Air Fryer Bagel Toasting: Perfectly Toasted, No Oven Needed!

If you're a bagel lover, you know that achieving the perfect toast is an art. While the traditional oven and toaster are reliable options, the air fryer has emerged as a game-changer for toasting bagels. But can it really deliver that crispy exterior and warm, soft interior we crave?

The answer is a resounding yes! Air fryers can indeed toast bagels, and the results may even surpass your expectations. This modern appliance offers several advantages over conventional methods, including quicker cooking times, even toasting, and less mess. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as the need to monitor closely to avoid over-toasting and the limitation on the number of bagels that can fit at once.

So, if you're eager to explore the world of air-fried bagels, grab your favourite variety, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a crispy, warm, and delightful treat. It's time to embark on a new culinary adventure!

How to toast a bagel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

Slice the bagel in half. If your bagel is fresh, you may want to pop it in the air fryer for a 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your bagel. As a guide, 3-4 minutes at 380°F should give you a lightly crispy bagel, and 5 minutes at 390°F should give you a perfect level of crispness.

Step 3: Position the Bagel

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Make sure they have some space around them to ensure good air circulation.

Step 4: Toast the Bagel

Air fry for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness and the temperature of your air fryer. Check the bagel after the allotted time and add more time if needed. Remember, it's easier to add time than to rescue a burnt bagel!

Step 5: Butter the Bagel (optional)

Remove the bagel from the air fryer and add a thin layer of butter. You can then place it back into the air fryer for another 3 minutes if you want the butter to melt and soak into the bagel.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Your bagel is now ready to eat! You can add more butter if you like, and top with your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, honey, or jam.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

To toast a bagel in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to the right temperature and cook the bagel for the right amount of time. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve the perfect golden and crispy bagel:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to get the best results. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). This temperature setting will ensure that your bagel gets toasted evenly without burning.
• Prepare the Bagel: Cut a whole bagel in half using a bread knife. Try to get both halves as even as possible to ensure uniform cooking. You can also optionally brush the cut sides of the bagel with melted butter or spray with olive oil for added crispness and flavor.
• Air Fry the Bagel: Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that they are in a single layer and cut-side up. This positioning is crucial for even toasting. Air fry at the preheated temperature of 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes per side. However, the exact time may vary depending on your desired level of crispness and the model of your air fryer, so adjustments may be needed.
• Check for Doneness: Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and inspect your bagels. They should be lightly toasted and emit a tempting aroma. If you prefer a darker toast, you can always add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• Top and Serve: Air fryer bagels pair well with a variety of toppings. You can go for the classic cream cheese, butter, or honey, or get creative with strawberry jam, marinara sauce, or even a fried egg. The choice is yours!

By following these temperature and time settings, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly toasted bagels with a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer.

Bagel toppings and fillings

Bagels are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. While they are delicious on their own, the right toppings and fillings can take them to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions for bagel toppings and fillings to satisfy any craving:

Savoury Delights

If you're a fan of savoury breakfasts, try spreading some cream cheese on your bagel and topping it with smoked salmon (lox), capers, red onions, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon. For an extra indulgent treat, add a fried or poached egg on top. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or cheddar, and pair them with toppings like cucumber, tomato, or ham.

For a heartier option, turn your bagel into a breakfast sandwich by filling it with bacon, egg, and cheese, or go for a classic deli-style sandwich with turkey, Swiss cheese, and alfalfa sprouts. If you're craving something meaty, pastrami—a thin slice of brined and herb-spiced beef—is a delicious choice, especially when paired with sauerkraut and mustard.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, there are endless options to satisfy your cravings. Start your day with a sweet and nutty treat by spreading peanut butter and granola on your bagel. If you're feeling extra indulgent, add some sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. For a fruity twist, top your bagel with Greek yogurt and your choice of berries, or go for a classic combination like cream cheese and strawberry jam.

For chocolate lovers, Nutella is a heavenly choice, and you can take it up a notch by adding peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, or banana slices. If you're craving something warm and comforting, try a cinnamon raisin bagel with a generous spread of butter, or go for a blueberry bagel with a schmear of cream cheese.

Creative Combinations

Feeling adventurous? Try something unique like a pizza bagel! Spread some marinara sauce on your bagel, top it with mozzarella cheese and your favourite pizza toppings, and pop it into the air fryer for a few minutes. You can also experiment with different types of spreads, such as apple butter or peanut butter and jelly. If you're feeling really creative, make your own edible cookie dough and stuff it into your bagel for a decadent dessert.

What to serve with toasted bagels

There are many ways to serve toasted bagels, and they can be eaten at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for what to serve with toasted bagels:

Classic Combinations

The classic way to serve a toasted bagel is with a smear of cream cheese. You can stick to the traditional plain cream cheese, or mix it up with some flavour combinations. Try adding a spoonful of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some garlic powder or minced garlic with dried herbs. You could also add some chopped vegetables, like onion, cucumber, carrot or herbs.

Sweet Options

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of sweet toppings to serve with toasted bagels. Try peanut butter, butter and honey, or jam. You could also spread some chocolate-hazelnut spread, or a combination of honey, cinnamon and cream cheese. For a healthier option, a smear of flavoured yogurt on a wheat bagel makes a great breakfast or snack.

Savoury Delights

If you're looking for something more savoury, there are endless options for toasted bagel toppings and fillings. For a simple option, just add some butter. You could also top your bagel with slices of ripe tomato, or a fried egg. If you're feeling fancy, try adding some smoked salmon and cream cheese, with traditional garnishes like sliced tomato, capers, lemon juice and red onion.

Hearty Meals

Toasted bagels can also be served as part of a more substantial meal. Try adding some deli meat, like turkey or ham, and cheese. You could even make a breakfast bagel sandwich with bacon, ham, scrambled eggs and cheese. If you're feeling creative, use your bagel as the base for a mini pizza, topped with marinara sauce, cheese and pepperoni.

Storing leftover bagels

Firstly, if you have leftover bagels that you plan to eat within 2-4 days, you should store them at room temperature. Use a paper bag, a bread bag, or a zip-top bag to loosely cover and seal the bagels, squeezing out as much air as possible. This will keep your bagels fresh for up to five days. It is important to note that you should avoid storing bagels in the fridge, as this can cause them to become stale faster due to the recrystallization of starch molecules at cool temperatures.

Secondly, if you want your bagels to last longer, you can freeze them. Before freezing, slice the bagels in half horizontally to make it easier to toast them later. Wrap both halves of the bagel in plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper to prevent the halves from sticking together. Then, place the wrapped halves together in a sealable freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three to four months. When you're ready to eat, simply pop the frozen bagel into a toaster with no thawing required!

Frequently asked questions