Air Fryer Bagels: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a handy kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, but can they cook bagels? The short answer is yes, you can cook bagels in an air fryer. In fact, there are several ways to cook bagels in an air fryer, including toasting pre-made bagels and making bagels from scratch.

Air-frying bagels vs. toasting them

Air fryers are a convenient way to make toasted bagels. They offer several advantages over traditional toasters, including the ability to cook multiple bagels at once and the option to customise the toasting level. However, air-frying bagels also has some potential drawbacks when compared to toasting them.

Advantages of Air-Frying Bagels

Air fryers can cook multiple bagels simultaneously, making them ideal for cooking for a crowd. They also allow you to customise the toasting level, from lightly toasted to extra crispy. Additionally, air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook other breakfast items like English muffins and pastries.

Disadvantages of Air-Frying Bagels

One possible disadvantage of air-frying bagels is the need for more equipment and space in your kitchen. Air fryers tend to be bulkier than traditional toasters, and they may not be as easily accessible or affordable.

Another potential drawback is the cooking time. While air fryers can produce perfectly toasted bagels, they may take longer than a traditional toaster, especially when cooking from frozen.

Steps for Air-Frying Bagels

To air-fry bagels, start by slicing them in half and placing them in the air fryer basket with the cut side up. You can lightly spray some olive oil or butter on them for added flavour and crispiness. Set the air fryer temperature between 350°F and 400°F, and cook the bagels for 3 to 4 minutes for a full-size bagel.

When cooking frozen bagels, it is best to preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Place the frozen bagels in the basket without thawing them first and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

Steps for Toasting Bagels

Toasting bagels in a traditional toaster is a quick and convenient method. Simply set your toaster to the desired browning level and insert the bagel. For frozen bagels, defrost them first and then pop them into the toaster.

Customising Your Bagels

Whether you air-fry or toast your bagels, you can customise them with various toppings. Some popular options include cream cheese, butter, jam, smoked salmon, or everything bagel seasoning. You can also make bagel sandwiches with breakfast proteins and toppings like tofu scramble, carrot bacon, and avocado.

Both air-frying and toasting are convenient methods for preparing bagels. Air-frying offers more customisation and the ability to cook multiple bagels at once, but it may require additional equipment and take longer, especially for frozen bagels. Toasting bagels is a quicker option, but it may not provide the same level of customisation. Ultimately, the choice between air-frying and toasting depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Bagel toppings

There are endless possibilities for bagel toppings, ranging from sweet to savoury, and everything in between. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Savoury Options:

• Cream cheese is a classic bagel topping and can be paired with smoked salmon, also known as lox, or sardines. You can also add chopped veggies like broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers for extra crunch and nutrients.
• For a more indulgent option, try spreading cream cheese frosting on your bagel and topping it with smoked salmon, red onion, and capers.
• If you're looking for a dairy-free option, tofu mayo is a great alternative. Top it with tomato, cucumber, deli meat, and red onion for a savoury bagel sandwich.
• Ricotta cheese is another mild and creamy option that pairs well with sweet or savoury toppings. Try it with fresh berries, walnuts, honey, pesto, or tomato slices.
• Hummus is a versatile choice that can be flavoured in many ways to suit your taste buds. Try it with sweet or savoury toppings, such as cucumber, onion, tomato, or bell peppers.
• Avocado provides healthy fats and can be paired with fried, scrambled, or sheet pan eggs for a savoury breakfast bagel.
• Peanut butter or other nut/seed butters are a classic, satisfying option that can be made sweeter with the addition of banana slices.
• For a hearty breakfast, top your bagel with scrambled or fried eggs, bacon, and cheese.
• Deli meats such as turkey, salami, or beef slices can be paired with cream cheese, roasted pepper herb cream cheese, or tomato and lettuce for a satisfying lunch.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try making a meatball bagel sandwich by slicing meatballs and layering them with sauce and cheese on a bagel.

