If you’ve been searching for a quick, delicious snack that brings all the joy of a classic pizza but with a fun, crunchy twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer for when you want something cheesy, crispy, and bursting with flavor in under 20 minutes. With the perfect balance of golden bagels, melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, this recipe is your new go-to for anytime cravings or casual get-togethers. Let me take you on a tasty journey with these irresistible little bites that come together so effortlessly in the air fryer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one playing a special role to create that perfect blend of taste, texture, and color. From the chewy bagels to the rich pizza sauce and stretchy mozzarella cheese, every element comes together to make magic happen.
- Bagels (4 pieces, halved): Choose plain or everything bagels for a sturdy, chewy base that crisps up delightfully.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): A flavorful spread that adds tangy, herby notes to each bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups): Melts beautifully and gives you that classic gooey texture everyone loves on a pizza.
- Pepperoni slices (0.5 cup): Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick—feel free to swap with any favorite toppings like mushrooms or olives.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile with a lovely aromatic touch.
- Olive oil spray: Lightly sprayed to help the bagels crisp up to golden perfection in the air fryer.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on top before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. While it warms up, slice your bagels carefully in half, making sure each piece has a sturdy base for all those toppings. This prep step sets you up perfectly for that quick and easy assembly.
Step 2: Build the Bagels
Next, lightly spray the cut sides of the bagels with olive oil. This little trick guarantees a deliciously crispy crust after air frying. Then, generously spread about a tablespoon of pizza sauce over each bagel half—don’t be shy here! Follow up with a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Finally, layer on your pepperoni slices and dust everything with Italian seasoning for that authentic pizza vibe.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your assembled bagel halves in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye as the cheese melts into gorgeous gooeyness and the bagels turn a golden, toasty brown. When ready, carefully remove them and let them cool for a minute or so—you don’t want to burn your mouth before experiencing all that melty goodness!
How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a gorgeous way to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor right before serving. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also be fantastic for elevating the taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these pizza bagels with crisp green salads or some crunchy carrot sticks for a balanced meal. Dips like marinara sauce or ranch dressing complement them beautifully, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, cut the pizza bagels into bite-sized pieces and serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces. You can even let guests customize their own toppings before air frying for an interactive experience that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for longer storage, wrap each bagel half tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your pizza bagels is right back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives that crispy crust and melts the cheese perfectly without drying out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use a toaster oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! While air fryers give you that extra crispy finish quicker, a toaster oven will also work well to melt the cheese and warm the bagels. Just watch carefully to avoid burning.
What toppings work best on Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe?
Pepperoni is a classic choice, but you can get creative with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just keep toppings relatively thin so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, you can easily enjoy a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing with the crispy bagel base and savory sauce.
How do I prevent the bagels from getting soggy?
Lightly spraying the bagel halves with olive oil before adding toppings helps create a barrier that keeps moisture from soaking into the bread, ensuring they stay crispy after air frying.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the cheese melt beautifully in the 6-8 minute cook time. It’s a small extra step that makes a big difference in texture and overall results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of a crisp bagel layered with classic pizza ingredients, all ready in under 20 minutes thanks to the air fryer. This Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious snack in a flash. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pizza with a fun and crispy twist!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are a quick and delicious snack or meal option. With golden toasted bagels topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning, these mini pizzas are ready in under 20 minutes using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Bagels
- 4 pieces bagels, halved
Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Others
- 1 spray olive oil spray (for crispness)
- To taste fresh basil leaves (optional) (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Slice Bagels: While the air fryer heats, cut the bagels in half horizontally to create the base for your pizza bagels.
- Apply Olive Oil: Lightly spray the cut sides of the bagels with olive oil spray; this helps to achieve a crispy texture once air fried.
- Spread Sauce: On each bagel half, spread a generous tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly to cover the surface.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Add Toppings: Place your preferred toppings, such as pepperoni slices, evenly over the cheese layer.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the assembled bagel halves to enhance the flavors.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the bagel halves in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the bagels at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bagel edges are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or meal, optionally paired with marinara sauce or ranch dip for extra flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to customize toppings with vegetables, meats, or different cheeses according to preference.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the bagels in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Spraying olive oil is key to achieving a crispy texture on the bagel surface.
- Keep an eye on cooking time as air fryer models vary and cheese can brown quickly.
- Use fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.
