Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are a quick and delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the hassle of ordering takeout. Whether you’re in the mood for a late-night snack or looking for a fun and easy meal for the kids, this recipe has got you covered. With crispy bagels, gooey cheese, and your choice of toppings, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with frozen pizza bagels!
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make perfect Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas from scratch in under 10 minutes. Plus, we’ll give you tips on customizing your pizzas and even storing or freezing leftovers for later. Let’s dive in!
Why Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas Are a Game-Changer
Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas combine the best of both worlds: the crispy texture of an oven-baked pizza and the convenience of an air fryer. With the air fryer, you can quickly achieve a golden, crispy crust without worrying about soggy edges or uneven cooking. Whether you’re using mini bagels or larger ones, this recipe is versatile and customizable to suit every preference. Plus, it’s much faster than making a traditional pizza, making it perfect for those who are short on time but still want a delicious, homemade meal.
The Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
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Speed: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, making them perfect for quick snacks or meals.
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Crispiness: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil.
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Convenience: With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, air fryers are great for busy individuals or families.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious bagel pizzas. You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.
Bagels
Start with standard bagels or mini bagels. The flavor of the bagel plays a key role in your pizza, so go for plain, whole wheat, or any flavored variety like garlic, cheese, or everything bagels. If you prefer gluten-free options, those work just as well.
Olive Oil + Seasonings
Olive oil helps to crisp up the bagel halves and adds flavor. A sprinkle of garlic powder and oregano will take your bagel pizzas to the next level. For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do wonders.
Pizza Sauce
Choose your favorite pizza sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. No pizza sauce? Marinara or spaghetti sauce works just fine.
Cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese is the classic choice, but feel free to mix it up with an Italian cheese blend, provolone, or even fresh mozzarella. A little freshly grated Parmesan can add a nice finishing touch.
Toppings
This is where you can get creative! Top your Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas with pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, veggies like peppers and onions, or even spinach and olives for a healthier twist.
Ingredient Swaps
If you don’t have bagels on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute English muffins, thick slices of Italian bread, or even hamburger buns. The key is to use something that can hold up to the pizza toppings while crisping up nicely in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
Making Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas is as simple as it gets. The process is quick, easy, and foolproof. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best bagel pizzas possible.
1. Season the Bagels
In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, and oregano. Brush the cut sides of each bagel half with this seasoned olive oil mixture. This step ensures that your bagels will have a flavorful, crispy crust.
2. Toast the Bagels
Place the seasoned bagels into the air fryer basket or tray and air fry at 370°F (180°C) for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. This step is important as it prevents the bagels from becoming soggy once the toppings are added.
Tip: Toasting the bagels before adding toppings helps to keep the crust crispy and prevents sogginess.
Adding the Perfect Toppings to Your Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
Now that your bagels are toasted and ready to go, it’s time to add your toppings! This is the fun part where you can get creative and personalize each pizza to suit your taste.
3. Add the Pizza Sauce
Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce on each toasted bagel half. Be sure not to overload with sauce, as too much can make the bagel soggy. A small amount is enough to create a great base for your cheese and toppings.
4. Layer with Cheese
Top each bagel with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also mix in other cheeses, such as provolone or Italian cheese blends, for an extra burst of flavor. If you love cheese, don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for that finishing touch.
5. Customize Your Toppings
This is where you can let your creativity shine. Add any of your favorite pizza toppings. Here are some popular options:
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Meat Toppings: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon bits, or even shredded chicken for a more filling meal.
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Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or olives make a delicious and healthy addition.
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Extras: Try adding pineapple for a sweet twist or drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top for a gourmet touch.
6. Return the Bagel Pizzas to the Air Fryer
Once you’ve added all your toppings, place the assembled bagel pizzas back into the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes at 370°F (180°C) or until the cheese is melted and golden. If you like your cheese lightly melted, you can reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes.
Tip: Keep an eye on the pizzas as they cook to avoid burning the cheese or toppings.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Bagel Pizzas
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely), you can easily store and reheat them for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
Storing in the Refrigerator
Let the bagel pizzas cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 370°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes, or until they’re warmed through.
Freezing Bagel Pizzas
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Follow these steps to freeze your Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas:
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Let the pizzas cool to room temperature.
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Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours to prevent sticking.
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Once frozen, transfer the mini pizzas to a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the frozen bagel pizzas in the air fryer at 370°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Conclusion on Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are an easy, fun, and customizable meal or snack that everyone will enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pizza in less than 10 minutes. Whether you prefer classic pizza flavors or want to try something unique, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid store-bought frozen pizza bites while still enjoying a quick and delicious snack.
Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas Recipe Card
Ingredients
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2 standard bagels (or 4 mini bagels)
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1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon oregano
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3 tablespoons pizza sauce
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Favorite toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, veggies, olives, etc.)
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (180°C).
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Brush the cut sides of the bagel halves with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
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Place the bagel halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for 3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
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Remove the bagels from the air fryer and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each half.
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Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and add Parmesan cheese and any other desired toppings.
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Return the bagel pizzas to the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 370°F (180°C) until the cheese is melted and golden.
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Let the bagel pizzas cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Notes
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You can customize your bagel pizzas with any toppings you like (e.g., pepperoni, vegetables, or even pineapple).
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Use gluten-free bagels for a gluten-free version.
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For a vegan option, swap out the cheese for plant-based alternatives.
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If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or spaghetti sauce works as well.
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The recipe is easily scalable. You can make as many or as few bagel pizzas as needed, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
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Calories: 199 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 29g
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Protein: 9g
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Fat: 5g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Cholesterol: 11mg
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Sodium: 427mg
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Potassium: 105mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Vitamin A: 145 IU
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Vitamin C: 1mg
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Calcium: 84mg
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Iron: 1mg
Recipe Information
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Prep time: 2 minutes
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Cook time: 7 minutes
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Total time: 9 minutes
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Method: Air frying
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Cuisine: American, Italian
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Servings: 4
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Calories: 199 kcal
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Yield: 4 bagel pizzas
