Who doesn’t love a warm, toasty pizza bagel? They’re the perfect blend of chewy, cheesy comfort and, let’s be honest, pure nostalgia. But what if I told you that you could make fantastic Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels, easily and quickly, right in your own kitchen? These little bites are so much better than the frozen kind, and they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, after-school snacks, or even game day appetizers. Let’s get started y’all!
Top Reasons To Make It
These Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are a game-changer for several reasons: they’re incredibly quick, customizable to everyone’s liking, and perfectly crispy every time thanks to the air fryer. No more soggy bottoms! Plus, making them homemade means you control the ingredients, which is perfect for those with dietary needs or who just like to know exactly what they’re eating. Honestly, they’re convenient, fun, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- Mini Bagels: The base of our pizza bagel goodness.
- Pizza Sauce: Provides that classic tangy tomato flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that perfect cheese pull.
- Pepperoni Slices: A pizza staple.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the bagels and adds a touch of flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall pizza flavor.
Measurements are included below in the recipe card. Feel free to adjust them accoring to your preference or number of servings.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bagels cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
- Slice the mini bagels in half. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil, it’ll help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Not too much, you don’t want soggy bagels!
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese, it’s the best part!
- Arrange a few pepperoni slices over the cheese. Or really anything you want!
- Carefully place the pizza bagels in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. This allows for even cooking.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bagels are golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Let them cool slightly before serving because they’ll be hot, hot, hot!
Air Fryer Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Give those pizza bagels some space to breathe and crisp up evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer! It’s a small step that makes a BIG difference in getting that perfect crunch.
- Keep an eye on those bagels. Air fryers can cook quickly, so stick around and check the doneness around the 5-minute mark.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, use a parchment round or sheet to make things simple and easy to lift all at once
- Have fun with toppings! Get creative, nothing is off-limits.
- Seriously, don’t forget the Italian seasoning at the end. It’s the chef’s kiss!
Variations & Substitutions
For a veggie twist: Swap the pepperoni for your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives. For a meat lover: Use ground beef alternative, cooked Smoked turkey, or even grilled chicken. For a cheesier delight: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta along with the mozzarella. Honestly, if you hate pepperoni, skip it altogether. It’s your pizza bagel, so let your creativity be the cook!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are incredible on their own, but you can elevate them even further! Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. A fresh green salad adds a nice refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza bagels. Forgame-day, set out a platter with various dipping sauces and let everyone customize their own. So good.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Please, use caution when reheating, the filling can get very hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make homemade pizza bagels with regular-sized bagels? Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Maybe add a couple of minutes. Can I freeze Homemade Pizza Bagels? Sure! Assemble them but don’t bake them. Place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 month. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen.
So, are you ready to try these amazing Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels? They’re quick, easy and absolutely delicious. Your family and friends will love them! Get ready to elevate your snack game with these little bites of Texas-inspired heaven. Let me know what toppings y’all make!
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Easy Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza bagel halves
Description
These Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are crispy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. Made in under 10 minutes with mini bagels, gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni—these are the ultimate snack, party food, or weeknight dinner hack!
Ingredients
▢ 6 mini bagels, sliced in half
▢ ½ cup pizza sauce
▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
▢ 24 pepperoni slices (or more to taste)
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice mini bagels in half and brush the cut sides with olive oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each bagel half.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
5. Top with 3–4 pepperoni slices per bagel half.
6. Place bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Air fry for 5–7 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
• Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, olives, or diced bell peppers for a veggie version.
• Use whole wheat bagels for extra fiber.
• These reheat great in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bagel halves
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: air fryer pizza bagels, easy pizza snacks, mini bagel pizzas, party appetizer