Name: Homemade Air Fryer Bagels
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 plain bagels; 4 tablespoons pizza sauce; 90-115 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded; 16 slices pepperoni; Additional toppings of choice, as desired

Homemade Air Fryer Bagels are the ultimate breakfast or snack, combining the crispy goodness of bagels with the indulgent flavors of melted cheese, pizza sauce, and savory toppings—all in just 12 minutes. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these bagels are perfect for a busy morning or a satisfying snack anytime during the day.

Homemade Air Fryer Bagels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of crispy bagels with gooey melted cheese, then this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Made in the air fryer, these bagels are done in just 12 minutes—perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something delicious. The simple base of bagels is topped with rich pizza sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, creating a mini pizza bagel that’s crispy on the outside and warm and melty on the inside. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your tastes!

Ingredients

For the base

2 plain bagels

For the sauce

4 tablespoons pizza sauce

For the cheese

90-115 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the toppings

16 slices pepperoni
Additional toppings of choice, as desired

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the bagels: Slice the bagels evenly in half to create four open-faced pieces.
Add the sauce: Spread pizza sauce generously over each bagel half, ensuring an even layer on each.
Top with cheese: Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across each bagel half.
Add toppings: Place 4 slices of pepperoni on each bagel half. Feel free to add any other toppings you prefer, such as olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 193°C (380°F).
Air fry the bagels: Place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding any overlap. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Serve: Allow the bagels to cool for one minute before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 (4 pizza bagel halves)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 12 minutes

Variations

Veggie Bagels: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach to your bagels for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy: Add jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a bit of heat.
Cheese Lovers: Use a combination of cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone for an extra cheesy experience.
Sweet: For a dessert version, try a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the cheese before cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the bagel halves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the bagels back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 193°C (380°F) or heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bagel?

Yes! You can use any type of bagel you prefer—whole wheat, everything, cinnamon raisin, or even gluten-free bagels if needed.

2. Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

3. Can I use shredded cheese from the store?

Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella will work just fine, but fresh mozzarella gives a nicer melt and texture.

4. What are other topping ideas for these bagels?

Other great topping ideas include cooked bacon, sausage, sautéed vegetables, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

5. Can I use a different sauce instead of pizza sauce?

Certainly! You can swap the pizza sauce for marinara sauce, pesto, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I freeze these bagels?

You can freeze the assembled, uncooked bagels. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen for an extra 2-3 minutes.

7. How do I make these bagels healthier?

For a healthier version, use whole-grain bagels, a reduced-fat mozzarella, and top with more veggies or lean protein like turkey slices instead of pepperoni.

8. Can I make these in advance?

These bagels are best served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the bagels with toppings in advance, cover them, and refrigerate. Then, air fry them when ready to eat.

9. How do I prevent the bagels from getting soggy?

Using a good amount of pizza sauce but not too much will help prevent sogginess. Additionally, ensuring the bagels are air-fried in a single layer will help keep the texture crispy.

10. Can I use a different air fryer temperature?

Yes, different air fryer models may have slightly different temperature settings. If your air fryer runs hot, you might want to cook at a slightly lower temperature, like 180°C (350°F).

Conclusion

Homemade Air Fryer Bagels are an easy, fast, and delicious way to enjoy bagels with all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a pizza. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they are customizable with a variety of toppings to suit your preferences. In just 12 minutes, you’ll have crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bagels that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!