Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Pizza bagels are a tasty treat, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The good news is that you can! This guide will show you how to make delicious pizza bagels in an air fryer in just a few simple steps.

Pizza bagel bites: a quick and easy snack

Pizza bagel bites are a fun and tasty snack that can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. They are perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or even a quick lunch. The best part is that you can get creative with the toppings and make them just the way you like them!

Ingredients:

• Bagels (plain, gluten-free, or any variety of your choice)
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Mini pepperonis or other toppings of your choice (cooked meats, vegetables, etc.)

Instructions:

• Cut the bagels in half.
• Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
• Add your desired toppings. Keep in mind that too many toppings may cause the bagels to become soggy.
• Place the bagels in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space between each one.
• Set the air fryer to 350-375°F and cook for 3-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. Check on the bagels occasionally to ensure they don't burn.
• Carefully remove the bagel bites from the air fryer using silicone tongs or oven mitts and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you want to add extra toppings, put them on during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.
• Always spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper/foil to prevent sticking. However, never place parchment paper or foil in the air fryer while it's preheating, as it can be dangerous.
• If you're making homemade bagel bites from scratch, you can experiment with different sauces, meats, and vegetables. Get creative and make them your own!
• You can also find frozen bagel bites in the freezer section of your grocery store, which can be a convenient option if you're short on time.

How to make pizza bagel bites from scratch

Yes, you can put pizza bagels in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make pizza bagel bites from scratch:

Ingredients:

• Mini bagels
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pizza sauce
• Mini pepperonis
• Desired toppings

Steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Slice each bagel in half.
• Top each bagel half with pizza sauce.
• Add cheese, pepperoni, and your desired toppings.
• Place the bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch.
• Air fry at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-8 minutes, checking after 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the bagels from the air fryer using tongs and serve.

You can also make pizza bagel bites in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit and follow similar steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Place the mini bagels 1 inch apart on the baking sheet, cut-side up.
• Top each bagel half with pizza sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings.
• Bake for 6-12 minutes, or until the bagels are crisp and the cheese is golden.
• Serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade pizza bagel bites!

Reheating pizza bagels in the air fryer

Pizza bagels are a delicious treat, but what happens when you don't finish them all and are left with cold leftovers? Fortunately, an air fryer can be used to reheat pizza bagels and have them tasting as good as new.

How to Reheat Pizza Bagels in an Air Fryer

First, place the pizza bagels in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. Set the air fryer to 350-375°F and heat the bagels for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. If you are reheating frozen pizza bagels, cook them for an additional 2-4 minutes.

Tips for Reheating Pizza Bagels in an Air Fryer

• Always use silicone tongs to remove the bagels from the air fryer, as metal tongs can scrape the bottom of the air fryer.
• Avoid using too many toppings when reheating pizza bagels, as this can create a mess in the air fryer and make the crust soggy.
• Make sure to cook any meats before adding them to the pizza bagels, as the reheating process is very quick and won't fully cook raw meat.
• Experiment with different types of bagels, sauces, and toppings to find your favorite combination.

Storing Pizza Bagels

Pizza bagels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer!

The best toppings for pizza bagels

Pizza bagels are a fun and easy meal to make, especially if you're cooking for picky eaters. The great thing about pizza bagels is that you can top them with just about anything you would put on a pizza. Here are some ideas for the best toppings to take your pizza bagels to the next level:

Classic Pizza Toppings

If you like to stick to the basics, you can't go wrong with the classic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. This tried-and-true trio is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. For an extra touch of flavour, add some Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Meat Lovers

For those who like their pizza with a bit more meat, try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon to your pizza bagels. You can also go for a pastrami and sauerkraut combo, or turn your bagel into a burger by topping it with a burger patty, cheese, and all the fixings.

Vegetarian Options

Vegetarians don't have to miss out on the fun. In addition to the classic cheese pizza bagel, you can add other toppings like spinach, tomatoes, or feta cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try a BBQ chicken pizza bagel with smoked gouda and red onions, or a Hawaiian-style bagel with ham, pineapple, and mozzarella.

Sweet Treats

Who says pizza bagels have to be savoury? For a sweet twist, top your bagel with edible cookie dough, or try a combination of peanut butter, banana, and bacon for a surprisingly delicious mix of flavours.

Other Topping Ideas

Other toppings you can experiment with include cream cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, green peppers, and olives. If you're using fresh ingredients, try toasting the bagels lightly before adding toppings to prevent them from getting soggy. And remember, when it comes to toppings, it's best to use moderation to avoid making your bagels hard to handle.

How to store pizza bagels

Pizza bagels are a delicious treat, but what's the best way to store them? Here are some tips to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and tasty:

Storing Fresh Pizza Bagels:

If you've made a fresh batch of pizza bagels, the best way to store them is to place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer storage, it's best to refrigerate them. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pizza Bagels:

If you want to keep your pizza bagels for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the pizza bagels cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Pizza Bagels:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pizza bagels, simply pop them back into the air fryer or oven. Reheat them at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but this may affect the texture.

Storing Leftover Pizza Bagels:

If you have leftover pizza bagels that have been sitting out for a while, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and help prevent spoilage.

Tips for Storing Pizza Bagels:

• If you plan on storing your pizza bagels in the freezer, it's best to slice them in half before freezing. This will make it easier to toast or reheat individual portions.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap each pizza bagel half in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer bag.
• Always label your freezer bags with the date, so you know how long they have been frozen.
• If you're storing store-bought pizza bagels, check the packaging for any holes or tears. If the packaging is intact, you can use it to store the bagels for a few days. Otherwise, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your pizza bagels stay fresh and tasty, whether you're storing them in the fridge or freezer!

Frequently asked questions