If you’re craving a quick, delicious snack that combines the chewy goodness of bagels with the classic flavors of a pizza, this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey with melted cheese on top, these mini pizza bagels come together in just minutes using simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer. Whether it’s a kid-friendly lunch, a fun appetizer, or a fast dinner fix, this recipe hits all the right notes and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this recipe simple is part of its charm—the ingredients list is short but every item plays a key role in building that irresistible pizza bagel flavor and texture. From the slightly chewy bagel base to the rich cheese and zesty sauce, each component is essential.
- Bagels: Choose fresh or day-old bagels for that perfect sturdy base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Pizza sauce: Use your favorite tomato-based pizza sauce to give that classic tangy and herby flavor.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a spicy, savory kick and a bit of meaty texture to balance the cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: The star of the show, providing creamy meltiness with a golden-brown finish.
- Other toppings of your choice: Feel free to get creative—mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even pineapple work great here!
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bagels
Start by slicing your bagels in half through the middle. This creates two perfect little rounds that will hold your toppings like a mini pizza crust. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half to create a flavorful base layer that’s both tangy and rich.
Step 2: Add Your Toppings
Next, arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese abundantly on top so it covers the bagel halves and melts beautifully. Don’t forget to add any additional toppings you love—this step lets your personality shine through in every bite.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, a perfect temperature to get the cheese melted and bubbly while crisping up the bagel underneath without drying it out.
Step 4: Air Fry the Bagels
Carefully place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they sit in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry for 4 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye out for the cheese to melt, bubble, and develop those slightly browned spots that scream deliciousness.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the pizza bagels rest for a minute or two to cool slightly and let the cheese set just enough. Now, it’s time to take that first satisfying bite of your homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe marvel!
How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can really brighten up your pizza bagels. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or oregano for herbal notes, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these bagels with a crisp green salad or some crunchy carrot and celery sticks to balance the richness. A cool ranch or blue cheese dip also makes an excellent companion for added indulgence and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or make snack time special, arrange the pizza bagels on a wooden board alongside small bowls of extra toppings, sauces, and fresh herbs. You can even serve mini salad cups next to each bagel for a fun, casual spread that’s easy to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, making it ideal for quick snacks or saving some for the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze air-fried pizza bagels after they have completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and keep for up to 1 month. Just thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and keep that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crispness, pop the bagels back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. This will refresh the cheese melt and revive the crunch on the bagel base perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bagels for this recipe?
Absolutely! Plain bagels work great, but whole wheat, everything, or even cinnamon raisin bagels can add a fun twist. Just keep in mind that sweeter bagels will change the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these?
Yes, you can bake pizza bagels in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The air fryer just makes it faster with a crispier finish.
How can I make these pizza bagels vegetarian?
Simply skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, or artichokes for a delicious meat-free version everyone will love.
Is it possible to make smaller or larger servings?
Definitely! Just adjust the number of bagels and toppings accordingly. This recipe is very flexible and perfect for scaling up for parties or downsizing for a quick snack.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese or should I shred it myself?
Both options work well. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient and melts nicely, but freshly shredded mozzarella tends to melt more smoothly and offers a fresher flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making pizza in under 10 minutes, and this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe delivers that joy every single time. It’s simple, customizable, and downright delicious — perfect for busy days or whenever you want a quick comfort food fix. Give it a go and watch how these little bagel pizzas quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Pizza Bagels recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic pizza flavor in a convenient bagel form. Perfectly toasted bagels topped with zesty pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in just about 10 minutes, this snack or meal is ideal for busy days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Bagel Base
- 2 bagels (preferably plain or everything bagels)
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 16 pepperoni slices
- 3–4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- Other toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions)
Instructions
- Prepare Bagels: Cut the bagels in half horizontally, creating four halves. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half to create a flavorful base.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly atop the sauce on each bagel half. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni, then add any additional toppings you prefer.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry Pizza Bagels: Place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is slightly browned, and the bagels are toasted to your liking.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer. Let them cool for about one minute before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to suit your taste, including vegetables or different meats.
- If your bagels are very thick, you may need to add an extra minute or two to cooking time.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- For a crispier crust, you can toast the bagels separately before adding the toppings.
- Leftover pizza bagels can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
