Air-Fryer Bagels: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat

The air fryer has become a popular kitchen appliance for making crispy and delicious food without the guilt of deep frying. But can you cook a bagel in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. You can cook both homemade and store-bought bagels in an air fryer, and it only takes a few minutes. The air fryer gives your bagel a crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy inside. You can also make air fryer bagels from scratch with just two ingredients: self-rising flour and yogurt.

Air fryer settings and temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking a bagel in an air fryer is a subject of some debate. Some sources recommend cooking at 310°F for 3 minutes for a medium toast, 4 minutes for a crispy texture, and 2 minutes for a light toast. Another source recommends 350°F to 400°F for 3-4 minutes for a full-size bagel sliced in half.

However, other sources suggest higher temperatures. One source recommends 360°F for 4 minutes, and another suggests 370°F for 3 minutes, with the option to add a minute or two for extra toast.

The key to achieving an even toast is to position the bagel halves correctly in the air fryer. It is also important to leave enough space for air circulation and avoid overcrowding the basket. If using an oven-style air fryer, only use one shelf or tray at a time, and do not overlap the bagels.

For an added layer of crispiness and flavor, you can lightly brush the bagel halves with melted butter or spray them with olive oil before toasting.

How to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

Yes, you can cook a bagel in an air fryer! It is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy, and fluffy bagel. Toasting bagels in an air fryer is a great way to free up counter space and do away with your toaster.

Now, to ensure your bagels turn out perfectly, it is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can cause the bagels to cook unevenly, spoiling your meal. It can also cause steaming, resulting in soggy bagels instead of the desired golden brown and crispy texture. To avoid this, it is recommended to cook in batches, placing the bagels in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. This allows the hot, dry air in the fryer to circulate around the bagels and cook them evenly.

The number of bagels that can fit in the air fryer basket depends on the size of the basket and the bagels themselves. For a standard-sized air fryer, 3-5 bagels can be cooked at once, depending on their size. If you have a larger air fryer basket, you can fit more bagels, reducing the need to cook in batches.

Additionally, some air fryer models have removable and dishwasher-safe baskets, making cleaning more convenient. It is important to clean your air fryer regularly to maintain its longevity.

In summary, to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, cook in batches, place the bagels in a single layer, and ensure they are not touching each other. This will help you achieve the perfect crispy bagel and make the most of your air fryer!

How to store air-fried bagels

Air-fried bagels can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. To store them for longer, place the leftovers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

To reheat the air-fried bagels, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds or reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

If you want to store your bagels in the freezer, it is recommended to slice them in half first. This will make it easier to defrost and reheat individual portions.

Additionally, if you plan to freeze your bagels, it is best to do so as soon as possible after cooking. This will help to preserve their texture and flavour.

Finally, when storing air-fried bagels, ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent condensation from forming and ensure your bagels stay fresh for longer.

How to reheat air-fried bagels

Air fryers are a great way to reheat bagels, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy centre. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your bagels to perfection:

Prepare the Bagel

Cut the bagel in half or quarters, depending on its size. This will allow for more even reheating. If your bagel is frozen, you can put it straight into the air fryer without defrosting first. However, if it is fresh or refrigerated, you may want to slice it in half first.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 370°F and preheat for 2-3 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, set it to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to warm up for 3 to 5 minutes.

Place the Bagel in the Air Fryer

Arrange the bagel halves or whole bagel in the air fryer basket, ensuring you do not overcrowd the basket as this can affect heat circulation and result in uneven cooking. For frozen bagels, it is best to cook one or two at a time.

Reheat the Bagel

Reheat the bagel for about 3 to 7 minutes, depending on its size and whether it is fresh or frozen. Keep an eye on it to achieve your desired level of warmth and crispiness, and adjust the time or temperature as needed. Thicker bagels will take longer to reheat, and you may need to flip them halfway through to prevent burning.

Enjoy!

Once your bagel is heated to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and load it with your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, avocado, or smoked salmon.

Toppings and spreads for air-fried bagels

There are endless possibilities for toppings and spreads for air-fried bagels. If you want to stick to the classics, cream cheese is a popular option. You can add herbs, spices, or fruit preserves to your cream cheese for some extra flavour. If you're looking for something more savoury, try adding smoked salmon, avocado, tomatoes, greens, or even a fried egg. You can also use your bagel as a sandwich base and add ingredients like ham, bacon, or deli meat.

If you're craving something sweet, you can spread your bagel with butter, honey, or nut butter. For an extra indulgent treat, try a chocolate-hazelnut spread like Nutella, and garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint. If you're feeling fruity, peanut butter and banana is a healthy, protein-packed combination. You could also try adding a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

For a more unconventional option, hummus and falafel will add some Middle Eastern flair to your bagel. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different seeds like sesame, poppy, or sunflower, or spices like Italian herbs, cinnamon, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic.

Frequently asked questions