If you have a craving for a quick, delicious snack that feels like a warm hug, then this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the toasty crunch of a perfectly toasted bagel with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce, these mini pizzas come together in just minutes and require minimal effort. Whether you want a playful lunch, a hungry afternoon pick-me-up, or something fun for the kids, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as the ingredient list is, each component plays a starring role in crafting the perfect bite of this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe. From the chewy, golden bagels to the luscious mozzarella that melts just right, every element enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.
- Bagels: Choose fresh or day-old bagels for the best texture—plain, everything, or sesame all work wonderfully.
- Pizza sauce: Rich and tangy, this forms the savory base that ties all toppings together.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping that adds a deliciously savory and slightly spicy kick.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly, giving you that ooey-gooey cheesy goodness.
- Other toppings of your choice: Feel free to add mushrooms, olives, peppers, or anything you love on your pizza.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Cut and Prepare Your Bagels
Begin by slicing each bagel in half horizontally to create a perfect base that’s ready to hold all those tasty toppings. Spreading the pizza sauce evenly over each half is key to ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Add Your Toppings
Layer on the pepperoni slices generously, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. This step is your chance to get creative—add any other favorite toppings you’d like to make these bagels truly your own.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F to get it nice and hot. This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese, crisping the pepperoni, and lightly toasting the bagel all at once.
Step 4: Cook the Pizza Bagels
Place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 4 to 7 minutes until you see the cheese bubbling and turning lightly golden, which means they’re perfectly done.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the pizza bagels cool for just a minute—this step helps the cheese set a bit and prevents any burnt tongues. Then dive in and savor each crispy, cheesy bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a pinch of dried oregano over the hot pizza bagels for a fragrant and colorful touch. A light drizzle of olive oil or some red pepper flakes can add an exciting flavor twist.
Side Dishes
Pair these pizza bagels with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of fresh fruit to balance out the richness. For a cozy treat, serve alongside a warm cup of tomato soup or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pizza bagels on a wooden board with small bowls of different toppings for a DIY pizza bar vibe. Alternatively, stack them in a tower with layers of greens or slice each bagel for party-friendly mini bites that everyone can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pizza bagels left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days and maintain much of their delicious texture.
Freezing
Wrap individual bagel halves tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen pizza bagels can last for up to a month, perfect for quick snacks whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pizza bagels back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again and the bagel is crisp. This method keeps them tasting freshly made without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bagel for this recipe?
Absolutely! Plain, sesame, everything, or even whole wheat bagels work great. Just make sure they’re fresh or only a day old for the best texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?
Yes, you can bake them in a traditional oven at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and edges toast nicely.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Use vegan cheese alternatives and opt for plant-based pepperoni or other toppings like mushrooms and olives for a delicious dairy-free version.
Is it better to use fresh or shredded mozzarella?
Shredded mozzarella works best for even melting and easy topping, but fresh mozzarella slices can also be used if you love a creamier texture—just keep in mind it might take a bit longer to melt.
How many pizza bagels does this recipe make?
With 2 bagels cut in half, you’ll get 4 pizza bagels, perfect for serving 4 people or for 2 people looking for seconds!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe enough—it’s a game-changer for when you want something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious. Give it a try, and soon it will become one of your go-to snacks that everyone in your house will ask for again and again.
Print
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Pizza Bagels recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite. Using an air fryer, these mini pizzas come together in just minutes, featuring crispy bagels topped with tangy pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni. Customize with your favorite toppings for a perfect snack or meal.
Ingredients
Bagels
- 2 bagels, sliced in half
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 16 pepperoni slices
- 3–4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- Other toppings of your choice (e.g., mushrooms, olives, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Cut and Prepare: Slice the bagels in half horizontally to create the base for your pizza bagels. Ensure each half is ready to be topped.
- Add Sauce: Evenly spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half, covering the surface thoroughly for a flavorful base.
- Add Toppings: Layer the pepperoni slices on top of the sauce, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each bagel. Add any additional toppings you desire at this stage.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure optimal cooking conditions for crispy, melted toppings.
- Cook: Place the prepared bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 4 to 7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and begins to brown slightly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for about a minute before serving to avoid burns and enjoy the melty goodness.
Notes
- You can use any type of bagel, but plain or everything bagels work best.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, adding vegetables or different meats.
- Monitor the air fryer towards the end of cooking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve with a side salad or dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter for extra flavor.
