Name: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 plain bagels, sliced in half; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Olive oil spray or brush-on olive oil

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Meet your new weeknight hero: the Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe. This crave-worthy mashup takes everything you love about pizza and transforms it into a fun, super-fast snack or meal that’s perfect for busy days, hungry kids, or anyone who just wants something delicious in ten minutes flat. With crisp bagels, gooey mozzarella, zippy pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, these pizza bagels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch, party platter, or after-school treat, this recipe is about to be your go-to for effortless comfort food.

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the chewy bagel base to the stretchy cheese, zesty sauce, and flavorful seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible bites:

Bagels: Plain bagels provide a sturdy, chewy base that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. Slice them for the ideal mini pizza canvas.
Pizza sauce: A good-quality pizza sauce brings tang and moisture. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version for the best flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This classic cheese melts beautifully and gives you that iconic pizza pull everyone loves.
Mini pepperoni slices (optional): For a savory, meaty kick, add mini pepperonis. Or, get creative with your favorite toppings.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian herbs brings aroma and a true pizzeria vibe to every bite.
Garlic powder: Just a touch boosts savory depth and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
Olive oil spray or brush-on olive oil: A little oil helps the bagels get golden and crisp in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Get your air fryer ready by preheating it to 375°F. Preheating ensures the bagels start crisping up the moment they hit the basket, giving you that irresistible golden crust. It only takes a minute or two, but it makes all the difference for texture!

Step 2: Prep the Bagels

Slice your bagels in half to create eight mini pizza bases. Lay them cut-side up and lightly spray or brush each one with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps the bagels toast up nicely without drying out.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half. Spread it evenly, reaching all the way to the edges for maximum saucy goodness in every bite. Don’t be shy—this layer keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over each sauced bagel half. Top with mini pepperoni slices if you’re using them, or swap in your favorite veggies or cooked sausage for something different. Then, add a pinch of Italian seasoning and a light sprinkle of garlic powder to each bagel to really elevate the flavor.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the prepared bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer—work in batches if needed. Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, keeping an eye out for bubbly, melted cheese and crispy bagel edges. Once they’re golden and delicious, carefully remove them and let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or even a little grated parmesan adds a burst of color and extra flavor. Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can bring some heat if you like things spicy. Serve these up hot and watch them disappear!

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe with a crisp green salad, some crunchy carrot sticks, or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal. For parties, serve them alongside a platter of fresh veggies and ranch dip to keep things light and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn pizza bagels into a DIY bar by setting out different toppings and letting everyone build their own creations. Arrange them on a big board with dipping sauces like ranch, pesto, or garlic butter for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread. Mini pizza bagels are also perfect for lunchboxes, game day, or movie nights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply let the pizza bagels cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for snacking or quick lunches the next day!

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the bagels as directed, but don’t air fry yet. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. When you’re ready, just pop them straight into the air fryer—add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pizza bagels back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They’ll taste just as fresh as the first time!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bagels?

Absolutely! The Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe is super flexible. Whole wheat or gluten-free bagels work beautifully, so you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative. Sliced olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or cooked sausage all make tasty additions. You can even let everyone customize their own for a fun meal experience.

Do I need to pre-cook vegetables or meat toppings?

If you’re adding raw meat, it should be fully cooked before topping your bagels. Most veggies can go on raw, but if you like them softer, give them a quick sauté first.

Can I make these in a regular oven?

Yes! Bake on a lined sheet pan at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bagels are crisp. The air fryer just makes it even quicker and crispier.

How do I keep the bagels from getting soggy?

Brushing the bagels with olive oil and using a single layer in the air fryer helps keep them crisp. Don’t overload with sauce, and serve right away for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, fun, and utterly delicious snack, you can’t go wrong with this Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick treat, these little pizzas are sure to win everyone over. Give them a try—you’re about to discover your new favorite way to enjoy pizza!

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 pizza bagel halves 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagels recipe is a quick and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Featuring crispy bagel halves topped with flavorful pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and optional mini pepperoni, these mini pizzas are ready in just 10 minutes. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a kid-friendly, satisfying treat with minimal effort using your air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 plain bagels, sliced in half
1 cup pizza sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)

Seasonings and Oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Olive oil spray or brush-on olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up while you prepare the bagels.
Prepare Bagels: Lightly spray or brush the cut sides of the bagels with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Add Sauce: Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
Top with Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle each bagel half generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, then add mini pepperoni slices if using.
Season: Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning and a light dusting of garlic powder over each bagel to enhance the flavor profile.
Air Fry: Arrange the bagel halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bagel edges are crisp.
Serve: Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Notes

Customize your pizza bagels with toppings like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or cooked sausage for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free bagels to meet specific dietary needs or preferences.
Watch closely in the last minute of air frying to avoid overcooking or burning the bagels.
These pizza bagels are perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or an easy appetizer for gatherings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American