Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

This homemade air fryer pizza bagel recipe transforms ordinary bagels into crispy, cheesy mini pizzas in just minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when the pizza craving strikes but you don't want to order delivery. The air fryer gives these bagels the perfect crisp exterior while melting the cheese to bubbly perfection.

I started making these pizza bagels when my nephew came to visit and was craving pizza. We discovered these were actually better than the frozen variety, and now it's our special cooking activity whenever he stays over.

Ingredients

• Plain bagels: These provide the perfect sturdy base that won't get soggy under the toppings
• Pizza sauce: Use store bought for convenience or homemade for extra flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Fresh shredded melts better than pre packaged varieties
• Pepperoni slices: Adds classic pizza flavor and develops a nice crisp edge in the air fryer
• Additional toppings: Perfect opportunity to use up vegetables or leftover meats from your refrigerator

How To Make Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Slice the bagels:

Using a sharp bread knife, cut each bagel horizontally through the middle to create four equal halves. Make sure your cuts are even so the bagels will cook uniformly in the air fryer.

Add the sauce:

Spoon about one tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each bagel half, spreading it evenly across the surface but leaving a small border around the edge. The border helps prevent sauce from dripping during cooking.

Apply cheese and toppings:

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce on each bagel half. The cheese acts as a binding agent for the other toppings. Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, using about four slices per bagel half. Add any additional toppings you desire.

Preheat air fryer:

Set your air fryer to 193°C and allow it to preheat for 2 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment the bagels go in.

Arrange in air fryer:

Place the prepared bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.

Cook to perfection:

Air fry the pizza bagels for 4 7 minutes, checking after 4 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to bubble with golden brown spots. The edges of the bagel should be crisp and toasted.

Rest and serve:

Remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer and let them rest for one minute. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the hot toppings.

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Pepperoni is my favorite topping because of how the edges crisp up in the air fryer, creating those delicious little crispy cups that hold tiny pools of savory oil. It reminds me of the corner pizzeria from my childhood neighborhood where we'd stop after school for a quick slice.

Topping Variations

The beauty of these pizza bagels is their versatility. Try an all veggie version with bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a hearty option. For meat lovers, crispy bacon bits, cooked sausage crumbles, or diced ham work wonderfully. You can even go gourmet with options like goat cheese and arugula added after cooking, or feta and olives for a Mediterranean twist. Just remember that some toppings like fresh basil are best added after air frying to prevent burning.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pizza bagels can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, making them perfect for meal prep. If you want to freeze them, assemble the bagels completely, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2 3 minutes to the cooking time. Leftover cooked pizza bagels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 175°C.

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Bagel Selection Tips

While plain bagels work perfectly for this recipe, don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Everything bagels add a delicious savory element, while whole wheat provides a nuttier taste and more fiber. Avoid bagels with large holes as the toppings might fall through during cooking. Day old bagels actually work better than fresh ones as their slightly drier texture creates a crisper finished product. If using frozen bagels, thaw them completely and toast lightly before adding toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent soggy bagels?

Make sure to spread the sauce evenly and not use too much. This ensures the bagels remain crisp in the air fryer.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can use cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or a blend of your favorites for added flavor variety.

→ What are some additional topping ideas?

Try adding mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, olives, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a customizable touch.

→ Can I make this with gluten-free bagels?

Absolutely! Simply choose gluten-free bagels, and it’ll work just as well in the recipe.

→ What temperature should I use for reheating leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.