instead, or simply omit this step entirely for a plain toast. Pop the two halves, cut-side up, into your preheated air fryer basket.
Air Fry to Toastiness: Air fry for 2 to 4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to achieve your desired level of toasty-ness. Air fryers can toast quickly, so check frequently to prevent burning.

Once toasted, serve immediately and prepare for a truly delightful experience. The exterior will be perfectly crisp, giving way to a soft, chewy interior filled with sweet raisins and aromatic cinnamon. The slight tang from the Greek yogurt provides a wonderful contrast, making these bagels truly irresistible.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

To ensure your Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Greek yogurt dough is tender. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough bagels. Mix until just combined.
Flour Your Hands: The dough is sticky. Keep a small bowl of flour handy to dust your hands and the work surface as you shape the bagels.
Seal the Ends Well: When forming the bagel shape, firmly pinch the ends of the dough rope together to prevent them from separating during air frying.
Avoid Crowding the Air Fryer: Cook in batches to ensure proper air circulation around each bagel. This promotes even cooking and browning.
Adjust Cooking Times: Air fryer models vary. Keep an eye on your bagels, especially during the first batch, and adjust cooking times as needed.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bagels to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the internal structure set.

Delicious Variations:

Nutty Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the raisins for added crunch and flavor.
Orange Zest Twist: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the dry ingredients for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and raisins.
Maple Glaze: After baking, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup and a splash of milk. Drizzle over cooled bagels for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels are fantastic on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your breakfast or snack:

Classic Cream Cheese: A generous spread of plain or honey-cinnamon cream cheese is always a winner.
Melted Butter: Simple, yet undeniably delicious, especially when the bagel is warm and toasted.
Jam or Preserves: Strawberry, apricot, or fig jam can add another layer of fruity sweetness.
Nut Butter: For a protein-packed snack, spread with almond butter or peanut butter.
Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over a toasted bagel brings out the sweetness even more.

Storage:

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, bagels can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, slice them first, then toast directly in the air fryer or a conventional toaster until warm and crisp.

Enjoy these delightful homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels!

They are not overly sweet, allowing the natural sweetness of the plump raisins to shine through, perfectly complemented by the warm embrace of cinnamon.

We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you give these Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels a try, we’d love to hear about it. Share your creations and tag us on Twitter or Instagram!

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Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Air Fryer Cinnamon Raisin Bagels are lighter than traditional bagels. Made with a simple cinnamon and vanilla Greek yogurt dough that is studded with plump raisins, they are then air fried in minutes to make the softest homemade bagels with all the nooks and crannies you love and expect.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 26 mins

Total Time: 41 mins

Ingredients

1/4 cup raisins
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2¼ teaspoon baking powder
1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
egg wash, 1 egg beaten with a splash of water

Equipment

Philips Air Fryer XXL

Instructions

Place hot water over raisins and let soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir yogurt with vanilla and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt. Add vanilla yogurt and stir until just combined.
Drain the water from the raisins and toss with 1 teaspoon sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add them to the dough and fold in.
Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle with a little flour (dough will be sticky) and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each one in a little flour.
Working with 1 piece at a time, roll into a 10-inch rope between floured hands. Securely connect the ends to form the shape of the bagel and transfer to a parchment lined plate or pan. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough.
Whisk together 1 egg with a splash of water. Brush the tops and sides of the bagels using a pastry brush.
Preheat your air fryer to 300℉ (or 150℃). Working in batches, air fry for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. See notes for how to toast your bagel in the air fryer.

Notes

HOW TO TOAST BAGELS IN THE AIR FRYER:

After slicing the bagel in half horizontally, lightly spray the cut side with olive oil spray. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and toast for 2 to 4 minutes. Swipe with some cream cheese (if desired) and sit back and enjoy!

Serving: 1 bagel, Calories: 179kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 550mg, Potassium: 183mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 5IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 203mg, Iron: 2mg

Author: Laurie McNamara

Course: Breads & Baked Goods

Cuisine: Polish