Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pizza bagels are a quick and easy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The air fryer makes the bagels crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, with melted cheese on top. You can use either frozen bagel bites or make your own pizza bagels from scratch using mini bagels, pizza sauce, cheese, and your chosen toppings. The air fryer temperature should be set to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the bagels should be cooked for around 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the air fryer model.

Pizza bagel toppings

Pizza bagels are a fun and tasty treat, and the best part is that you can get creative with your toppings. Here are some ideas for pizza bagel toppings to get you started:

Classic Pizza Toppings:

• Pepperoni: A classic choice, pepperoni adds a spicy kick to your pizza bagel.
• Sausage: Go for Italian sausage or a milder variety like breakfast sausage.
• Ham: For a meaty treat, add some diced ham to your pizza bagel.
• Chicken: Chunks of grilled or baked chicken breast make a great protein-packed topping.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky flavour and a satisfying crunch.
• Salami: Try something different with hard salami, fried until crispy.
• Mushrooms: Sliced button or cremini mushrooms are a tasty vegetarian option.
• Onions: Diced red or white onions add a sharp flavour to your pizza bagel.
• Peppers: Bell peppers in red, green, or yellow will bring colour and a mild, sweet flavour.
• Tomatoes: Sliced fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are both delicious options.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves add an extra layer of flavour to your pizza bagel.

Cheeses:

• Mozzarella: The classic pizza cheese, mozzarella is a must-have for that stretchy, melted goodness.
• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang to your pizza bagel.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle on some grated parmesan for an extra savoury kick.
• Cream Cheese: Spread some on your bagel for a creamy base before adding other toppings.
• Goat Cheese: This tangy cheese is a great choice for those who want something different.

Other Creative Toppings:

• Pineapple: For a Hawaiian-style pizza bagel, add some diced pineapple.
• Jalapenos: Spice things up with some sliced jalapeno peppers.
• Olives: Black or green olives add a briny flavour to your pizza bagel.
• Spinach: Try something different with some sauteed spinach leaves.
• Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts are a tasty and unique topping.
• Anchovies: For a true Mediterranean flavour, add some anchovy fillets.
• Eggplant: Sliced and grilled eggplant is a tasty and healthy topping option.

Remember, the beauty of pizza bagels is that you can get creative and customise your toppings to your liking. So feel free to mix and match, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations!

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature for making pizza bagels depends on the type of bagel and the model of the air fryer being used.

For frozen pizza bagels, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 350-360°F (180°C) and cook for 4-9 minutes. For homemade pizza bagels, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 2-5 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it is advisable to check the user manual and adjust the settings accordingly. Additionally, when cooking with bagels that are not frozen, a lower temperature and shorter cooking time may be required to avoid overcooking.

To ensure the bagels are cooked properly, it is a good idea to check on them periodically during the cooking process. This is especially important if you are using an air fryer for the first time or are trying a new recipe. By monitoring the bagels, you can prevent overcooking or burning and achieve the desired level of doneness.

Furthermore, when placing the bagels in the air fryer, it is recommended to leave a little space between each bagel to allow for even cooking. However, it is not a problem if some bagels are touching, especially if they are smaller in size.

Additionally, when preparing the bagels, it is suggested to brush the cut surfaces with olive oil and sprinkle on some pizza seasoning before adding the sauce and toppings. This step helps to create a barrier, preventing the bagels from becoming soggy, and adds extra flavour to the dish.

In terms of toppings, the options are endless. You can choose from a variety of cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your desired combination. Popular choices include mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and mini pepperonis.

Lastly, for those who prefer to prepare meals in advance, pizza bagels can be assembled and frozen before cooking. This allows for a quick and convenient option when short on time. Simply place the "dressed" bagels on a sheet pan in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to make pizza bagels from scratch

Pizza bagels are a fun and easy meal to make from scratch, and they can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make pizza bagels from scratch:

Ingredients:

• Bagels (plain, sesame, garlic, poppy seed, or any other variety of your choice)
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Cheese (shredded mozzarella is recommended, but you can also use other varieties such as cheddar, Parmesan, or pepper jack)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, pineapple, olives, basil, tomatoes, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Non-stick cooking spray (if needed for your air fryer)
• Silicone mat or parchment paper (for easy cleanup if making in the oven)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If using an oven, preheat to 400 or 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Halve the bagels.
• Mix the sauce ingredients together in a bowl if making your own pizza sauce.
• Spread the sauce evenly on top of the halved bagels.
• Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sauced bagels.
• Add your chosen toppings.
• If using an air fryer, place the pizza bagels in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• If using an oven, place the pizza bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or 14 to 16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes:

• Toasting the bagels before adding any sauce will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
• When making pizza bagels in the air fryer, avoid using parchment paper or foil during preheating as it can be dangerous. Always place parchment paper or foil in the air fryer after it has preheated.
• Pizza bagels are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating pizza bagels

When reheating pizza bagels in the air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer and the number of bagels being reheated. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the bagels to ensure they do not burn. Additionally, spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray before reheating can help prevent sticking.

If you are looking for a quick and easy snack, pizza bagels are a great option. They can be made with pre-made frozen bagel bites or from scratch using mini bagels, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings. When making pizza bagels from scratch, it is recommended to cook the meats beforehand as the pizza bagels only take a few minutes to cook in the air fryer.

Pizza bagels can also be frozen and reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer. To freeze pizza bagels, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months. When reheating frozen pizza bagels, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Storing pizza bagels

Pizza bagels are a great meal option, and they can be stored for later, too! If you have any leftover pizza bagels, you can keep them covered in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them.

To reheat your pizza bagels, you can use the microwave, but they won't be as crispy. You could also reheat them in the oven or air fryer, but be careful not to overcook them. Place them back in the air fryer and heat them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions