Busy day? These Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are a quick and satisfying meal you can throw together in minutes!
Perfectly crisp on the outside, chewy in the center, and loaded with melty cheese, tangy sauce, and your favorite toppings—this is one of those Air Fryer Recipes you'll come back to again and again.
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Table of Contents
- Tips for Making Pizza Bagels
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Air Frying Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Recipe FAQ's
- How to Store, Freeze and Reheat
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 🗒️Shopping List
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Tips for Making Pizza Bagels
Use sturdy bagels – Full-sized, slightly dense bagels hold toppings better and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Toast before topping (optional) – While my recipe doesn't call for it, you can air fry the bagels for 2–3 minutes before adding sauce and toppings if you want an extra-crispy base.
Topping & Assembly Tips
Don’t overload with sauce – Use just enough to cover the surface. Too much can make the bagels soggy.
Go easy on toppings – Less is more. Too many toppings can slide off or prevent even cooking.
Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly shredded melts better and tastes richer.
Air Frying Baking Tips
Cook in batches – Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give each bagel enough space for hot air to circulate.
Watch the cook time – Air fryers vary. Start checking at 4–5 minutes to avoid over-browning the cheese.
Customize for everyone – Let each person build their own with favorite toppings—it’s fun and great for picky eaters.
Looking for more Family Dinner Recipes? Try my Pizza Burger, Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza, and even my Pepperoni Crescent Rolls. Yum!
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the Sauce: Use pesto, garlic butter, or even Alfredo sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce for a fun twist.
Different Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend work great too.
No Mushrooms? Try chopped bell peppers, onions, olives, or spinach for veggie toppings.
Add Protein: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, bacon bits, or even leftover grilled chicken are great additions.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot honey after air frying.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Place open faced sliced bagel in the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Spoon on the marinara sauce.
Step 3: Then top with mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Add your favorite pizza toppings.
Air Frying Instructions
Step 5: Air fry at 350° for 5-7 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO press the toppings gently into the cheese to help them stay in place while air frying.
❌ DO NOT overload with sauce or toppings—they can slide off or make the bagels soggy.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, mini bagels work great—just reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re smaller. They make perfect bite-sized snacks or kid-friendly portions!
Gently press the toppings into the cheese before cooking—this helps anchor everything in place so they don’t blow around from the air fryer’s fan.
How to Store, Freeze and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Let the bagels cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight (if frozen), then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my other recipe for Air Fryer English Muffin Pizza. Or you might like this recipe for Air Fryer Pizza Buns.
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🗒️Shopping List
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📖 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Video
Ingredients
- 2 bagels
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- mushrooms (for topping)
- cherry tomatoes (for topping)
- fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Equipment
Method
- Slice the bagels in half to get 4 open-faced pieces.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on each bagel half. Top with shredded mozzarella, then add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or any toppings you like.
- Place the assembled bagels in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for about 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove carefully, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy warm!
Nutrition
Notes
- Use full-sized bagels for a more filling, meal-sized option.
- Don’t overload with sauce or toppings—they can make the bagels soggy or slide off.
- Gently press toppings into the cheese to help them stay in place while cooking.
- For best results, cook in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Check after a few minutes—cheese melts fast and can brown quickly.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Air Frying Food Safety Tips
- Ensure foods reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked food.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw ingredients, especially meat.
- Do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods.
- Monitor your air fryer while in use to prevent accidents.
- If the recipe calls for it, use oils with a high smoking point to avoid the release of harmful compounds.
- Keep your cooking area well-ventilated for optimal air circulation.
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