Golden, crispy edges. Bubbling cheese. That unmistakable pizza smell wafting through your kitchen in less time than it takes to preheat a regular oven. Air fryer pizza bagels turn snack time into something worth getting excited aboutno delivery required.
I started shooting these in my test kitchen back in 2019 when I needed quick lunch content between longer recipe sessions. What surprised me wasn’t just how fast they cookedit was that satisfying crunch you get from the air circulation, something a microwave could never pull off. The bagel holds its chew while the edges crisp up like thin-crust pizza, and you control every topping.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe Easy Quick and Delicious
This air fryer pizza bagels recipe is a quick and tasty way to enjoy a classic favorite with a crispy twist. Using simple ingredients like Lender’s bagels, pepperoni, and mozzarella, you can whip up a delicious snack or meal in minutes. Perfect for busy days or casual get-togethers, these pizza bagels combine convenience and flavor effortlessly.
Split the pre-sliced bagels into halves, separating each piece.
Lightly coat the cut sides of the bagels with olive oil, then sprinkle the oregano and basil evenly on top.
Layer the pizza sauce over the bagel halves, followed by mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
Place the prepared bagels carefully into the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 6 minutes.
Once done, remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty pizza bagels!
Notes
For a crispier crust, you can air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
Why You’ll Love These
These little rounds deliver big flavor without the wait. You’ll have hot, cheesy snacks ready in under 10 minutesperfect for after-school hunger or weekend movie marathons.
Perfectly crispy: The air fryer gives you golden, crunchy edges while keeping the bagel soft in the centersomething microwaves can’t touch.
Customizable toppings: Start with pepperoni and mozzarella, then switch it up based on what’s in your fridge.
Minimal cleanup: One basket, a quick brush, and you’re done. No greasy pans or oven splatter.
Kid-approved: Even picky eaters will happily grab one of these off the cooling rack.
What You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. Plain Lender’s bagels serve as sturdy little platformspre-sliced and ready to go. You’ll brush them with olive oil, season with oregano and basil, then pile on pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
Pro Tip: Keep a pack of Lender’s in the freezer. They thaw quickly, and you can pull out just what you need for a fast snack or light lunch.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Plain bagels
Everything bagels for extra flavor
Pepperoni
Cooked sausage crumbles or turkey pepperoni
Mozzarella
Italian blend or cheddar for sharper bite
Pizza sauce
Marinara or even pesto for a twist
How to Make Them
Separate each bagel half and lay them cut-side up. Brush the tops with olive oilthis helps the seasonings stick and adds a little richness. Sprinkle oregano and basil evenly across all four halves.
Spoon pizza sauce onto each piece, spreading it to the edges. Top with mozzarella cheese and nestle three pepperoni slices on each bagel half. Arrange them in your air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space for air circulation.
Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 6 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden, with crispy edges on the bagel. Let them cool for a minute or two before servingmolten cheese is no joke.
Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t skip the oil: It keeps the bagel from drying out and helps the herbs bloom.
Watch the timing: Six minutes at 360°F is the sweet spot for most air fryers, but if yours runs hot, check at the 5-minute mark.
Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed. Overlapping bagels steam instead of crisp.
Let them rest: A quick cool-down makes them easier to handle and lets the cheese set just enough.
Note: If your pepperoni starts to curl or brown too fast, tuck the slices slightly under the cheese next time.
Serving and Storage
Serve these straight from the basket with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping, or pair them with a simple green salad for a light meal. They’re also great alongside soup or as part of a snack board with veggies and fruit.
Storage Method
Instructions
Duration
Room Temperature
Cover loosely; best eaten fresh
2 hours max
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container
Up to 3 days
Reheat
Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
Restores crispness
Pro Tip: If you’re making a big batch for a party, prep all the bagels with toppings on a tray, then cook them in waves. They stay warm and crispy longer than oven versions.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Pizza Bagels)
What temperature should I cook bagels in the air fryer?
Cook at 375°F for best results. This temperature crisps the bagel without burning the cheese. Start with 3-4 minutes, then check if the cheese is bubbly and golden. Add 1-2 more minutes if needed for your preferred level of crispiness.
How do I prevent cheese from melting through the basket?
Place parchment paper or a small piece of foil under each bagel half. Make sure the paper doesn’t hang over the edges or it could blow around. You can also use perforated parchment designed specifically for air fryers.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bagels and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold. For best texture, bring them to room temperature first.
What toppings work best for this recipe?
Pepperoni, cooked sausage, and diced bell peppers are excellent choices. Add vegetables like mushrooms or onions after pre-cooking them briefly. Keep toppings small and lightweight so they don’t fall through the air fryer basket.
How many bagel halves fit in the air fryer at once?
Most standard air fryers fit 4 bagel halves comfortably without overcrowding. Leave space between each piece for proper air circulation. Larger models may accommodate 6 halves, but avoid stacking or overlapping for even cooking.
You’ll love how these air fryer pizza bagels turn outgolden, bubbly, and ready in under ten minutes. That crispy edge paired with gooey cheese? Pure weeknight magic.
Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage or piling on mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie twist. Leftover bagels reheat beautifully at 350°F for 2–3 minutesthey’ll taste just as crisp as the first batch. A trick worth remembering: tuck your toppings slightly under the cheese to prevent edges from over-browning.
Snap a photo when yours come out of the basketI’d love to see your favorite topping combos. Did you grow up grabbing pizza bagels after school, or is this a new family staple? Save this one for busy afternoons when you need something satisfying, fast, and made with your own hands.
