Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

I love whip­ping up these mini pizza bagels in the air fryer—they’re crispy, cheesy, and come together in under 10 minutes. They’re perfect when I want a quick snack or a casual lunch that hits all the right pizza vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how easy and customizable this recipe is. I can use any bagels I have on hand, add favorite toppings, and let the air fryer do the work. I get that crispy edges and melty center every time—with zero waiting around.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• bagels (plain, everything, or whole wheat)

• pizza sauce or marinara

• shredded mozzarella cheese

• pepperoni slices

• Italian seasoning or dried oregano

• optional extras: sliced olives, chopped bell peppers, cooked sausage, fresh basil

Directions

1. Preheat my air fryer to 370 °F (190 °C) for about 3 minutes.

2. Slice bagels in half and lay them cut side up.

3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each half.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce.

5. Top with pepperoni and any extras I like.

6. Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or oregano over each bagel.

7. Place bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cut-side-up.

8. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and edges are crisp.

9. Remove carefully and let cool for a minute before enjoying.

Servings and timing

• Makes 4–6 pizza bagel halves, depending on bagel size.

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 5–7 minutes

Variations

• Veggie supreme: Add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, olives, or onions before cooking.

• Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey on top after baking.

• Cheese lovers: Mix mozzarella with a bit of cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.

• BBQ twist: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and top with cooked chicken and red onion.

• Mini calzones: Press another bagel half on top and air‑fry a couple extra minutes to seal.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes—it brings back that crispiness and gooey cheese like new.

FAQs

How can I get the bagels extra crispy?

I make sure not to overload the toppings and go for a slightly longer cook time in the air fryer—about 6 to 7 minutes at 370 °F gives me the best crunch.

Can I use frozen bagels?

Yes, I thaw them first so toppings stay on. If I forget, I add another minute or two to the cook time to warm through.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—I air‑fry them just until the cheese melts, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. When I’m ready, I air‑fry frozen bagels at 360 °F for about 6–8 minutes.

What can I use instead of pepperoni?

I often swap with cooked sausage, salami, ham, or bacon bits—whatever I have on hand works great.

Is there a dairy‑free option?

Yes, I use dairy‑free shredded cheese and check that the bagels and sauce don’t contain dairy.

Conclusion

These homemade air fryer pizza bagels are my go‑to for fast, tasty bites. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and deliver big flavour in a small package. I hope they become a favourite in my snacks rotation—and yours, too!