Making air fryer pizza bagels at home is a game-changer for snack lovers. This quick and delicious recipe takes minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re using full-size bagels or mini bagels, air frying ensures they turn out perfectly crispy without getting soggy. This article will walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, freezing tips, and creative variations.
Essential Ingredients for Perfectly Crispy Pizza Bagels
To make the best air fryer pizza bagels, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These components work together to create a flavorful and crispy bite every time.
- Bagels – Full-size or mini bagels work well for this recipe. Stale bagels can also be used as they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil – Brushing olive oil on the bagels before adding toppings prevents sogginess and enhances crispiness.
- Pizza Seasoning – A blend of dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper adds extra flavor.
- Pizza Sauce – Store-bought or homemade sauce works fine. Ensure it’s spread evenly to avoid dry spots.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Pre-shredded mozzarella melts well and adds a gooey texture to your air fryer pizza bagels.
- Pepperoni – Mini pepperoni works great, but you can also cut regular pepperoni into smaller pieces.
- Optional Toppings – Cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers can elevate your pizza bagels.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Follow these simple steps to create delicious air fryer pizza bagels that are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While preheating isn’t always necessary, it helps to cook the bagels evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Bagels
Slice the bagels in half and brush them lightly with olive oil. This step is crucial to preventing sogginess and ensuring a crispy base. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle pizza seasoning on the bagel halves before air frying.
Step 3: Pre-Air Fry the Bagels
Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket with some space between them. Air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until they become slightly golden. Pre-toasting ensures they won’t turn soggy when the sauce is added.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the toasted bagels. Make sure to go all the way to the edges to prevent dryness. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni or any other desired toppings.
Step 5: Air Fry Again
Return the topped bagels to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes at 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the air fryer pizza bagels from the basket and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with a side salad or enjoy them as a standalone snack.
The Secret to Avoiding Soggy Pizza Bagels in the Air Fryer
One common issue with making air fryer pizza bagels is sogginess. Here’s how to ensure they turn out crispy every time:
- Pre-toast the bagels – This prevents the sauce from soaking into the bread.
- Use less sauce – A light layer of pizza sauce is enough to add flavor without making the bagels mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Leave space between each bagel for even cooking.
- Use olive oil – Brushing olive oil before air frying helps create a crispy surface.
Mini vs. Full-Size Bagels: Which One Works Best?
Both mini bagels and full-size bagels work well for air fryer pizza bagels, but there are some differences:
- Mini bagels cook faster and are great for bite-sized snacks.
- Full-size bagels take slightly longer but are ideal for a more filling meal.
- Both require pre-toasting to prevent sogginess.
- Mini bagels are perfect for kids or party appetizers, while full-size bagels make a great lunch or dinner option.
How to Freeze and Reheat Air Fryer Pizza Bagels for Later
Making extra air fryer pizza bagels and freezing them for later is a great way to have a quick meal ready in minutes.
Freezing Uncooked Pizza Bagels
- Assemble the bagels with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Arrange them on a baking tray and freeze until firm.
- Once frozen, move them to a sealed container or freezer-safe bag, placing parchment paper between each layer.
- Store for up to 3 months.
Freezing Cooked Pizza Bagels
- Allow the bagels to cool completely.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers.
- Store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Frozen Pizza Bagels
- Uncooked frozen pizza bagels: Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Cooked frozen pizza bagels: Air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Pizza Bagels
One of the best things about air fryer pizza bagels is that they are highly customizable. Here are some creative topping ideas:
- Hawaiian Style – Add pineapple chunks and ham.
- BBQ Chicken – Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with cooked chicken.
- Veggie Delight – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
- Buffalo Chicken – Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Meat Lovers – Use a mix of pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your air fryer pizza bagels turn out perfect:
- Skipping pre-toasting – This leads to soggy bagels.
- Overloading toppings – Too many toppings can make the bagels heavy and prevent them from crisping properly.
- Not using parchment paper – Helps prevent cheese from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Overcooking the cheese – Air fry just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or it may burn.
Conclusion
Air fryer pizza bagels are a delicious and easy snack that can be customized to fit any taste preference. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips in this guide, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pizza bagels every time. Whether you’re making them fresh or freezing for later, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