Sweet Options:

• Greek yogurt and fruit is a healthy and tasty option, providing a good source of protein and nutrients. Top it with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey.
• For a simple and classic option, spread your favourite flavour of jam on your bagel. Strawberry, grape, mango, rhubarb, and pineapple are popular choices.
• Mashed sweet potatoes provide a healthy carb option that satisfies your sweet tooth. Sprinkle on some cinnamon for extra flavour.
• For a fun twist, turn your bagel into a "pizza" by adding typical pizza toppings or healthier alternatives.
• Applesauce is an unexpected but enjoyable topping for a bagel. Sprinkle on some cinnamon for extra flavour.
• For a decadent treat, try spreading lime mascarpone cream mousse or lemon ricotta cream mousse on your bagel.
• Cinnamon raisin bagels pair well with almond or walnut cream cheese for a sweet and nutty breakfast.
• If you're feeling indulgent, try a bagel with butter and clover honey or maple syrup.
• For a sweet and crunchy option, top your bagel with cinnamon raisin walnut cream cheese.

Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your own unique bagel combinations!

Bagel sandwich ideas

Yes, you can cook bagels in an air fryer! Whether you want to toast a shop-bought bagel or make your own from scratch, an air fryer is a convenient way to cook this bread.

Lox Bagel

Arguably a classic, Lox bagels are piled high with ingredients. You can include sliced cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, red onion, and cream cheese.

Southwest Bagel

This sandwich works best with a plainer bagel, such as plain, whole wheat, or asiago. Fill it with regular or turkey bacon, a fried runny egg (or two), and a slice of melted cheese (Colby jack is recommended).

Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Bagel

This sandwich works with most bagel flavours, just avoid the sweeter options. All you need is a tub of garlic herb cream cheese!

BLT Bagel

This sandwich works with most bagel flavours, just avoid the sweeter options. Fill it with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

French Toast Bagel

Whisk up some eggs with cinnamon and a dash of milk. Soak the bagels in the egg wash, then fry them on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown. Top with maple syrup. This sandwich is best with sweeter bagels, such as blueberry, chocolate chip, or cinnamon sugar.

Mozzarella and Prosciutto Bagel

Hit the bottom of the bagel with some fresh mozzarella and put it under the broiler for about two minutes. Once the cheese is melted, you can top the bagel with extra virgin olive oil and prosciutto.

Making bagel chips

Air fryers are a great alternative to toasters, and can be used to make toasted bagels, bagel chips, and even homemade bagels! Here is a detailed recipe for making bagel chips in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 3 medium plain bagels (preferably stale and unsliced)
• Nonstick spray
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Set the bagels flat on a cutting board and slice them vertically into 1/4-inch or 1/2-centimeter thick strips. When you get to the hole, you'll need to make half-length strips until you return to the main part of the bagel.
• Place the bagel slices into a large mixing bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese (if desired). Use tongs to gently mix until the oil and spices are evenly distributed.
• Generously coat both sides of the bagel slices with nonstick spray. Turn the slices cut-side up and sprinkle salt over them.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Place the bagel slices into the air fryer basket, creating space between overlapping slices without compacting them into layers.
• Air fry for 3 minutes, then toss and rearrange the bagel slices. Continue air frying for about 4-7 more minutes, tossing at least twice, until the bagel chips are golden to dark brown and crunchy.
• Remove the bagel chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can serve these bagel chips with a variety of dips, such as whipped cream cheese, hot smoked salmon cream cheese, French onion dip, chipotle hummus, or baba ghanoush. Enjoy!

Storing and reheating bagels

For longer storage, you can refrigerate bagels for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a sealed zipper-lock bag to prevent staling. If you want to keep bagels for even longer, freezing is an option. Wrap bagels individually in aluminium foil or place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months to a year.

When you're ready to eat a bagel, you can simply toast the entire bagel before cutting. Place the intact bagel in a toaster oven or preheated oven at 350-400°F for around 4-5 minutes. If your bagel has gone stale, you can try dunking it in hot water before toasting to help re-moisten it. Alternatively, you can slice the bagel and then toast the halves.

Reheating frozen bagels can be done in the oven or toaster oven at 350-400°F for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Frequently asked questions