Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Name: Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 standard bagels (or 4 mini bagels); 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon oregano; 3 tablespoons pizza sauce; ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Published: July 24, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Ready in just 10 minutes, these bagel pizzas are perfect for last-minute meals.
Customizable Toppings: Choose your favorite ingredients to make each pizza uniquely yours.
Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer gives the bagels a crispy texture that enhances flavor.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out and picking their own toppings for these fun pizzas.
Healthier Option: Using bagels instead of traditional pizza dough makes this a lighter choice.

Tools and Preparation

To make your air fryer bagel pizzas, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline the cooking process and enhance your pizza-making experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Basting brush
Mixing bowl (optional)
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: Cooks quickly while producing a crispy texture, perfect for bagel pizzas.
Basting brush: Ensures even coverage of olive oil on the bagels for optimal flavor.
Knife: Useful for slicing bagels in half smoothly.

Ingredients

With a crispy seasoned crust, melty cheese, and toppings of choice, these air fryer bagel pizzas are ready in less than 10 minutes and are WAY better than anything store-bought.

For the Base

2 standard bagels (or 4 mini bagels)

For Seasoning

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon oregano

For Topping

3 tablespoons pizza sauce
½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 370℉ (180℃) if required. This step ensures that your bagel pizzas cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bagels

Brush the cut sides of the bagel halves with olive oil using your basting brush.
Sprinkle garlic powder and oregano evenly over each half.
Place the seasoned bagel halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
Air fry for about 3 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Carefully remove the bagel halves from the air fryer.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each half.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across all halves.
If desired, add parmesan cheese along with any additional toppings you prefer.

Step 4: Final Cooking

Return the prepared bagel pizzas to the air fryer basket or tray.
Air fry at 370℉ (180℃) for about 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Note: For just melted cheese without browning, cook for only 3 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the bagel pizzas from the air fryer and allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Air fryer bagel pizzas are a fun and delicious meal that everyone will love. They are perfect for quick lunches, snacks, or even dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your bagel pizza experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: Toss fresh greens like spinach and arugula with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese create a classic pairing.

Add Dipping Sauces

Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter adds a rich flavor that complements the cheesy bagel pizzas.
Ranch Dressing: A cool ranch dip provides a creamy contrast that many enjoy.

Serve with Sliced Veggies

Cucumber Slices: Fresh cucumber slices add crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the pizzas.
Carrot Sticks: Crunchy carrot sticks are a healthy option that pairs well with the savory flavors of bagel pizzas.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

To achieve the best air fryer bagel pizzas, consider these helpful tips. Each one can enhance your cooking process and final dish.

Use Fresh Bagels: Fresh bagels provide the best texture and flavor for your pizza base. Stale bagels may not crisp up properly.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy crust you desire.
Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings can make your bagel pizzas soggy. Stick to just enough for great flavor without overwhelming the base.
Experiment with Cheese: Try using different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Crispiness: If you prefer a soft cheese topping, reduce the cooking time by one minute to avoid over-browning.
Make Mini Versions for Snacks: Using mini bagels allows for bite-sized snacks that are perfect for sharing.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Air fryer bagel pizzas can be complemented perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty options you might consider serving alongside them.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a warm and comforting side.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing addition.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a hearty side dish that pairs well with pizza flavors.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet and refreshing contrast to savory bagel pizzas.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides acidity and crunch, making it an excellent pairing.
Zucchini Fries: Baked or air-fried zucchini fries deliver a delicious veggie option that’s fun to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using stale bagels: Fresh bagels yield the best results. Ensure your bagels are fresh to achieve a crispy texture.
Overloading with toppings: Too many toppings can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to a moderate amount of cheese and toppings for optimal results.
Skipping the preheating step: Not preheating the air fryer can result in longer cooking times and uneven heating. Always preheat your air fryer if your model requires it.
Neglecting the oil: Omitting olive oil can cause your bagel pizzas to stick and lose crispiness. A light brush of oil enhances both flavor and texture.
Ignoring cook times: Cooking for too long can burn the cheese or bagels. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cook time for perfect melty goodness.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

To freeze, wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, but this may make them less crispy.
Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 3-5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of bagels work best for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas?

You can use any type of bagel, but plain, everything, or sesame bagels pair well with pizza toppings.

Can I customize my Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or different cheeses.

How do I know when my Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are done?

Look for melted cheese that is bubbly and golden brown. If you prefer them less browned, check after 3 minutes.

Are Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas healthy?

They can be a healthier option compared to traditional pizzas since you control the ingredients and portions.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are not just quick; they also offer endless customization options. You can easily personalize them with your favorite toppings and sauces. These delightful mini pizzas are perfect for a snack or a quick lunch. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delicious homemade pizzas in no time!

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