Air fryer pizza bagels offer a delicious and easy snack or meal option that you can whip up in no time. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a crispy, cheesy treat that satisfies your cravings without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these pizza bagels are sure to be a hit.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
One of the best things about air fryer pizza bagels is their convenience. You can make them quickly, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The air fryer cooks the bagels to crispy perfection while melting the cheese and warming the toppings, delivering a delightful texture. Not only are these pizza bagels easy to prepare, but they also allow for endless customization. You can use your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings, which makes them versatile for everyone’s taste. Plus, they are healthier than traditional deep-fried snacks, as the air fryer uses little to no oil. All these reasons come together to make this dish a standout choice for any pizza lover.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
- 4 bagels, halved
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (or your preferred topping)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bagel halves on a flat surface, cut side up.
- Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder evenly over the toppings.
- Carefully place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Air fryer pizza bagels offer a fun and simple way to serve a crowd or treat yourself. Consider serving them with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor experience. They are perfect as an appetizer for game day or as a quick lunch option. For an even more complete meal, pair your pizza bagels with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the bagels. You can also add gourmet toppings to elevate your presentation. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can take your pizza bagels to the next level. These serving options not only add variety but help cater to different tastes, making your pizza bagel experience even more enjoyable.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
To ensure you get the best results with your air fryer pizza bagels, consider these expert tips. First, ensure your air fryer is preheated; this helps promote even cooking and crispy edges. Use fresh bagels for the best texture; stale bagels can become chewy rather than crisp. You can experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend can add interesting notes for your palate. Trying different sauces can also yield exciting variations. BBQ sauce, pesto, or Alfredo can provide a delightful twist. If you enjoy a little kick, try adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper before air frying. Lastly, keep an eye on your bagels as they cook, as air fryer times can vary. If you notice the cheese starting to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature for the last minute of cooking.
How to Store Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
To store your air fryer pizza bagels, let them cool completely to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap each bagel half tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain their crispy texture without making them soggy.
Variations of Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
There’s so much room for creativity when making air fryer pizza bagels. You can easily customize the base ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or cravings. For a vegetarian option, top your bagels with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach instead of pepperoni. If you want a Mediterranean flair, use hummus instead of pizza sauce and add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. For a sweet twist, consider dessert bagels topped with cream cheese, chocolate chips, and sliced strawberries or bananas. You might also explore different bread bases, like whole grain or gluten-free bagels, to suit your dietary needs. Kid-friendly versions can include fun shapes or characters made from toppings, making mealtime enjoyable for young eaters. The beauty of air fryer pizza bagels lies in their versatility, allowing you to experiment and create a flavor profile that you love.
FAQ about Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
You might have some questions about air fryer pizza bagels, so let’s address a few common ones. How long does it take to cook air fryer pizza bagels? Typically, cooking them takes about 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but this can vary based on your air fryer model. Can I use frozen bagels? Yes, you can use frozen bagels, but you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. Can I combine toppings? Absolutely! Mixing different toppings can create a delicious medley of flavors. How do I prevent the cheese from burning? Keep an eye on the bagels as they cook. If they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly. Are air fryer pizza bagels healthy? They can be part of a healthy diet when made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed in moderation.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Ingredients
For the Bagels
- 4 pieces bagels, halved Use fresh bagels for best texture.
For the Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (or your preferred topping) Customize with your favorite toppings.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) Add for a fresh touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bagel halves on a flat surface, cut side up.
- Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder evenly over the toppings.
- Carefully place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
Cooking
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!