- Preheat your air fryer: Set to 370°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes so it’s hot and ready.
- Prepare bagel bases: Lightly spray the cut sides of each bagel half with olive oil. This helps them crisp nicely in the air fryer.
- Add sauce: Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half, spreading it evenly but leaving a tiny edge around the crust.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce on each bagel. Add a pinch of dried oregano and a bit of salt and pepper if you like.
- Customize toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings on top of the cheese — from pepperoni to bell peppers or pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Air fry: Place bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t stack). Air fry at 370°F for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bagel edges are golden and crispy.
- Cool & enjoy: Carefully remove the bagels (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool for a minute before serving.
Serving and Storage
Serving
- Serve these bagel pizzas hot, right out of the air fryer for the best texture.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or veggie sticks for a balanced meal.
- Offer dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or extra pizza sauce on the side.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover bagel pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked bagel pizzas wrapped individually in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange bagel halves in a single layer so hot air circulates and crisps every piece evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: A hot air fryer padlocks in crispiness faster and helps melt the cheese perfectly.
- Cheese layer matters: Shred your own cheese if possible — pre‑shredded cheese often contains anti‑caking agents that can affect melt quality.
- Even topping distribution: Spread toppings evenly so every bite gets a bit of everything.
Variations
- Pepperoni Classic: Add pepperoni slices and extra mozzarella for a classic favorite.
- Veggie Delight: Top with bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and red onions for a fresh veggie burst.
- Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple chunks and Canadian bacon for a sweet and savory combo.
- Spicy Chipotle: Drizzle chipotle sauce and add jalapeños for a smoky kick.
- BBQ Chicken: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and top with cooked chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
Tips
- Customize with caution: Less is more — don’t overload bagel halves or they won’t cook evenly.
- Edge protection: Keep toppings slightly back from the edges so they don’t spill and burn.
- Watch late bake time: If edges brown too quickly, reduce temperature slightly for the next batch.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are a simple, satisfying spin on pizza that’s perfect for busy lives. They’re fast enough for weeknight dinners, fun enough for kids’ lunches, and customizable enough to suit every craving. With crispy bagel edges, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, these mini pizzas prove that sometimes the best meals are the ones you invent right in your kitchen.
FAQ
- Can I use flavored bagels?
Absolutely! Everything, sesame, or garlic bagels add extra flavor to your pizzas. - Do I need to toast the bagels first?
It’s optional — pre‑toasting lightly before adding toppings gives a firmer base, but the air fryer crispiness usually does the job well. - Can I make these gluten‑free?
Yes! Use gluten‑free bagels and ensure toppings are gluten‑free. - Is this kid‑friendly?
Definitely! Kids love customizing these, and they’re great for helping assemble before cooking. - How many bagel pizzas does this make?
This recipe makes 8 bagel halves (4 whole bagels) — you can easily scale it up or down.
