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; Optional: 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are the perfect quick meal for any occasion. With a crispy seasoned crust, melty cheese, and your choice of toppings, these delightful pizzas can be ready in under 10 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a fun snack for the kids, or a tasty treat for game day, this recipe stands out with its ease of preparation and delicious flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip up these bagel pizzas in just 9 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable Toppings: Use your favorite toppings to create unique flavors every time.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these bagel pizzas an irresistible crunchy crust that you can’t resist.
Perfect for Any Meal: Serve them for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping to make their own personalized pizzas!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas simple and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Cooking brush
Mixing bowl (optional)
Serving plate

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: This is essential for achieving that crispy texture without deep frying. It cooks quickly and evenly.
Cooking brush: Perfect for evenly applying olive oil and seasoning on the bagels.
Mixing bowl: Useful if you decide to mix toppings or sauces ahead of time to save even more time.

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 Bagels

2 standard bagels (or 4 mini bagels)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon oregano

For the Toppings

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

How to Make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

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

Step 2: Prepare the Bagels

Brush each bagel half with olive oil using the cooking brush.
Sprinkle garlic powder and oregano evenly over the cut sides of the bagels.
Place the bagel halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.

Step 3: First Air Frying

Air-fry the bagel halves for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Carefully remove the bagel halves from the air fryer.
Spread each half with a thin layer of pizza sauce.
Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each half. If desired, add Parmesan cheese along with any other toppings.

Step 5: Final Air Frying

Return the topped bagel pizzas to the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry them at 370℉ (180℃) for another 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. If you prefer just melted cheese without browning it, cook for only 3 minutes.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once done, carefully remove the bagel pizzas from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for about 1-2 minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Air fryer bagel pizzas are a delightful and quick snack or meal option. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various sides and toppings for an even more satisfying experience.

Classic Pairings

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the cheesy bagels.
Garlic Bread: For bread lovers, garlic bread is a perfect side that enhances the Italian flavors.
Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks provide a healthy contrast to the rich bagel pizzas.

Creative Toppings

Sliced Avocado: Adding avocado gives a creamy texture and boosts healthy fats to your meal.
Pepperoni or Turkey Slices: For meat lovers, turkey slices or turkey pepperoni offer a flavorful addition without the pork.
Pineapple Chunks: Sweet pineapple can add an exciting twist if you’re feeling adventurous.

Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: This classic dipping sauce pairs well with everything and adds creaminess.
Spicy Marinara Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, spicy marinara elevates the pizza experience.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

To make the best air fryer bagel pizzas, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your pizzas turn out delicious every time.

Choose Fresh Bagels: Fresh bagels have a better texture and flavor, making your pizzas taste more authentic.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: If your model requires preheating, doing so helps achieve an even cooking temperature.
Don’t Overload with Toppings: Keep toppings balanced; too many can prevent proper cooking and melting of cheese.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors alongside mozzarella.
Adjust Cooking Time for Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy crusts, increase cooking time slightly but monitor closely to avoid burning.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Pairing side dishes with air fryer bagel pizzas can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of pizza.
Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side adds color and is easy to prepare while your pizzas cook.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries and bring sweetness.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that cuts through the cheese’s richness.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned well can be a hearty companion to your pizza feast.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds natural sweetness and brightens up the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas is simple, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bagel pizzas turn out perfectly.

Overloading toppings: Adding too many toppings can lead to soggy bagels. Stick to a few favorites for the best results.
Skipping preheating: Not preheating your air fryer can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat for even cooking.
Ignoring size differences: Using different sizes of bagels may require adjusting cooking times. Keep an eye on smaller bagels as they cook faster.
Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can result in dry crusts. A light brush ensures a crispy finish.
Rushing cooling time: Cutting into the pizzas too soon can result in melted cheese spills. Allow 1-2 minutes to cool before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store uneaten Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid for even heating, about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas.

How do I customize my Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas?

You can customize these pizzas with various sauces, cheeses, and toppings like veggies or cooked chicken. Feel free to get creative!

Can I use whole wheat bagels for this recipe?

Yes! Whole wheat bagels work great and add a bit more fiber to your meal while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

Are Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas healthy?

They can be a healthier option compared to traditional pizzas, especially if you choose low-fat cheese and plenty of veggies as toppings.

How long do Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas take to cook?

The total cooking time is under 10 minutes—just a few minutes for the base and another few for the toppings!

What other sauces can I use besides pizza sauce?

You can try pesto, barbecue sauce, or even hummus for a unique twist on flavors that pair well with your chosen toppings!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are not just quick and easy; they’re also incredibly versatile! With endless customization options, you can create a personal favorite every time. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious homemade pizza right from your air fryer!