Easy Guang Bing / Foochow Bagel / Kompia (Oven or Air-Fryer)

Step 1

Place all ingredients, except for water, in a large mixing bowl or bowl of stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Turn the mixer on low speed and gradually add in water. You may need to add more than what the recipe calls for to get a dough that doesn't fall apart. Continue to knead for about 5 minutes. You may need to reposition the dough halfway and continue to knead for another 3 minutes until the dough is really smooth and stretchy

Step 2

Transfer the dough to a large bowl coated with a bit of oil. Cover with a wrap and let the dough rests for 1 hour. I used the bread proof function in my oven. The dough will not rise much because we use very little yeast, but just slightly puffy

Step 3

Preheat oven at 425 F or air-fryer at 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After resting the dough for 1 hour, roll the dough into a long log and cut into about 8-9 pieces. Keep them covered and work with one dough at a time. Use your palm to flatten the dough into a disc, about 1/4-inch thick and about 4-5 inch in diameter. Use a chopstick to make a hole in the middle of the dough. It helps to dip the chopstick in flour first to prevent sticking

Step 4

Spray the shaped dough with water and then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gently press the seeds on the dough

Step 5

Bake the bagel in a preheated oven or air-fryer for about 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. About 5 minutes into baking, spray the kompia with more water and continue to bake. Baking time might be shorter with an air-fryer, depending on your air-fryer. Remove from the oven and let them cool down completely on a cooling rack

Step 6

Once the bagels have cooled down completely, you can store them in a container or resealable bag or bread box for about 2-3 days. Anything longer they may get harder and stale. For longer storage, freeze them by placing them on a baking sheet and pop in the freezer for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer

Step 7

Oven, toaster oven, air fryer: Preheat at 350 F and then bake for about 5 minutes or longer if you want it crispier. For frozen bagel, you may need to add 3-5 minutes extra to baking time