Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe: Quick, Cheesy, and Perfectly Crisp

Pizza lovers, rejoice! These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are about to become your new favorite snack or quick meal. With a crispy bagel base, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, these mini pizzas are fun, customizable, and ready in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, an after-school snack, or an appetizer for a party, these pizza bagels are a hit for all ages.

The air fryer works its magic to crisp up the bagel and melt the cheese to perfection, giving you that irresistible pizza flavor in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a traditional pizza. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try for your next snack or meal:

1. Quick and Easy:
   Ready in just 10 minutes, these pizza bagels are perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
2. Customizable:
   Choose your favorite toppings—pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple—and make them your own.
3. Kid-Friendly:
   These bite-sized pizzas are fun to make and eat, making them a great choice for kids.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion:
   Serve them as a snack, quick lunch, or even as a party appetizer.
5. Crispy and Cheesy:
   The air fryer delivers a perfectly crisp bagel base and gooey melted cheese in every bite.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand:

1. Mini Bagels

• Use plain mini bagels for the base. You can also use full-sized bagels if you prefer.

2. Pizza Sauce

• Store-bought or homemade pizza sauce works perfectly. Marinara sauce is also a great option.

3. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone.

4. Pepperoni or Toppings of Choice

• Pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any of your favorite pizza toppings work well.

5. Italian Seasoning

• A sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds extra flavor to the pizza bagels.

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Optional Add-ins and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Top with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives for a veggie-packed version.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Hawaiian Style: Add diced ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory combo.
• BBQ Chicken: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with shredded chicken and red onions.

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How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Follow these simple steps to make crispy, cheesy pizza bagels in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Bagels

• Slice the mini bagels in half and lay them cut-side up.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

• Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each bagel half, covering the surface evenly.

Step 3: Add Toppings

• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, then add your favorite toppings. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pizza Bagels

• Place the pizza bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels are golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

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Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
• Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup for a comforting combination.
• Party Spread: Include them on a snack platter with wings, mozzarella sticks, and fries for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.

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Tips for Perfect Pizza Bagels

1. Don’t Overload with Toppings: Keep the toppings light to prevent the bagels from becoming soggy.
2. Use Mini Bagels for Bite-Sized Snacks: Mini bagels are perfect for quick cooking and portion control. Full-sized bagels work better for a meal-sized pizza.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures the bagels cook evenly and become crispy.
4. Serve Immediately: Pizza bagels are best enjoyed fresh and warm while the cheese is still gooey.
5. Freeze for Later: Assemble the pizza bagels and freeze them unbaked. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.