If you are craving a quick, tasty snack that hits all the right pizza notes but with less fuss and more fun, Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe is here to make your day. This delightful, personal-sized pizza alternative is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with melty cheese and your favorite toppings. Best of all, using the air fryer means you get that perfect crunch without heating up your whole kitchen or waiting ages. Whether it’s an after-school treat or a cozy movie night snack, these pizza bagels are about to become your new go-to comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four halves of a bagel placed on a white cutting board on a white marbled surface. Each bagel half has one layer of red sauce spread on top. The two halves at the top have a thin, uneven spread of sauce with visible texture of the bagel beneath. The two halves at the bottom have a thicker and more even layer of sauce, with small dark green herb pieces sprinkled on it. The color contrast between the light beige bagel and the bright red sauce is clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and all play a crucial role in creating those classic pizza bagels that are crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Each item works in harmony: from the bagels providing a sturdy yet tender base, to the sauce giving tangy richness, and finally, the toppings and cheese bringing the meal to life.

2 bagels: Plain bagels work best as a neutral base, but everything bagels add extra flavor if you want to mix it up.
4 tablespoons pizza sauce: This gives the iconic tangy, savory foundation that makes it unmistakably pizza.
16 pepperoni slices: Classic pepperoni adds a spicy, meaty kick and looks great crispy on top.
3-4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
Other toppings of your choice: Get creative with olives, diced red onion, mushrooms, or whatever you love on your pizza.

How to Make Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bagel Base

Start by slicing your bagels in half horizontally, turning each into two perfect little bases for your pizza toppings. This upfront step ensures even cooking and gives you that satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft inside.

Step 2: Spread the Pizza Sauce

Generously smear approximately one tablespoon of pizza sauce onto the cut side of each bagel half. This saucy layer soaks into the bagel slightly, delivering that classic tomato flavor throughout each bite—critical for the Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe’s signature taste.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings

Layer your shredded mozzarella over the sauce, covering it evenly. Then pile on your toppings—place pepperoni either under the cheese for a softer bite or on top if you love it crispy. Feel free to mix in olives, sliced mushrooms, or diced onions to customize your snack.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer to about 380 degrees Fahrenheit is essential for achieving that perfect crunch. It helps cook the toppings and melts the cheese evenly without drying out the bagel.

Step 5: Air Fry Your Pizza Bagels

Arrange the prepared bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket—make sure they don’t overlap for even cooking. Cook them for 4-7 minutes, keeping an eye on the cheese until it’s melty and just starting to brown. Timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and topping quantity.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

When ready, carefully remove the hot pizza bagels, let them sit for a minute to firm up a bit, and then dig in! The smell alone will have you hooked instantly.

How to Serve Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe

Inside a black air fryer basket with a white marbled background, there are four small bagel pizzas arranged in a square. Each bagel has one layer of red tomato sauce topped with a thick layer of shredded white cheese. The bagel in the top left corner has an extra thin layer of sliced mushrooms on top of the cheese. The bagel in the top right corner has four round red pepperoni slices and several small black olive slices on top. The bottom left bagel has three large red pepperoni slices evenly spread, while the bottom right bagel shows just cheese with no extra toppings. The bagels have a light brown toasted edge and a visible hole in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can elevate your pizza bagels from simple to spectacular. These little touches enhance flavor and add visual appeal, making your snack look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve your pizza bagels alongside a crisp side salad, crunchy veggie sticks with ranch dip, or even a bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping. These sides complement the flavors without overpowering, turning your snack into a well-rounded mini meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or party, cut each pizza bagel into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with colorful bowls of extra toppings and dips. Kids will love assembling their own mini creations, and the presentation is perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though don’t blame you if you don’t!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days and retain much of their original crispness if reheated properly.

Freezing

Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe freezes beautifully before cooking. Prepare the bagel halves with sauce, cheese, and toppings, then freeze them on a tray until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is right back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-4 minutes, which restores crisp edges and gooey cheese better than a microwave ever could.

FAQs

Can I use bagels other than plain?

Absolutely! While plain bagels provide a neutral base, using everything bagels or sesame bagels adds an extra layer of flavor, making your pizza bagels even more exciting.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these pizza bagels in a conventional oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. The air fryer just speeds up the process and crisps the bagels beautifully.

Can I use other cheeses?

Of course! Mozzarella is classic, but try provolone, cheddar, or a blend for different textures and flavors. Just be mindful of melting properties.

How do I make the pepperoni crispy?

Place the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese rather than underneath. This exposes them to direct heat so they crisp up nicely during air frying.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for kids because it’s fun to make, easy to customize, and delivers a cheesy, delicious snack that picky eaters often love.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want something quick, satisfying, and totally customizable. Once you try this recipe, the delightful blend of crispy bagel, savory sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings will keep you coming back for more. So what are you waiting for? Fire up your air fryer and make this comforting, delicious treat today—you won’t regret it!

Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer [Homemade] Recipe

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Author: Chef
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4-7 minutes
Total Time: 9-12 minutes
Yield: 4 pizza bagel halves (serves 2-4)
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade pizza bagels are a quick and delicious snack or meal, prepared easily in an air fryer. Crisp bagel halves topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite toppings make for a satisfying treat that cooks in just minutes.

Ingredients

Bagels

2 bagels (plain or everything bagels recommended)

Toppings

4 tablespoons pizza sauce
16 pepperoni slices
3–4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Other toppings of your choice (e.g., olives, diced red onion, sliced mushrooms)

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Instructions

Prepare the bagels: Cut each bagel in half horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
Apply sauce: Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half, adjusting to taste.
Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese for a crispy finish or underneath the cheese to keep them soft. Add any additional toppings you like, such as olives, diced red onion, or sliced mushrooms.
Preheat air fryer: Heat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure even cooking.
Cook the pizza bagels: Place the prepared bagel halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overlapping. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and chosen toppings.
Serve: Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer, let them cool for a minute, then enjoy your crispy, cheesy snack!

Notes

Best bagel choice is plain, but everything bagels also work well.
Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model and amount/type of toppings.
For a crispier pepperoni top, place pepperoni above the cheese; for softer pepperoni, place it underneath.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize your pizza bagel.