If you enjoyed my air fryer protein bagels, meet the savory upgrade: pizza protein bagels. These bagels have mini pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, and Italian seasoning mixed straight into the dough so each bite tastes like pizza without any extra toppings.
They use the same simple 2-ingredient yogurt dough and the same air fryer method, but with all the familiar pepperoni pizza flavors baked inside. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping — try not to eat them all in one sitting.
Preparation takes about 5 minutes and air frying about 16 minutes. They’re great for meal prep, after-school snacks, or a savory, protein-packed breakfast that actually feels exciting.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Protein Bagels
- High protein: Thick skyr or plain Greek yogurt gives the dough a protein boost without adding powder.
- Pizza flavor inside: Mini pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning are incorporated into the dough, so flavor is in every bite.
- Quick to make: Mix, knead, shape, and air fry—about 5 minutes of prep.
- Kid-friendly: These are basically pizza in bagel form; kids love them.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch on the weekend and reheat throughout the week.
Featured Ingredients
- Plain skyr yogurt: Thick, high-protein yogurt works best. Plain nonfat Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
- Self-rising flour: Provides leavening so there’s no need for yeast or rising time.
- Mini pepperoni: Small pieces distribute evenly through the dough; regular pepperoni chopped small also works.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts into the dough and creates gooey pockets of cheese.
- Italian seasoning: Added to the dough and sprinkled on top for a double hit of herbs.
- Pizza sauce: Warm it for dipping to complete the pizza experience.
How to Make Pizza Protein Bagels
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. In a large bowl combine yogurt, self-rising flour, shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and sea salt. Stir with a wooden or silicone spoon until the mixture begins to come together, then press with your hands until it forms a ball.
Step 2: Knead and Shape
Move the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 1–2 minutes until smooth, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Divide into four equal portions, roll each into a 5-inch log, then bring the ends together and pinch to form a bagel.
Step 3: Egg Wash and Season
Brush each bagel top and bottom with a whisked egg and sprinkle additional Italian seasoning over the tops.
Step 4: Air Fry
Line the air fryer basket with parchment and place the bagels inside. Depending on your air fryer you may need two batches. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook another 8 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bagels cool for about 5 minutes, then serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping. They go fast, so have napkins ready.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese options: Substitute shredded Parmesan or use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for more flavor.
- Yogurt swap: Plain nonfat Greek yogurt works if you don’t have skyr. Avoid flavored yogurts.
- Oven method: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 375°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make ahead: Shape bagels and refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Extra toppings: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning along with Italian seasoning for a pleasant twist.
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising?
Yes. For each cup of all-purpose flour add 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Omit the additional sea salt listed in the recipe when you do this.
How much protein is in each bagel?
Each bagel contains roughly 14–16 grams of protein, depending on the yogurt brand and exact measurements.
Can I freeze these?
Yes. Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F for 5–6 minutes.
More Protein Bagel Recipes
- Air Fryer Protein Bagels — the original simple base recipe with everything seasoning.
- Blueberry Crunch Protein Bagels — a sweet version topped with brown sugar crumble.
- Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels — a cottage cheese twist with fresh strawberries.
Pizza Protein Bagels
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup plain skyr yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup self-rising flour, plus more for kneading
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus more for topping
Egg Wash + Serving
- 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- Pizza sauce, for dipping
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
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Combine yogurt, flour, mozzarella, mini pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and sea salt in a large bowl. Stir until combined, then press the mixture into a ball with your hands.
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Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Add flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking.
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Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 5-inch log, bring the ends together, and pinch to form a bagel.
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Brush with egg wash on top and bottom and sprinkle with extra Italian seasoning.
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Line the air fryer with parchment, place bagels inside (work in batches if needed), and air fry for 8 minutes. Flip and cook 8 more minutes or until golden.
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Remove and let cool 5 minutes. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips & Notes
- Parmesan swap: Use shredded Parmesan or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
- Yogurt substitute: Plain nonfat Greek yogurt can replace skyr; avoid flavored varieties.
- Make ahead: Shape and refrigerate bagels on parchment for up to 24 hours before cooking; add 1–2 minutes to cook time.
- Oven option: Bake at 375°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–22 minutes, flipping once.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to refresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.