Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer
There’s something undeniably comforting about the perfect pizza bagel—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with that classic pizza flavor. And when you can whip up this nostalgic snack in your air fryer in just minutes, it’s a total game changer for busy days, quick lunches, or a fun family treat. Whether you’re craving a savory bite after school or want an easy appetizer for a casual get-together, these pizza bagels deliver all the flavor with minimal fuss.
Using an air fryer means you get that perfectly toasted bagel with melty mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni (or in our case, a delicious alternative that fits every diet) without heating up the whole kitchen or waiting forever. Ready to dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite? Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner in my book for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick—no need to wait for dough to rise or fire up the oven. The air fryer crisps the bagel beautifully while melting the cheese to gooey perfection. It’s the ultimate combo of crispy edges and soft, flavorful toppings.
Another reason I adore it is the flexibility. You can easily swap out toppings based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for any time of day: a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a casual dinner paired with a simple salad. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a snack that feels like a treat but is so simple to make?
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 full-size plain bagel, halved – the base of your pizza bagel, choose your favorite type
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce – rich and flavorful, homemade or store-bought works great
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that melty, cheesy goodness
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices – I recommend using a plant-based or turkey-based option to keep it suitable for all diets
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Air fryer – the star appliance for quick, crispy results
- Small bowl – for mixing or holding toppings if needed
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep your proportions just right
- Spatula or tongs – for easy handling of the hot bagels
- Knife and cutting board – if you want to slice additional toppings or bagels
Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer in Steps
Step 1: Prep Your Bagels
Start by slicing your plain bagel in half horizontally. If you like extra crispy edges, you can lightly toast the cut sides in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F before adding toppings.
Step 2: Spread the Sauce
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each bagel half. Spread it evenly with the back of the spoon so every bite gets that delicious tomato flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. The cheese layer is what makes this snack so irresistible, so don’t be shy!
Step 4: Top with Mini Pepperoni
Scatter your mini pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Using plant-based or turkey pepperoni keeps this snack flavorful and suitable for a variety of dietary choices.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the prepared bagel halves in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bagels are crisped to your liking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the hot pizza bagels with a spatula or tongs. Let them cool just a minute or two, then dig in! They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Fit It to Your Goals
- Lower calorie: Use a whole wheat or thin bagel and reduce cheese slightly for a lighter bite.
- Boost veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives before cooking to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- Dairy-free: Swap mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well.
- Protein-packed: Add cooked chicken pieces or plant-based sausage crumbles for a heartier snack.
Cook’s Notes
- Bagel choice matters: Plain bagels work best here, but you can experiment with everything or sesame bagels for extra flavor.
- Air fryer models vary: Keep an eye on your pizza bagels the first time you try this recipe and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure bagel halves are in a single layer with space between for even cooking.
- Extra crispiness: For crunchier edges, give the bagels a quick pre-toast before adding toppings.
- Use fresh sauce: If your pizza sauce is watery, drain or simmer it a bit before spreading to avoid soggy bagels.
Storage Pro Tips
If you have leftovers (which might be rare because these disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to refresh the crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bagels chewy or soggy.
Questions People Ask
Can I use frozen bagels for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them slightly or toast them a bit longer in the air fryer before adding toppings to ensure they crisp up nicely.
What’s a good alternative to pepperoni?
If you’re avoiding pork or want a plant-based option, turkey pepperoni slices or vegan pepperoni work wonderfully and keep the pizza vibe intact.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the bagels with sauce, cheese, and toppings and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Cook just before serving for best results.
Is it possible to make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake pizza bagels in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until cheese melts and edges crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Quick Vegan Pizza – For a similar flavor experience with plant-based toppings.
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls – Another fun and crispy snack made in the air fryer.
- Homemade Pizza Crust – Want to take your pizza skills to the next level? Try making your own dough from scratch.
- Best Easy Pizza Sauce – Make your own sauce for extra freshness and flavor.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you’ve got all the tips, gear, and steps, it’s time to get cooking. These pizza bagels are the perfect quick fix when hunger strikes and you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying in a flash. The air fryer makes everything easier, faster, and less messy, so you can spend more time enjoying your snack and less time cleaning up.
Whether you stick to the classic toppings or get creative with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is designed to be flexible, fun, and absolutely delicious. Grab your bagel, sauce, cheese, and toppings, preheat that air fryer, and let’s make some magic happen!
Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by slicing your plain bagel in half horizontally. If you like extra crispy edges, you can lightly toast the cut sides in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F before adding toppings.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each bagel half. Spread it evenly with the back of the spoon so every bite gets that delicious tomato flavor.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. The cheese layer is what makes this snack so irresistible, so don’t be shy!
- Scatter your mini pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Using plant-based or turkey pepperoni keeps this snack flavorful and suitable for a variety of dietary choices.
- Place the prepared bagel halves in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bagels are crisped to your liking.
- Carefully remove the hot pizza bagels with a spatula or tongs. Let them cool just a minute or two, then dig in! They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or thin bagels and reduce cheese for a lower calorie option.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives before cooking to boost nutrition.
- Swap mozzarella for plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat in air fryer to keep crispiness.
- Pre-toast bagels for extra crispy edges before adding toppings.
