Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

With Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas, you can whip up a delicious snack or meal in just under 10 minutes. Perfect for game days, movie nights, or quick lunches, these mini pizzas boast a crispy crust topped with melty cheese and your favorite toppings. Say goodbye to store-bought versions; homemade is always better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These bagel pizzas are ready in less than 10 minutes, making them perfect for busy days.
• Flavor Packed: With seasoned crusts and gooey cheese, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Customizable Toppings: Use whatever toppings you have on hand to create your own unique version.
• Healthier Option: Make it as nutritious as you like by adding fresh veggies or lean proteins.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved by letting them choose their toppings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Brush for oil
• Small bowl (for mixing spices)
• Serving plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool cooks your bagel pizzas evenly while giving them that desirable crispiness without deep frying.
• Brush for oil: Ensures an even application of olive oil for flavor and crispiness.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing spices so they are evenly distributed on each bagel half.

Ingredients

With a crispy seasoned crust, melty cheese, and toppings of choice, these air fryer bagel pizzas are ready in less than 10 minutes and are WAY better than anything store-bought.

For the Bagels

• 2 standard bagels (or 4 mini bagels)

For the Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon oregano

For the Toppings

• 3 tablespoons pizza sauce
• ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer to 370℉ (180℃) if required by your model. This ensures even cooking right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Bagels

1. Brush the bagel halves with olive oil using a brush.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder and oregano evenly over each half.
3. Place the bagel halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.

Step 3: Air-Fry the Bagels

Air-fry the bagel halves for about 3 minutes until they become golden brown.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Remove the bagel halves from the air fryer carefully.
2. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each half.
3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each bagel half.
4. If desired, add parmesan cheese along with any additional toppings you prefer.

Step 5: Final Cooking

Return the prepared bagel pizzas back into the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry at 370℉ (180℃) for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden; if you prefer only melted cheese, cook for just 3 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the bagel pizzas from the air fryer and let them cool for about 1-2 minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Air fryer bagel pizzas are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a quick snack, a light lunch, or a fun appetizer, they are sure to please everyone at the table.

For a Quick Snack

• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. This adds extra flavor and moisture.
• Pair with fresh veggies like cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing crunch.

As a Light Lunch

• Add a side salad to make it a complete meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well.
• Include some fruit slices, such as apples or strawberries, for a sweet touch.

For Kids’ Parties

• Cut the bagel pizzas into smaller pieces for easy handling. Kids love finger foods!
• Offer various toppings on the side so kids can create their own unique bagel pizza combinations.

For Movie Nights

• Serve with popcorn or nachos. The mix of textures and flavors makes it an exciting treat.
• Create a themed platter with assorted snacks like cheese cubes and crackers for variety.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Making air fryer bagel pizzas is easy, but a few tips can help you achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Bagels: Fresh bagels will provide the best texture and flavor. Stale bagels may not crisp up well.
• Season Generously: Don’t skip on seasoning the bagels before adding toppings. It enhances the overall taste significantly.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your pizzas while cooking. Adjust time based on how melted or golden you want the cheese.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different vegetables, meats (like chicken or turkey), or even fruits like pineapple for new flavors.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure there’s space between each bagel half in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate properly.
• Let Cool Before Serving: Allowing them to cool slightly prevents burns and helps maintain the shape of the cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Pairing your air fryer bagel pizzas with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds freshness to your meal.
2. Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy options like carrot and celery sticks are great for dipping in hummus or ranch dressing.
3. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit! You can use frozen fries for convenience or make them from scratch in the air fryer.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw pairs nicely with cheesy bagel pizzas, providing a refreshing contrast.
5. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings sweetness to your plate and balances out savory flavors.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked in the air fryer are crispy and satisfying alongside your pizzas.
7. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
8. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a crunchy texture that complements soft pizza bites well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your bagel pizzas turn out perfectly every time.

• Bold seasoning: Skipping the seasoning on your bagels can lead to bland flavors. Always brush with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and oregano for added taste.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many bagel halves in the air fryer can prevent even cooking. Ensure they are in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Failing to preheat can result in uneven cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 370℉ (180℃) for best results.
• Ignoring cheese types: Using low-quality cheese can affect meltability and flavor. Opt for good-quality mozzarella for that perfect gooey texture.
• Skipping cooling time: Cutting into your bagel pizzas immediately can lead to burns. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover bagel pizzas in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

• To freeze, wrap each bagel pizza individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pizzas in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Place pizzas on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, covering with a lid to help melt the cheese evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas.

Can I use different toppings on my Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas?

Yes! Feel free to customize your bagel pizzas with any toppings you like, such as vegetables, different cheeses, or meats.

How do I make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas crispy?

To achieve crispiness, ensure you brush the bagels with olive oil before air frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I use whole wheat bagels for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas?

Absolutely! Whole wheat bagels work well and add extra fiber to your meal. Just follow the same preparation steps.

What if my cheese doesn’t melt properly on my Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas?

If the cheese isn’t melting well, consider increasing the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Are Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas suitable for kids?

Definitely! These mini pizzas are fun and customizable, making them perfect for kids’ meals or snacks.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. With a crispy crust and melty cheese, they are sure to please everyone at the table. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to make this recipe your own!