- Pepperoni
- Cooked sausage
- Ham
- Cooked bacon bits
- Bell peppers, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced thin
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Olives
- Pineapple
- Fresh basil (add after cooking)
Instructions
1) Prep the bagels
- Slice bagels in half and place them cut-side up on a plate or tray.
- Spread 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons pizza sauce on each half (don’t overload to avoid sogginess).
2) Add cheese and toppings
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Add your toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.).
- Optional: sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
3) Air fry
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 2–3 minutes (optional but helps crisp faster).
- Place pizza bagels in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 4–6 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are crisp.
- Carefully remove and rest 1 minute before eating (hot cheese!).
Tip: If your toppings are flying around (light pepperoni or herbs), gently press them into the cheese before cooking.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve pizza bagels hot and melty. They’re great on their own or with a side of extra marinara for dipping.
For a full meal, pair with a simple salad, veggie sticks, or a bowl of soup.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked pizza bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled (uncooked) pizza bagels on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Air fryer (best): 190°C / 375°F for 2–4 minutes
- Oven: 200°C / 400°F for 6–8 minutes
- Microwave: works, but the bagel will soften (not as crispy)
From frozen: Air fry at 190°C / 375°F for 7–9 minutes (check at 7).
Tips
- Don’t oversauce: too much sauce can make the bagel soft.
- Shred your own cheese: it melts smoother than pre-shredded (which often has anti-caking agents).
- Use thin toppings: thick raw veggies won’t cook in time—slice mushrooms and onions thin.
- Add delicate herbs after: basil and parsley are best sprinkled on once cooked.
- Batch smart: keep finished bagels warm in a low oven (95°C / 200°F) while you cook the rest.
Variations
1) Pepperoni Classic
Pizza sauce + mozzarella + pepperoni + a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Simple, iconic, always a hit.
2) BBQ Chicken
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, add cooked shredded chicken, red onion, mozzarella, and a little cheddar.
3) Buffalo Ranch
Use buffalo sauce, cooked chicken, mozzarella, and finish with a drizzle of ranch after air frying.
4) Veggie Supreme
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions. Use a little extra cheese to “glue” toppings in place.
5) Margherita-Style
Use marinara, mozzarella, and add fresh basil after cooking. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
The secret to the best air fryer pizza bagels is balance: just enough sauce to flavor, enough cheese to melt and hold toppings,
and a cook time long enough to crisp the bagel without burning the cheese. If you like extra crunch, air fry the plain bagel halves for 1 minute first,
then add sauce and toppings and finish cooking. That quick pre-toast is a game-changer for super crispy results.
Conclusion
Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are fast, fun, and endlessly customizable—perfect for snacks, quick lunches, or party platters.
With a crisp bagel base and bubbling cheese on top, they deliver serious pizza satisfaction in minutes, with minimal effort and cleanup.
Once you try them, you’ll keep bagels and mozzarella on standby because this is one of those “save the day” recipes that works anytime. Mix up the toppings,
add a dipping sauce, and enjoy the easiest homemade pizza fix ever.
FAQ
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Not always, but preheating for 2–3 minutes helps the bagels crisp faster and more evenly.
How do I stop the bagels from getting soggy?
Use less sauce, add a generous layer of cheese, and consider pre-toasting the bagel halves for 1 minute before topping.
Can I make these for a crowd?
Yes—assemble all bagels on a tray, then air fry in batches. Keep finished ones warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Can I freeze pizza bagels?
Absolutely. Freeze them assembled but uncooked for best texture. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer.
What bagels work best?
Plain, everything, sesame, and whole wheat all work great. Everything bagels add extra savory flavor without any extra seasoning.
Can I use mini bagels?
Yes—mini bagels are perfect for party snacks. Reduce cook time to about 3–5 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
