30-Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Bagels
Dense, chewy bagels infused with warm pumpkin spice and baked in an air fryer for a quick alternative to traditional boiling and baking. Made with Greek yogurt and pumpkin puree for moisture and structure, these bagels deliver autumn flavors with a crispy exterior and soft interior. Perfect for fall breakfasts, weekend brunches, or gifting to pumpkin-loving friends. This no-boil method cuts traditional bagel-making time while maintaining chewy texture through proper shaping and steam circulation in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, measuredwhole wheat floursame qty but reduce to 0.75 cupgluten-freewhole-grain
denser crumb, add 2 tbsp water
- 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour, measuredwhole wheat floursame qty but reduce to 0.75 cupgluten-freewhole-grain
denser crumb, add 2 tbsp water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder, measured
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, measured
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, measured
- ⅝ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, measured
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree, measured
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, real
- 1 whole egg, for wash
- 1 teaspoon water, for wash
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, measured
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice, for topping
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, for topping
Instructions
- 1
Whisk flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt in a medium bowl.
- 2
Combine yogurt, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and vanilla in another bowl.
- 3
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until combined.
- 4
Divide dough into four equal portions, coat lightly in flour.
- 5
Roll each into a 9 to 10-inch rope, form into a ring, and pinch ends to seal.
- 6
Mix granulated sugar, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- 7
Brush bagels with egg wash and sprinkle with pumpkin spice sugar.
- 8
Preheat air fryer to 300°F, spray basket lightly.
- 9
Air-fry bagels in batches for 12 minutes until golden.
- 10
Cool slightly, slice, toast if desired, and serve.
Tips
Overworking dough develops gluten and toughens bagels; mix until just combined, then handle gently when shaping.
Air fryer models vary significantly; check bagels at 10 minutes, extending by 1-2 minute intervals if needed for your unit.
Let bagels cool 3-4 minutes before slicing to set crumb structure; toasting adds crunch and brings out spice flavors.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze in freezer bag up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
Prepare dough up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Shape and brush with egg wash just before air-frying for best texture.
Serve warm or at room temperature with cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, or jam. Pair with coffee, hot cider, or autumn-spiced lattes.
Common Mistakes
Do not overwork dough to avoid tough, dense bagels with poor crumb.
Do not skip preheating air fryer to avoid uneven cooking and pale exterior.
Do not skip pinching bagel seams to avoid dough unrolling during cooking.
Do not crowd air fryer basket to avoid steam trap reducing crispness.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
denser crumb, add 2 tbsp water
Full guide →General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of unbleached?
Yes, regular all-purpose flour works identically. Unbleached is primarily an aesthetic choice, producing slightly less white crumb without bleaching agents. Ratio and hydration remain unchanged.
What if my air fryer runs hot and bagels brown too fast?
Lower temperature by 10-15 degrees and check at 10 minutes. Every air fryer model varies; dial in your unit's behavior on first batch, then adjust timing for future batches.
How long can I keep baked bagels and can I freeze them?
Keep 2-3 days at room temperature in sealed container, or refrigerate 5 days. Freeze up to 1 month in freezer bag. Thaw overnight in fridge or toast directly from frozen until warm.