After a long week of hectic schedules and takeout meals, I craved something simple yet satisfying to satisfy my pizza fix without all the fuss. Enter my latest culinary discovery: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels! These little bites of heaven are not only a fun twist on traditional pizza but also a quick and easy solution to those weeknight dinner dilemmas.
With just a few ingredients—bagels, pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and your favorite toppings—you can whip up a delicious meal in under 20 minutes. As the bagels cook, the air fryer does its magic, transforming them into crispy, gooey delights that will have your kitchen smelling like a pizzeria. Perfect for a casual night in or a fun appetizer at gatherings, these Air Fryer Pizza Bagels will rekindle your love for homemade food and leave fast food in the dust. Let's dive in!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
- These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to satisfy your pizza cravings in just 17 minutes.
- The combination of gooey melted cheese and zesty pizza sauce creates a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
- Their versatility means you can customize each bagel with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone gets their ideal pizza fix.
- With a beautiful golden finish, these bagels are not only delicious but visually appealing, making them a hit at any gathering.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Ingredients
Get ready to create these crispy, cheesy delights!
For the Bagels
• Bagels – Halved bagels provide the perfect base for your pizza creation; choose your favorite flavor!
• Pizza Sauce – A solid ½ cup is all you need for that classic pizza taste—feel free to swap it with homemade sauce for an extra touch.
For the Toppings
• Shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese – Use 1 cup for optimal melty goodness; it's the star of these Air Fryer Pizza Bagels!
• Italian Seasoning – Just 1 teaspoon elevates the flavor, but you can use oregano or basil if you’re out!
• Pepperoni (optional) – 20 slices add a delightful meaty kick, but feel free to substitute with your preferred toppings like veggies or olives.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy texture and gooey melted cheese in your bagels.
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Slice each bagel in half and optionally toast lightly. Toasting adds a delightful crunch that holds up beautifully against the toppings.
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Spread pizza sauce generously on each bagel half. Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per half for that rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce and add pepperoni if desired. Make sure to evenly distribute the cheese for a gooey, melty texture with every bite.
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Place bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
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Let cool slightly before serving with extra pizza sauce on the side. This helps solidify the toppings and makes it easier to enjoy without a mess.
Optional: Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pizza Bagels?
Indulge in a delightful pizza experience that creates the perfect balance of flavors for an unforgettable meal.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad adds a burst of color and crunch, balancing the richness of the bagels perfectly. Toss some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a simple yet satisfying side.
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Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, aromatic breadsticks offer a warm and comforting touch that complements the flavors of your pizza bagels. Their chewy texture provides a nice contrast to the crispy bagels.
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Oven-Roasted Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms enhance your meal with vibrant flavors and textures. Their caramelized sweetness creates a delightful harmony with your cheesy bagels.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: Silky and tangy, this classic pairing brings out the best in your pizza bagels. Dip each bagel into the warm soup, indulging in every gooey, cheesy bite.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink adds a zesty twist to your meal, cutting through the richness while keeping things light and fun. The fizz brings an element of celebration to your pizza night.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey cookies. Their comforting sweetness is the perfect way to round off a flavorful feast of Air Fryer Pizza Bagels.
These pairings create a joyful dining experience, ensuring that every bite delights!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are perfect for busy weeknights and make meal prep a breeze! You can slice the bagels and even spread the pizza sauce in advance, keeping both components refrigerated for up to 24 hours. If you're using toppings like pepperoni or veggies, feel free to prep those as well and store them in an airtight container. To maintain that delightful freshness and avoid sogginess, assemble the bagels just before cooking. When you're ready to enjoy, simply layer on the cheese and any toppings, pop them in the air fryer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until bubbly. You'll have delicious, hot Air Fryer Pizza Bagels ready in no time!
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, giving them your unique twist to elevate the classic flavor!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a delicious vegan option that doesn't skimp on flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top to crank up the heat for those who love a fiery bite.
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Veggie Delight: Top your bagels with an assortment of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a wholesome, colorful twist.
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Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like basil or oregano directly into the pizza sauce before spreading for an unexpected burst of freshness.
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Sweet & Savory: Swap traditional toppings for a sweet version using goat cheese, fig jam, and walnuts; bake until gooey for a delightful dessert twist.
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Whole Wheat Base: Choose whole wheat or multigrain bagels for a heartier option that adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor. Each bite is as nutritious as it is tasty!
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Cheesy Garlic Spread: Mix minced garlic and a bit of butter into the mozzarella before topping for a rich garlic bread-inspired flavor that will have everyone begging for more.
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Breakfast Bagel: Drizzle scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits atop the cheesy bagels before air frying—perfect for breakfast or brunch!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Room Temperature: Store any leftover Air Fryer Pizza Bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Enjoy them as a quick snack!
Fridge: You can refrigerate the bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to revive their crispy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked bagels in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat frozen bagels directly from the freezer in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, ensure your air fryer is preheated to 375°F (190°C) to achieve that ideal crispy crust.
- If you want a bit more crunch, lightly toasting the bagels before adding toppings can enhance their texture.
- Be generous with the pizza sauce, using about 1 to 2 tablespoons per bagel half for maximum flavor, and evenly distribute the mozzarella to ensure each bite is cheesy.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time and check around the 5-minute mark to prevent overcooking, as every air fryer can vary slightly in performance.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe FAQs
What type of bagels work best for Air Fryer Pizza Bagels?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of bagels that you love—plain, everything, or even whole grain. Just ensure they’re fresh for the best texture.
How long will my leftover Air Fryer Pizza Bagels stay fresh in the fridge?
Great question! When stored in an airtight container, your bagels will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. I recommend reheating them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes to bring back their delightful crunch.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Pizza Bagels?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooked bagels in a single layer on a baking sheet until they're frozen solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat directly from the freezer in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
What toppings can I use besides pepperoni?
The more the merrier! You can get creative with toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even cooked sausage. Just keep in mind that any additional toppings should be cooked beforehand to ensure they heat through when the bagels are air-fried.
Any tips for troubleshooting if my cheese doesn't melt properly?
If your cheese isn't melting well, it could be due to the type of cheese used; I recommend sticking with whole milk mozzarella for creamy, melty goodness. Also, ensure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can restrict the airflow and prevent proper melting. Lastly, cooking for longer in 1-2 minute intervals can help achieve that perfect bubbly top, just be cautious not to overcook!
Are Air Fryer Pizza Bagels safe for pets?
Although Air Fryer Pizza Bagels can be delicious for human consumption, it’s best to avoid sharing them with pets. The toppings, like cheese and pepperoni, can be high in fat and sodium, which might upset your furry friend’s stomach. Stick to pet-friendly snacks for them!
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each bagel in half and lightly toast if desired.
- Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce and add pepperoni if using.
- Place bagels in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
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