In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, Italian seasoning, and baking powder.
Blend the cup of cottage cheese until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
Stir in the blended cheese and half of the cheddar until a ball of dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands with a little extra flour before shaping.
Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then press a hole into the center to create that classic bagel shape.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the bagels inside (I cook them one at a time).
Press remaining cheddar cheese onto the top of each bagel.
Air fry at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until the bagels are golden brown.
If you’re making multiple batches for meal prep, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
If the dough sticks to your hands, wet them slightly or dust them with flour for easy shaping.
After shaping, pat the tops and sides of the bagels to smooth them out.
To keep your bagels light and airy, use gluten-free flour instead of almond flour. Almond flour does not rise.
Use plain Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for an extra protein boost.
Get creative with your toppings. For sweet bagels, try cinnamon sugar. Or use a dash of melted butter and kosher salt or more shredded cheese for a savory option. You can even cover them with an egg wash and a sprinkle of poppy seeds or a pinch of salt.
These are best served fresh and warm as they harden over time.