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Pizza bagels in the air fryer are my trusty answer for fast lunches or hearty snack cravings They capture all the gooey cheesy goodness of classic pizza but with the speed and crispy perfection only an air fryer can offer These are a huge hit with kids and grownups alike and make for a fun hands-on meal the whole family can help assemble
I first whipped this up on a rainy Saturday when everyone wanted different pizza toppings Now pizza bagels are our go to for Friday night movies picnic dinners and even unexpected guests
Ingredients
- Bagels: Choose plain or your favorite variety A good bagel gives the best chewy crisp crust Look for fresh or day old bagels for extra crunch
- Pizza sauce: This is the flavor anchor Use a homemade sauce if you have time or pick one with simple real ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey melt and classic pizza pull Freshly shredded melts more evenly and feels so buttery
- Pepperoni or other protein or veggie toppings: Turkey pepperoni vegetarian slices or your favorite mix ins all work Opt for a good quality pepperoni with a little spice
- Optional toppings: Think olives bell peppers mushrooms onions or even pineapple All are fair game Add color and flavor with what you have on hand
Instructions
- Prep the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 350 F Let it preheat for about 2 to 3 minutes so everything cooks evenly
- Toast the Bagels:
- Lay out the bagel halves Cut side up If you prefer added crunch toast the bagels in the air fryer for about 2 to 3 minutes This makes a sturdier base for all those toppings
- Add the Sauce:
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each bagel half Use the back of a spoon to spread sauce edge to edge leaving just a little border for crispy rims
- Sprinkle the Cheese:
- Cover the sauce generously with shredded mozzarella Try to sprinkle all the way to the edges so each bite is cheesy
- Pile on Toppings:
- Arrange 4 slices of pepperoni or your chosen ingredients on each bagel half Add olives peppers mushrooms or anything you like Press gently so toppings stay put
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Place the topped bagel halves in a single layer in your air fryer basket Avoid crowding or overlapping You may need to cook in batches depending on basket size Air fry at 350 F for 4 to 6 minutes Cheese should be fully melted and bubbling with golden brown edges
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove pizza bagels with tongs Let them cool for at least 1 minute before slicing or serving especially for little hands The cheese will be very hot
Mozzarella is my favorite part Each time I pull a perfectly stringy slice my kids start giggling and I remember pizza night memories from my own childhood There is just something magic about melty cheese
Storage Tips
Store any leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat pop them back in the air fryer at 350 F for two to three minutes They crisp up just as good as fresh Avoid the microwave to keep bases from turning soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with what you have Any cheese that melts well will work such as cheddar provolone or Monterey Jack If you only have English muffins they also work well as a base Try pesto or barbecue sauce in place of pizza sauce for a fun twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizza bagels with a big salad for lunch or pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting dinner I have also cut them into quarters for party appetizers or after school snacks Hand held and easy to share
Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations
Pizza bagels took off as a lunchbox and after school hit in the seventies but the appeal is timeless For summer try fresh tomatoes and basil For winter add roasted vegetables or spicy sausage as a warming touch
Seasonal Adaptations
Top with garden tomatoes and fresh basil in summer Try hearty mushrooms and caramelized onions in fall Add leftover roasted veggies during winter holidays
Success Stories
My niece loves making her own topping combos and now this is the special sleepover snack for every family get together Friends have asked for the recipe to make with their kids because everyone can craft their own pizza just how they like it
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can assemble bagel halves with sauce cheese and toppings then freeze them in a single layer Once frozen transfer to a freezer bag They cook straight from frozen in the air fryer for five to seven minutes making them a lifesaver for busy days
Pizza bagels are deliciously satisfying and endlessly customizable Try them next pizza night for a speedy treat everyone will love
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use any type of bagel?
Absolutely, any flavor or variety of bagel works well—plain, whole wheat, or even flavored.
- → How do I prevent soggy bagels?
Optional pre-toasting in the air fryer gives you a crispier base and helps avoid sogginess.
- → Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the pepperoni for vegetarian slices or extra veggies as toppings.
- → What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or a blend.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp the bagels and melt the cheese again.