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Pizza bagels in the air fryer are my ultimate answer when that pizza craving hits but time is short. With just a few pantry staples and a favorite bagel, you get crispy cheesy snacks perfect for a fast lunch or weeknight treat. You can custom top every bagel for picky eaters or make a batch for friends in minutes.
My kids love designing their own pizza bagels so it has become a little competition in our house. Whenever I want a quick and comforting bite this is our go-to snack.
Ingredients
- Bagels: These form the base and choose plain or your favorite style for different flavor make sure they are fresh for best taste
- Pizza sauce: Adds that classic tangy tomato flavor jarred works well but homemade makes it extra special
- Mozzarella cheese: Shreds melt best and give that signature gooeyness use whole milk for rich results
- Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping crispier when placed on top of cheese pick a quality brand for best flavor
- Other toppings: Try olives fresh mushrooms diced onion or bell pepper anything you love on pizza
For the bagels look for ones that are still a bit soft as they crisp perfectly in the air fryer without turning rock solid.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Split the Bagels:
- Slice bagels in half horizontally creating a flat top and bottom piece. Use a serrated knife and keep thickness even so they cook uniformly.
- Sauce the Bagels:
- Spread a heaping spoonful of pizza sauce evenly over each half all the way to the edges which helps every bite stay juicy.
- Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over sauce. Arrange pepperoni and any extra toppings you like. If you want pepperoni crispy it should sit above the cheese. For a softer bite place it underneath the cheese.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Heat your air fryer to three hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes. Hot air ensures even bubbling cheese and crisp crust.
- Arrange and Cook:
- Place assembled bagels into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space between pieces for good airflow. Cook four to seven minutes watching closely around minute five. Cheese should bubble and brown lightly and crust should feel toasted.
- Cool and Serve:
- Lift the bagels out with tongs onto a plate. Let sit one minute as cheese will be piping hot and this helps the toppings set before serving.
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My all time favorite ingredient is the mozzarella cheese. When that cheese gets golden and stretchy there is always a fight for the cheesiest slice. One of my fondest memories is making these with my niece who would put rainbow peppers in the shape of a smiley face every time.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers let the pizza bagels cool fully then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bagels soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use mini bagels for poppable snacks. English muffins work too for a more classic mini pizza. Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone if you prefer a sharper flavor. For a vegetarian version just skip the pepperoni and pile on your favorite veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizza bagels as a school lunch quick dinner or party snack. Cut them into wedges for appetizers. Pair with marinara or a little ranch for dipping. Add apple slices or carrot sticks for an easy balanced meal.
Cultural History
Pizza bagels became a novel American snack in the nineteen seventies blending the best of Italian American and Jewish deli foods. The air fryer twist makes them extra easy and a little healthier without losing that classic pizzeria feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of bagels work best?
Plain bagels offer a balanced flavor, but everything or whole wheat bagels also add tasty variety and texture.
- → How do I keep the bagels crispy?
Don't overload with sauce or toppings, and keep them in a single uncrowded layer in the air fryer basket.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely, swap mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for varied flavor and melt.
- → What toppings go well with pizza bagels?
Try classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, onions, or even pineapple for a unique touch.
- → How do I know when they are done?
They’re ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Adjust based on air fryer model and preference.