Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Air fryer pizza bagels are my go to when I want something melty fast and family friendly They are endlessly customizable and turn out piping hot with crisp edges in just minutes

My niece asks for these every Friday after school because she loves picking out her toppings I love making a batch with extra cheese just for us to share

Ingredients

• Bagels: full size plain or mini always fresh for great texture and flavor sturdy enough to hold lots of toppings
• Pizza sauce: homemade brings more flavor but store bought is fast and reliable look for one with real tomato and herbs
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded is best for gooey meltiness always grab whole milk cheese for best stretch
• Bell peppers: diced colorful peppers add crunch and a sweet pop choose firm and shiny ones
• Black olives: sliced for a briny bite pick olives that look plump and not wrinkled
• Dried oregano: gives the classic pizza aroma and ties all the flavors together pick a fragrant jar or fresh if you can find it
• Optional mushrooms mini pepperoni red pepper flakes: add extra toppings depending on preference look for fresh mushrooms or crisp pepperoni
• Olive oil spray: adds crispness use a light spray only if you want a crunchier base and avoid soggy bottoms

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Turn your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius Let it warm for about 2 to 3 minutes while you prepare the toppings Preheating ensures the bagels start to crisp right away

Assemble the Pizza Bagels:

Place bagel halves cut side up on a tray or work surface If you want extra crunch lightly toast them in a toaster for just a minute or two Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly on each half using a spoon aim for edge to edge coverage Pile on the mozzarella cheese Then scatter bell peppers black olives and other toppings you like Pat down gently so toppings stay secure Finish each bagel with a sprinkle of dried oregano

Air Fry to Perfection:

Arrange bagel halves in a single layer in your air fryer basket so the cheese is facing up and not stacked Air fry at 370 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes Check at the 5 minute mark Look for cheese that is bubbly and edges that are deep golden brown If you want extra crispy edges let them go a minute longer Watching in the last 2 minutes prevents burning

Save

One of my favorite parts is loading on the bell peppers The colors always make the platter look festive I remember making these for a sleepover and everyone picked different toppings so every bagel was totally unique

Storage Tips

Cool leftover pizza bagels completely before storing Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days To reheat put them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes which makes the crust crisp again Avoid microwaving if you want crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Try whole wheat bagels or gluten free bagels if needed Use vegan cheese and dairy free sauce for an allergy friendly option Switch up veggies like spinach or thin sliced zucchini and try artichoke hearts for extra flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cut in halves or quarters for party snacking They make a great addition to a potluck buffet or double up for a crowd Offer a side salad or simple tomato soup for a full meal I love dipping mine in spicy ranch

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza bagels combine two beloved classics pizza flavors with the convenience of a bagel They first gained popularity in New York deli culture as a snack for busy families and spread through coffee shops and cafes across the country making them a nostalgic treat for many

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use mini bagels for this method?

Yes, mini bagels work perfectly and make bite-sized snacks ideal for gatherings or kids’ lunches.

→ What are the best toppings to use?

Mixed bell peppers and black olives give delicious flavor and color, but you can add mushrooms, pepperoni, or red pepper flakes for variety.

→ Should I toast the bagels before adding toppings?

Lightly toasting bagels first is optional but adds extra crunch to the finished dish.

→ How do I get the cheese bubbly and golden?

Use the air fryer’s high heat; keep an eye on the cheese and remove bagels once it turns bubbly and edges are crisp.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

These are best served warm right after air frying, but assembled bagels can be kept in the fridge until ready to cook.

→ Is olive oil spray necessary?

Olive oil spray is optional, but it helps achieve crisper golden edges on the bagels.