Name: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bagels; 4 tablespoons pizza sauce; 16 pepperoni slices; 3-4 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded); other toppings of your choice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or weeknight dinner, you’re about to meet your new obsession: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels. There’s something pure and magical about melty cheese, spicy pepperoni, and tangy tomato sauce nestled into a toasted, chewy bagel—all ready in minutes, thanks to the air fryer. They’re endlessly customizable, always a hit with kids and adults alike, and frankly, just flat-out fun to make and eat!

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Air Fryer Pizza Bagels couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient brings something special. Whether you stick to the basics or toss on extra toppings, every element, from the bagel base to the oozy cheese, contributes to that ultimate pizzeria flavor and texture we all crave.

Bagels: Use any flavor you love, but plain or everything bagels are classics for their perfect chew and sturdy structure.
Pizza sauce: This provides that bright, zesty tomato flavor—store-bought or homemade works great, just be generous!
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Shredded cheese is key for gooey, bubbly texture and that classic pizza stretch factor.
Pepperoni slices: For pops of spicy, savory flavor and that satisfying crisp when air-fried; turkey pepperoni works if you prefer leaner.
Other toppings of your choice: Think black olives, red onions, mushrooms, or even jalapeños—get creative with what you love!

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Step 1: Prep the Bagels

Grab your favorite bagels and slice each one cleanly through the middle, creating two sturdy halves. This is your delicious canvas—don’t be afraid to use mini bagels for snack-sized bites or larger ones for a hearty meal. Toasting is not necessary, as the air fryer will crisp them perfectly.

Step 2: Spread on the Sauce

Slather each bagel half with about a tablespoon of pizza sauce, making sure to reach to the edges so every bite is juicy and tangy. More sauce means a saucier bite, while less keeps things tidier—feel free to adjust to your taste.

Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff

Toss on a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese, letting it tumble into the bagel holes. Add your toppings, arranging pepperoni on top if you like them crispy, or under the cheese if you prefer them soft. This step is where everyone can make their pizza bagel absolutely their own.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. This step ensures even, bubbly cheese and toasted edges right from the start—no soggy spots here!

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your assembled pizza bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Be sure to give them a little room so hot air can crisp every surface. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes, peeking as you go—the cheese should be melted and golden, and the bagel edges beautifully crispy. Your kitchen will smell like a pizzeria!

Step 6: Cool, Serve, and Enjoy

Once the Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are golden and bubbling, carefully remove them (they’ll be hot!) and let them rest for a minute. This gives the cheese time to set a bit before you dive in for that first irresistible bite.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Garnishes

Bring your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels to life with a finishing flourish! Sprinkle on fresh chopped basil, a dusting of parmesan, a drizzle of chili oil, or even a few red pepper flakes for a little kick. These simple garnishes transform your pizza bagels into something extra special.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, pair your pizza bagels with a crisp green salad, classic Caesar salad, or even some crunchy carrot and celery sticks. They’re great served alongside tomato soup for a nostalgic comfort food combo, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Air Fryer Pizza Bagels into wedges for a party appetizer, or set out a variety of toppings for a DIY bar—let everyone custom-build their own! Mini bagels make amazing lunchbox additions or after-school snacks that kids can help assemble.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They hold their flavor beautifully and make for a quick reheat meal or snack.

Freezing

You can prepare and freeze pizza bagels before or after air frying. For best results, freeze them individually on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag—this way, you can defrost just what you need, when you need it.

Reheating

To revive your Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-4 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You’ll get back that crisp exterior and melty center in no time—much better than microwaving!

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels with gluten-free bagels?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bagels work just as well in the air fryer. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as some gluten-free options might crisp a little faster.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese from melting off?

Spread your toppings all the way to the edge, and press the cheese gently into the sauce before air frying. This helps everything stick together during cooking.

Can I use other types of cheese?

You sure can! While mozzarella is classic, you can use cheddar, provolone, smoked gouda, or even a blend of whatever you have on hand—just be aware meltiness may vary.

How do I prevent soggy bagels?

Don’t overload with sauce and make sure the air fryer is fully preheated before adding your pizza bagels. Cooking in a single layer also allows the hot air to circulate and keep things crisp.

Can kids help assemble the Air Fryer Pizza Bagels?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for getting little hands involved—let them spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and pick their own toppings. Just make sure an adult handles the air fryer step.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Air Fryer Pizza Bagels yet, now’s your moment—they’re irresistible, endlessly adaptable, and shockingly quick to whip up. Whether it’s a fun family dinner or an after-school snack, I hope you’ll give them a try and make them a regular favorite in your kitchen!

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 4 pizza bagel halves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a quick and delicious snack with these Air Fryer Pizza Bagels. Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, these pizza bagels are customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 bagels
4 tablespoons pizza sauce
16 pepperoni slices
3–4 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded)
other toppings of your choice

Instructions

Cut the bagels: Cut the bagels in half through the middle to have a top and bottom.
Spread sauce: Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
Add toppings: Customize with pepperoni, cheese, and other desired toppings.
Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 380°F.
Cook: Place pizza bagels in air fryer for 4-7 minutes until cheese melts and slightly browns.
Serve: Let cool briefly before enjoying!

Notes

Use any type of bagels you prefer, such as plain, whole wheat, or everything bagels.
Experiment with various toppings like olives, diced red onion, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American