Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Every pizza lover’s dream is just minutes away! Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are not only a quick and easy recipe to make, but they’re also perfect for weekend movie marathons, game nights, or any occasion when you want a delicious snack that the whole family will enjoy.

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Why You Will Love Making this Air Fryer Bagel Pizza Recipe

• We all have those days when we’re juggling a million tasks, and thinking of what to whip up for a snack or quick lunch feels like just another chore. With Air Fryer Pizza Bagels’ simple ingredients and even simpler prep, you can have a mouth-watering, easy snack on your table faster than ever before! And if you’ve got a stash of frozen pizza bagels? Even better!
• If you’ve ever worried about what to serve when friends pop by unexpectedly or how to satisfy those diverse family tastebuds, worry no more. These pizza bagels are an instant hit with both adults and kids. Plus, with the option to customize toppings – think everything bagels, mini pepperonis, or even just classic cheese and tomato – there’s something for everyone.
• While “pizza” and “healthy” don’t always go hand in hand, using an air fryer certainly ups the health factor. Air frying gives that delicious golden brown finish without needing to drown your food in oil. So, you get the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza bagels without the guilt. 
• If you’re someone who loves having snacks and quick meals at the ready, then these pizza bagels are perfect for you. They store well in an airtight container, and with a freezer-safe bag, you can meal prep a bunch of pizza bagels and have them ready to pop into the air fryer whenever you like. Hello, easy snacks!

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below to make air fryer pizza bagels.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

A complete printable version of the full recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Begin by preheating the air fryer to 370°F/190°C.

Slice your bagels in half, spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each cut side, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, and add your toppings.

We kept it simple by adding a few vegetarian mini pepperoni slices to each bagel, but you can add any of your favorite pizza toppings, pizza seasoning, or Italian seasoning!

Tip: Cut the topping smaller than you would for regular pizza, as there is less surface area to cover.

Place your prepped bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. This will allow them to cook evenly.

Depending on your air fryer’s power, you’ll want to air fry them until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which is usually around 4-5 minutes. But keep an eye on them; we want crispy, not charred.

Garnish with some freshly chopped basil, and enjoy your air fryer bagel pizzas!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Different kinds of bagels: Not all bagels are created equal. For best results, go for bagel halves that are equal and aren’t too thick. This ensures even cooking and a nice ratio of bagel to topping and is the best way to enjoy them. Another great option is mini bagels. They make the perfect small bite to eat.  If you’re into gluten-free options, there are some amazing gluten-free bagels out there that work just as well!
• Topping ideas: This is your pizza bagel, so own it! Beyond mini pepperonis, think about other toppings like olives, bell peppers, red onion, or even pineapple for those who love a tropical twist. The key is to chop toppings finely, so they cook at the same rate as the cheese.
• A touch of freshness: After you’ve pulled those hot bagel pizzas out, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil. It’s these little finishing touches that can make a good pizza bagel truly great.
• Other cheeses: Feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack. For a vegan option, dairy-free cheese is perfect! Just make sure it’s a meltable cheese for the best results.
• What if I don’t have pizza sauce? No worries! You can try making our delicious Homemade Pizza Sauce, or use alternatives like marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a pesto base. Get creative!
• How can I make my pizza bagels a bit spicy? Add some crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce, or sprinkle on top of your mini pizzas. Alternatively, use spicy toppings like jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cook time: Air fryers can vary in how they cook, so it’s crucial to get to know yours. While we mentioned about 4 minutes of cooking time, always do a quick check a bit earlier. When that cheese is melted and slightly bubbly, and the edges of your bagel have a golden brown hue, you’re good to go!

How to Store Leftover Pizza Bagels

Allow the Air Fryer Bagels to cool completely. For short-term storage, pop your pizza bagels in an airtight container and place them into the fridge.

These little pizzas can be kept well for 3-4 days, waiting for you to reheat and enjoy them once again.

If you made a big batch or simply want to prep for future snack attacks, these pizza bagels are freezer champs!

Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Label it (because you don’t want mystery foods in your freezer) with the date and contents, and you’re set.

They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. The best part is when you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them directly into the air fryer for a quick reheat.

When you’re ready to reheat the pizza bagels, the air fryer is your best friend again.

From the fridge, it’s just a matter of a minute or two to bring back that crispy goodness. If they’re from the freezer, there’s no need to thaw them; just add an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Go bite sized

Got friends coming over and want to give them a bite-sized appetizer? Pizza bagel bites are perfect; these mini pizza bagel bites are so easy to make and pack all the flavor of their larger cousins.

Just like the full-sized, because you are making homemade bagel bites, you can customize them to your guest’s tastes, making them both perfect and fun!

What to Serve with Homemade Pizza Bagels

While they’re great to eat on their own as simple meal and they’re also the perfect snack, you can pair them with so many different dishes to keep those hunger pangs at bay.

Side Salad Perfection

A fresh and crispy side salad is the perfect companion for your air fryer pizza bagels. Try our Waldorf Salad, Caprese Salad, Avocado Salad, Grape Salad for a sweet touch, and if you’re really in a pizza mood, Pizza Salad is so tasty!

A salad side dish adds a refreshing touch to the meal, balancing out the rich flavors of the pizza bagels.

Soup’s On!

Especially during those cooler months, a warm bowl of soup paired with pizza bagels feels like a hug in a meal.

Carrot and Parsnip Soup, Sweet Potato Soup, Butternut Squash and Chickpea Soup, or even a classic veggie Minestrone Soup would all be wonderful choices.

The pizza bagel can even act as a fun and cheesy alternative to your usual bread roll.

Dips for Days

Who says you can’t dip a pizza bagel? Marinara sauce, garlic butter, garlic aioli, ketchup, or a creamy ranch are all delightful dips.

Whether you’re diving in for an extra tomatoey touch or looking for a creamy counterpart, dips can really elevate your pizza bagel experience.

For the Ultimate Pizza Night

If you’re going all out and making it a pizza-themed night for the whole family, consider serving your pizza bagels with other pizza-inspired treats.

Think cheesy garlic bread, Pizza Bagel Bites, Homemade Pizza Rolls, or even a dessert pizza with Nutella and strawberries.

More air fryer recipes for you to try

• Air Fryer Homemade Bagel Bites
• Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
• Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
• How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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