Air Fryer Bagel Bites: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Bagel Bites are a popular snack, especially for kids, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. They can be cooked in the microwave or oven, but these methods can result in inconsistent temperatures and textures, or a long cooking time. Using an air fryer ensures Bagel Bites are ready in under 15 minutes, with a crispy outside and soft and chewy inside.

How to cook bagel bites in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen bagel bites
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Toppings of your choice (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Tongs

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F.
• Prepare the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the frozen bagel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each one.
• Air fry for 4-9 minutes, checking regularly to make sure they don't burn. They are ready when the cheese is melted and the bites are golden brown.
• Carefully remove the bagel bites from the air fryer using tongs and serve immediately.

Tips

• You can add extra toppings to your bagel bites during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• If you want to make your own bagel bites from scratch, simply top mini bagels with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favourite toppings, then cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

How long to cook bagel bites in an air fryer

Air fryer bagel bites are a quick and easy snack that can be ready in under 15 minutes. They are a great alternative to cooking bagel bites in the microwave or oven, as the air fryer produces a more consistent result with a crispy outside and soft and chewy inside.

To cook bagel bites in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350-375° F. Place the frozen bagel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one so they don't overlap or touch. Air fry for 5-9 minutes, checking on them after 5 minutes and then every minute or so after that to ensure they don't burn. They are done when the cheese is melted and the bites are golden brown.

Let the bagel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or garlic powder, or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

It is important to note that every air fryer is a little different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Additionally, if your air fryer requires preheating, add a couple of minutes to the total cooking time.

How to make homemade pizza bagels in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Mini bagels
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Mini pepperonis
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your favourite pizza toppings

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
• Take a regular or mini bagel and top with your favourite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. You can even mix and match if you like!
• Set your homemade pizza bagel bites in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. That's it!
• Keep in mind that your homemade mini bagel bites will take less time to cook since they aren’t frozen. After preheating the air fryer, even just a minute or two will be enough to get the cheese a little browned and the outside crispy.
• Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer with a pair of silicone tongs. You can also use your hands, but be very careful as the bagels will be hot.
• Enjoy your homemade pizza bagels!

Tips:

• You can use parchment paper or foil in the air fryer to make clean-up easier. However, do not place parchment paper or foil in the air fryer while it is preheating, as the hot air circulation will pull the paper or foil towards the heating element.
• Always check your user manual to make sure you can use foil in your air fryer, as not all air fryers will allow this.
• If you want to add more cheese to your pizza bagels, place a pinch of shredded mozzarella on top of each bagel before cooking.
• You can also sprinkle your pizza bagels with red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or garlic powder before serving, or serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

The best way to take bagel bites out of the air fryer

When it comes to removing bagel bites from your air fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure the process is safe and efficient. Here is a step-by-step guide on the best way to take bagel bites out of your air fryer:

Use the Right Utensils:

First and foremost, it is important to use the correct utensils to remove the bagel bites safely. Silicone tongs are highly recommended as they are heat-resistant and won't scratch the coating on your air fryer. Avoid using metal tongs, as they can cause damage to the non-stick surface of your appliance. If you don't have silicone tongs, you can carefully use your hands, but be sure to protect them with heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts.

Allow for Cooling:

Before attempting to remove the bagel bites, always let them cool down for a few minutes after cooking. This is important for two reasons. Firstly, it allows the cheese to set slightly, reducing the risk of burning your mouth. Secondly, it helps the bagel bites firm up, making them less likely to fall apart when handled. Waiting just 2-3 minutes can make a big difference in the texture and temperature of your snack.

Be Gentle:

When removing the bagel bites, do so with care to avoid any mess or damage. Use your silicone tongs or protected hands to gently lift them out of the air fryer basket. Place them on a plate or serving dish, ensuring they are stable and won't topple over. If you need to stack them, do so carefully to prevent tipping.

Clean Up:

After enjoying your delicious bagel bites, don't forget to clean your air fryer. Allow it to cool completely, then wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge. If there are any stubborn bits of food stuck to the surface, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently dislodge them. Remember to clean your tongs or any other utensils used as well.

Safety First:

Always be mindful of safety when handling hot food and appliances. Keep children and pets away from the air fryer while it's in use and when removing hot food. Ensure that your hands are protected with heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts to prevent burns. It's also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher or oven mitt nearby as a precaution.

By following these simple steps, you can safely and efficiently remove bagel bites from your air fryer, ensuring a tasty snack or meal that's easy to handle and enjoy.

How to make bagel bites better

Air Fryer vs Oven, Microwave, and Toaster

Bagel bites can be cooked in an oven, microwave, toaster, or air fryer. While the traditional way of cooking bagel bites is in a microwave or oven toaster, cooking them in an air fryer is the best and fastest way.

Cooking bagel bites in an air fryer is better than using a microwave as the temperature and texture of the bites are inconsistent when microwaved. It is also better than using an oven or toaster as these methods take much longer. For example, cooking bagel bites in an oven requires 10-15 minutes to preheat and then 12-16 minutes to bake.

Tips for Cooking Bagel Bites in an Air Fryer

When cooking bagel bites in an air fryer, place them in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit around 9 bites. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown.

Adding Toppings

You can add extra toppings to your bagel bites during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Some suggestions include:

• A slice of olive
• Finely minced onion
• Peppers
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Making Your Own Bagel Bites

If you want to make your own bagel bites, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut some bagels in half and top each half with diced turkey, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes. Garnish with scallions and serve.

Frequently asked questions