If you’re craving a delicious, cheesy snack that’s ready in minutes, Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are your new best friend! This quick, customizable recipe transforms simple ingredients into gooey, crispy perfection—ideal for after-school snacks, easy lunches, or anytime you’re hit with a pizza craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast Prep: From start to finish, Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are on the table in under 15 minutes—no need to wait for delivery or preheat your oven!
- Super Customizable: Use your favorite bagel and topping combos, so every member of the family gets exactly what they love.
- Golden, Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives you that crave-worthy bubbly cheese and crispy edges every single time.
- Kid-Approved & Adult-Friendly: The fun, hands-on style makes pizza bagels perfect for parties, snacks, or a nostalgic treat for grown-ups too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Pizza Bagels is in their simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the bagel’s chewy bite to the gooey melt of mozzarella—choose your favorites and don’t be shy with toppings!
- Bagels: Go classic with plain, or add flavor with everything, whole wheat, or even mini bagels for bite-sized snacks.
- Pizza Sauce: Choose a robust tomato-based pizza sauce for that traditional pizzeria vibe; marinara or even pesto are fun twists!
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded melts best and gives perfectly stringy, bubbly cheese; swap in provolone or a blend for extra richness.
- Pepperoni Slices: Layer on top for crispy pepperoni, or tuck underneath the cheese for a softer texture—your choice!
- Other Toppings of Your Choice: Think sliced mushrooms, olives, diced red onion, bell pepper, or any of your favorite pizza add-ins.
Variations
One of the best parts of making Air Fryer Pizza Bagels is how easily you can personalize them. Mix things up with your choice of bagels, sauces, cheeses, or toppings—there are endless ways to make them yours!
- Veggie Lovers: Top with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and red onions for a fresh, colorful twist.
- BBQ Chicken Bagels: Substitute pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add cooked, shredded chicken for a smoky, tangy spin.
- Margherita-Inspired: Use fresh mozzarella slices, ripe tomatoes, and scatter chopped basil for a classic and vibrant flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap classic bagels for mini low-carb bagel thins or use whole grain bagels to lighten things up.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Step 1: Slice & Prep the Bagels
Start by slicing your bagels in half horizontally to create a top and bottom for each. Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cut! Arrange the halves cut-side up—these will become your pizza “crusts” and the perfect surface for saucy goodness.
Step 2: Spread Sauce & Layer Toppings
Spread a generous tablespoon of pizza sauce on each bagel half, making sure to coat all the nooks and crannies. Next, pile on the shredded mozzarella and get creative with your favorite toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or whatever you love! For crispy pepperoni, layer it over the cheese; for a softer bite, tuck it underneath.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the prepared pizza bagels in the basket in a single layer; don’t overlap! Air fry for 4–7 minutes, checking after 4—the cheese should be bubbly and starting to brown. Remember, every air fryer is a little different, and thicker toppings may need an extra minute or two.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
Carefully remove your piping-hot Air Fryer Pizza Bagels (they’ll be steamy!) and let them rest for a minute so the cheese settles. Then slice if you like, garnish, and enjoy while melty and delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
- Bagel Base Matters: For the ultimate texture, choose bagels that are sturdy and not too soft; they hold up best to all the saucy, cheesy toppings.
- Sauce Smart: Don’t over-sauce! Too much makes bagels soggy; just enough gives perfect flavor and keeps the base crisp.
- Crowd Control: Always air fry in a single, non-overlapping layer to ensure even melting and that golden, crunchy finish.
- Topping Timing: Add fresh herbs or delicate toppings after air frying, so they stay bright and flavorful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes over your hot pizza bagels for an aromatic boost. Freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic oil takes them to the next level—don’t be afraid to mix and match!
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels with a crisp green salad, garlic knots, or roasted veggies for a satisfying meal. For parties, serve them alongside classic snacks like chips, crudités, or even a light soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want a fun twist? Cut bagels into quarters for crowd-pleasing appetizers, or create a DIY pizza bar so everyone can build their own. Arrange a platter with colorful toppings and dips for an eye-catching, interactive snack board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover pizza bagels completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re fantastic for next-day snacking or a quick lunchbox treat!
Freezing
Freeze assembled, uncooked pizza bagels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, cook straight from frozen in the air fryer—just add a couple of minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Air Fryer Pizza Bagels in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully and taste just as fresh as day one!
FAQs
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Can I use gluten-free bagels for Air Fryer Pizza Bagels?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bagels work well—just be sure they’re sturdy enough to hold your toppings, and check cooking time as some varieties crisp faster.
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Do I need to pre-cook my toppings?
Hard vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms cook quickly in the air fryer, but for extra-softness, sauté them first. Meats (like sausage or chicken) should always be pre-cooked before adding to pizza bagels.
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Can I make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble bagels up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready, just pop them in the air fryer for a fresh, hot snack in minutes.
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What’s the best way to get crispy cheese on top?
For extra-crispy cheese, sprinkle a little additional mozzarella or Parmesan over your toppings and position bagels cheese-side up, close to the air fryer’s heating element.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, you’ll see why they’re a go-to favorite in my kitchen. They’re so easy, endlessly customizable, and ridiculously tasty—give them a try, and I have a feeling you’ll be making them again (and again!). Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Print
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make snack with these Air Fryer Pizza Bagels. Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, these pizza bagels are customizable with your favorite toppings for a perfect treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Bagels:
- 2 bagels, see notes
Toppings:
- 4 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 16 pepperoni slices
- 3–4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Other toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Cut and Prepare: Cut the bagels in half through the middle. Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Add Toppings: Place pepperoni slices, cheese, and other desired toppings on the bagels.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F.
- Cook: Air fry the pizza bagels for 4-7 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Let cool for a minute before enjoying!
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bagel
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
