Introduction
If you love pizza but don’t want the hassle of making a full dough or waiting for delivery, homemade air fryer pizza bagels are your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a hot, cheesy, customizable pizza snack that’s perfect for all ages. This recipe transforms simple bagels into mini pizzas that are crispy on the outside, gooey in the center, and endlessly versatile.
My recipe story
Pizza bagels were one of my favorite after-school snacks growing up, but they were always the frozen kind that came in a box. While convenient, they never tasted quite as fresh or flavorful as I wanted. When I discovered the magic of the air fryer, I realized I could recreate those nostalgic pizza bagels with real ingredients and better flavor. Now, these air fryer pizza bagels are a staple in my kitchen—especially on busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests with a fun, interactive appetizer. Best of all, everyone can make their own flavor combination, which turns dinner into an activity the whole family enjoys.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable with endless toppings for both kids and adults.
- Air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy bagel base every time.
- Perfect for snacks, appetizers, lunch, or a fun dinner option.
- Budget-friendly and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredient breakdown
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while still delivering on flavor. Bagels serve as the sturdy base, providing a chewy and slightly crisp texture when air fried. Any bagel works—plain, whole wheat, or even everything bagels for extra flavor.
The pizza sauce brings in that classic tangy tomato taste, balancing the richness of the melted mozzarella. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce depending on your preference. Mozzarella cheese is essential for that gooey, melty, stretchy texture we all love on pizza, but you can also mix in cheddar, provolone, or even parmesan for extra flavor depth. Pepperoni slices are a classic topping that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, adding a savory, slightly smoky bite. However, you’re not limited—this base recipe is just the start for endless variations.
The best part? You can use these ingredients as a blank canvas. Swap the toppings to suit dietary preferences, experiment with sauces, or add fresh vegetables for a healthier twist. These pizza bagels are as adaptable as your cravings.
Equipment you’ll need
- Air fryer
- Cutting board and knife
- Small spoon for spreading sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula for removing hot bagels
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps ensure that the bagels start crisping immediately, giving you that perfect crunchy base while preventing sogginess. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply run it empty for a few minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the bagels
Slice your bagels in half to create four open-faced rounds. Place them on a cutting board or baking sheet. If you prefer a lighter crunch, you can lightly toast them before adding toppings, but this step is optional since the air fryer does an excellent job of crisping the bread.
Step 3: Add the sauce
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each bagel half using the back of a spoon. Make sure to cover the surface evenly but leave a slight border around the edge to prevent sauce from dripping during cooking.
Step 4: Top with cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce. Use around 1 ounce of cheese per bagel half, but adjust based on your love for cheesy pizza. Ensure the cheese covers the sauce well to create that classic melted topping.
Step 5: Add the pepperoni
Place about four pepperoni slices on each bagel half, spacing them evenly. They will shrink slightly and crisp as they cook, giving you a delicious balance of flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Air fry
Arrange the bagel halves in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, checking around the 5-minute mark. The cheese should be fully melted, bubbling, and slightly golden brown, while the bagel edges turn crisp.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Remove the bagels carefully using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool slightly before serving, as the cheese will be very hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Variations & substitutions
These pizza bagels are endlessly adaptable. Swap mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Replace pepperoni with cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option. Try barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce for a smoky twist, or add pineapple for a Hawaiian-style bagel. Whole wheat or gluten-free bagels can be used to suit dietary needs, making this recipe truly customizable for everyone.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Don’t overload with toppings—too many can make the bagels soggy.
- Check your air fryer early, as cooking times vary by model.
- If using fresh vegetables, sauté them first to reduce excess moisture.
- For extra crispiness, toast the bagel halves briefly before adding toppings.
- Always let bagels cool for a minute before eating to avoid burns from hot cheese.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
Leftover pizza bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. To freeze, assemble the bagels without cooking, then freeze on a tray until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes. You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before cooking for a quick meal solution.
Serving ideas & pairings
Pizza bagels pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables, garlic breadsticks, or a bowl of tomato soup for comfort food vibes. As appetizers, arrange them on a platter with different toppings for variety. They’re also a hit at kids’ parties, game nights, or even casual gatherings where finger food is preferred. Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for the adults.
FAQ
Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What other bagels can I use?
Plain, whole wheat, everything, or even mini bagels all work great for this recipe.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or olives.
Do I need to pre-toast the bagels?
No, but pre-toasting can give you a crunchier base if you prefer.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, cheddar, provolone, gouda, or a blend of cheeses all work beautifully.
Final thoughts
Homemade air fryer pizza bagels are proof that simple ingredients can create an irresistible meal or snack. Crispy, cheesy, customizable, and ready in minutes, they’re a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding kids, entertaining guests, or just satisfying your own pizza craving, this quick dish delivers every time. Keep bagels, sauce, cheese, and toppings on hand, and you’ll always have a fun, delicious option at your fingertips.
Print
Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 pizza bagel halves
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick, cheesy, and customizable, these air fryer pizza bagels are the ultimate snack or meal in under 15 minutes. Perfect for kids or parties.
Ingredients
- 2 bagels, sliced in half
- 4 tbsp pizza sauce
- 3–4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 16 pepperoni slices
- Optional: fresh basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Slice the bagels in half and place them cut side up on a board or tray.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half.
- Top with shredded mozzarella, making sure to cover the sauce completely.
- Add 4 slices of pepperoni to each half, spacing them evenly.
- Arrange the bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove carefully, cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve warm with desired garnishes.
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly toast the bagels before adding toppings. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer. Freeze uncooked assembled bagels for up to 2 months and cook directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American