Toasting Bagels: Air Fryer Magic

You can definitely toast a bagel in an air fryer! It's a great way to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior with a warm, fluffy inside. The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures even toasting, and you can easily customize the level of crispiness to your preference. Plus, it's quicker than using an oven and easier to clean than a traditional toaster.

To toast a bagel in an air fryer, simply slice it in half, place the halves in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up, and air fry at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of toastiness. For an extra layer of flavour and crispiness, you can brush the bagel halves with melted butter or spray them with olive oil before toasting.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to toast a bagel, give your air fryer a go!

How to toast a bagel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

First, take your bagel and slice it evenly down the middle. If your bagel is straight out of the freezer, you may want to let it defrost for a minute or two before slicing.

Step 2: Position the Bagel

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Make sure they have some space around them to allow for air circulation.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your bagel. As a general rule, 3-4 minutes at 350°F will give you a lightly toasted bagel, while 3-4 minutes at 380°F will make it darker and crispier.

Step 4: Check and Adjust

Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and check on your bagel. If you prefer it darker or crispier, put it back in for another minute or two. Remember, it's easier to add time than to undo a burnt bagel!

Step 5: Top and Serve

Take your bagel out of the air fryer and add your favourite toppings. Classic choices include cream cheese, butter, or honey. If you're feeling adventurous, try something like strawberry jam, peanut butter, or poppy seeds.

Tips and Tricks

• For an extra crispy bagel with a rich, golden hue, lightly brush the cut sides of the bagel with melted butter or spray with olive oil before air frying.
• If your bagel is fresh and a bit moist, consider a 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature (around 300°F) to remove excess moisture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This prevents hot air from circulating freely and can lead to uneven or soggy results.
• Keep in mind that subsequent batches of bagels will cook faster since the air fryer is already heated up.
• If you're toasting frozen bagels, don't let them thaw before putting them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer and cook them straight from frozen for 5-6 minutes.

Recommended temperature and time settings

The ideal temperature and time settings for toasting a bagel in an air fryer depend on the desired level of crispness and the model of the air fryer. As a general rule, a temperature setting between 350°F and 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes should suffice. For a lightly crispy bagel, consider a temperature of 350°F to 380°F and a cooking time of 2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer a darker crisp, increase the temperature to 380°F to 400°F and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to the temperature and time settings. For instance, if your air fryer has a default setting of 390°F, you might only need to cook the bagel for a couple of minutes. Additionally, the size of the bagel and the number of bagels being toasted simultaneously can influence the ideal temperature and time settings.

When toasting frozen bagels, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for even cooking. The cooking time for frozen bagels is typically around 5 to 6 minutes, and there is no need to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer.

Best type of air fryer to toast bagels

There are two main styles of air fryers: the basket style and the oven style. The basket style resembles a deep fryer, while the oven style looks more like a toaster oven. Both styles can be used to toast bagels, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you're using a basket-style air fryer, simply slice your bagels in half and place them in the basket, cut-side up. Set the temperature between 370-400°F and air fry for 3-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bagel.

For an oven-style air fryer, place your bagel halves on a single tray, again with the cut-side up. Make sure not to overlap the bagels or use more than one tray, as this will affect the airflow and cook your bagels unevenly. Set the temperature to 350-400°F and air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Regardless of the style of air fryer you choose, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly toasted bagels with a crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy interior. So, go ahead and get rid of that old toaster and free up some counter space!

How to serve air fryer bagels

Air fryer bagels are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Bagel and Cream Cheese

Spread some cream cheese on your air fryer bagel for a simple, satisfying breakfast. If you want to get fancy, you can mix in some chopped onion and chives or try other flavours like onion and chive cream cheese. You can also add a dash of everything bagel seasoning.

Bagel Sandwich

Take your bagel to the next level by turning it into a sandwich. Add your favourite breakfast proteins and toppings. Some tasty options include tofu scramble, crispy carrot bacon, sliced avocado, air-fried bacon, cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg.

Bagel French Toast

Dip your bagel halves into a French toast mixture and cook them on a griddle or in a pan for a fun twist on French toast.

Bagel Chips

Cut your bagel into thin slices and bake them in the air fryer. Serve with hummus, guacamole, or your favourite dip for a tasty snack.

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Top your bagel with marinara sauce and shredded cheese. You can also use mini bagels to make pizza bagel bites.

Bagel with Smoked Salmon

Try a bagel and lox combo by spreading some cream cheese on your bagel and adding smoked salmon. For a vegan option, use vegan cream cheese and carrot lox.

Sweet Options

If you're craving something sweet, there are plenty of options. Spread your bagel with butter or ghee and top with honey or jam. You can also pair your bagel with a bowl of berries or a fresh fruit spread.

Savoury Options

For a savoury breakfast, top your bagel with ripe tomato slices or a fried egg. If you're a fan of cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese on your bagel and pop it back into the air fryer until the cheese melts.

Pros and cons of toasting bagels in an air fryer

Pros

• Even toasting: The circulating hot air in an air fryer ensures your bagel is toasted evenly to perfection. No more uneven patches!
• Quicker results compared to an oven: If you're in a hurry, you can go from a frozen bagel to a toasted masterpiece in no time.
• Less mess and easier cleanup: Say goodbye to crumbs at the bottom of your toaster oven or the hassle of heating up an oven for just one bagel. Plus, most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Cons

• Limited capacity: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to toast multiple bagels in batches if you're cooking for a crowd.
• Potential for drying out: The intense hot air can be a double-edged sword, as it may lead to a slightly too crispy bagel if you're not careful.
• Need for close monitoring: Unlike traditional toasters, you'll need to keep a watchful eye on your bagels in the air fryer to prevent burning, especially during your first few attempts.

Frequently asked questions