Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a snack that’s both supremely satisfying and lightning fast to make, Air Fryer Pizza Bagels might just be your new obsession. Imagine the golden crunch of toasted bagels, gooey mozzarella cheese melting into those signature nooks and crannies, playful pops of pepperoni, and the zing of fresh basil, all ready in minutes with hardly any cleanup. Air Fryer Pizza Bagels bring together everything you love about pizza in a fun, bite-sized form, and trust me, these are just as perfect for an after-school snack as they are for a Friday game night. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Pizza Bagels lies in their simplicity: just a handful of ingredients come together to create bold, craveable flavors and that classic pizza feel. Every piece has a purpose, delivering taste, texture, and a pop of color that make these irresistible.
- Plain bagels: These form the ultra-crunchy, hearty base and soak up the flavors beautifully—whole wheat or gluten-free bagels also work!
- Pizza sauce (or marinara): This brings the big, bold pizza flavor to every bite; use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection on top of each bagel half for authentic pizza vibes.
- Mini pepperoni: Tiny but mighty, these deliver classic, salty bursts of flavor and get deliciously crisp in the air fryer.
- Dried oregano (or pizza seasoning): The finishing touch that ties everything together—adds herby depth and that unmistakable pizzeria aroma.
- Fresh basil (optional): Toss a little on at the end for a pop of color and fresh, peppery notes that elevate every bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Step 1: Prep Your Bagels
Grab those plain bagels and carefully slice each one in half, creating the perfect “crust.” If your bagels aren’t presliced, I highly recommend a serrated knife to avoid squishing them. Lay all the halves out cut-side up on a large plate or tray—this makes your assembly line easy.
Step 2: Spread on Pizza Sauce
Take your pizza sauce or marinara and, using a spoon, slather a generous layer over the cut side of every bagel half. Don’t be shy here! Let the sauce fill all those gorgeous crevices. If you love an extra-saucy pizza, feel free to add a bit more.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella onto each sauce-covered bagel half. Spread it out so every bite is cheesy, but try to keep most of the cheese centered to minimize spills as it melts. Want to mix it up? Feel free to blend in a little parmesan or provolone!
Step 4: Top with Pepperoni and Seasoning
Dot the mini pepperoni evenly across the top and then finish each bagel half with a pinch of dried oregano or pizza seasoning. This tiny step brings the whole Air Fryer Pizza Bagels experience together, infusing every bite with herby, savory aromas you’d find in your favorite slice shop.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the loaded bagel halves in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed. Set the air fryer to 370℉ and let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble, edges to crisp up, and pepperoni to sizzle. That’s pizza magic, air fryer style!
How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Garnishes
Once those Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are out and piping hot, sprinkle on torn fresh basil leaves for a punch of color and uplifting flavor. If you love heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does wonders. Want a little creaminess? Serve with a drizzle of ranch or garlic sauce on the side for dipping.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza bagels with an easy side salad—think crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, add chips, air-fried potato wedges, or classic carrot and celery sticks. The combination makes any casual gathering feel just a bit special.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Air Fryer Pizza Bagels into a party centerpiece by arranging them on a big platter, nestled among colorful veggies or a selection of dipping sauces. For kids (or the young at heart!), try cutting bagel halves into quarters for mini pizza “bites.” They’re perfect for sharing and great for lunchboxes too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, these freeze beautifully. Lay cooled pizza bagel halves on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer until solid. Then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month—just grab, reheat, and enjoy whenever a pizza craving hits!
Reheating
To bring your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels back to life, simply return them to the air fryer at 350℉ for 2 to 3 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add another minute or two. You can also microwave them in a pinch, but the air fryer keeps the crust perfectly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use flavored or whole wheat bagels?
Absolutely! Flavored bagels like everything or asiago cheese bring an extra layer of taste, while whole wheat or multigrain make the snack a bit heartier. It’s all about customizing your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels to your taste.
What other toppings can I try?
The sky’s the limit! Think sliced olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. Just be careful not to overload—too many toppings may make the bagels soggy.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegetarian?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or leave off cheese entirely for a different take. For vegetarian Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, simply omit pepperoni or use meatless slices or veggie crumbles instead.
How can I keep the cheese from spilling off?
Try to press the cheese lightly into the sauce and avoid spreading it right to the edge—this keeps everything in place as it melts. Cooking in a single layer without overcrowding also helps keep toppings intact.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating isn’t always required, but if you notice the first batch takes longer, try preheating for a few minutes. A hot air fryer will help your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels cook evenly and produce extra-crispy edges every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something impossibly fun and satisfying about Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: they turn everyday ingredients into pure comfort food with almost no effort. Give these a try and let them become your new go-to for snack attacks, quick lunches, or parties—your friends and family will thank you every time!
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Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are a quick and easy snack or meal that everyone will love. Crispy on the outside, with gooey melted cheese and savory toppings, they are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a party. Using your air fryer ensures they are cooked to perfection every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 plain bagels (sliced in half)
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ⅓ cup mini pepperoni
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or pizza seasoning)
- fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half. Evenly distribute the sauce on the cut side of each bagel half.
- Top with shredded cheese, pepperoni, and seasoning. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, and dried oregano or pizza seasoning on top of the sauce.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer. Arrange the prepared bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 370℉ for 4-5 minutes or until heated through and the cheese on top is melted. Air fry the pizza bagels at 370℉ for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bagel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, Pizza Bagels Recipe, Easy Pizza Bagels, Air Fryer Recipe
