Air-Fryer Bagels: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Solution

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's no surprise that people are experimenting with making bagels in them. But can you really make a bagel in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can make delicious, chewy, and crispy bagels with a variety of toppings in an air fryer. These bagels can be made from scratch with simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and baking powder, or you can toast store-bought bagels for a quick and easy breakfast. So, if you're looking for a new way to make bagels, give your air fryer a try!

Air fryer bagel toppings

There are endless options for toppings to add to your air fryer bagels. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic bagel toppings

• Butter– Softened butter will melt faster into a toasty bagel, but you can also spread on cream cheese, peanut butter, or jam.
• Everything bagel seasoning– The classic New York-style bagel topping.

Savoury toppings

• Cheese– Asiago, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese.
• Seeds– Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even sunflower seeds.
• Spices– Italian herbs, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic.
• Sliced jalapeños– For those who like it spicy.

Sweet toppings

• Dried or fresh fruit– Blueberries, raisins, or cranberries.
• Cinnamon– For a sweet and spicy kick.

Air fryer bagel dough

Air fryer bagels are easy to make and only require a few ingredients. The dough for these bagels can be made with self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. You can also make the self-rising flour yourself by combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

To make the dough, mix the flour and yogurt in a bowl until a crumbly dough forms. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more yogurt, and if it is too sticky, add a bit more flour. Once combined, transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

Next, divide the dough into four portions and roll each portion into a sausage shape. Connect the ends to create a bagel shape. You can brush the exterior of the bagels with melted butter and sprinkle on your desired toppings, such as everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion flakes, or dried or fresh fruit.

Place the bagels into an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket as the bagels will spread and rise. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can fit around 3 to 5 bagels. Air fry the bagels for 8 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Once the bagels are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before slicing and serving with your favorite toppings or spreads.

Air fryer bagel cooking times and temperatures

You can cook bagels in an air fryer in around 10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on how toasted you like your bagel and whether you are cooking from frozen.

Cooking a fresh bagel

To cook a fresh bagel in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to between 330°F and 370°F. Place the bagel in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes. If you like your bagel extra toasted, you can add another minute or two to the cooking time.

Cooking a frozen bagel

To cook a frozen bagel, preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F and place the frozen bagel in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the bagel halfway through. If you want your bagel toasted, increase the heat to 200°C/400°F for the last two minutes of cooking.

Making bagel dough from scratch

If you are making your bagel dough from scratch, you can cook the bagels in an air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Air fryer bagel pizza

Ingredients:

• Bagels (any flavour)
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Cheese (shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, vegetables, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for about 4 minutes.
• Slice the bagels in half if they are not pre-sliced.
• Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each bagel half, but be careful not to add too much to avoid sogginess.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce. You can be generous with the cheese as it acts as a "glue" for the other toppings.
• Add your desired toppings. Get creative and customize each bagel pizza to your taste.
• Lightly sprinkle Italian seasoning over the toppings for extra flavour (optional).
• Brush the edges of the bagels with olive oil to enhance crispiness (optional).
• Place the bagel pizzas into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around each for optimal air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry for about 3-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels are toasted to your liking.
• Carefully remove the bagel pizzas from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For a crispier crust, you can pre-toast the bagels for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings, then pop them back into the air fryer to melt the cheese.
• Choose denser bagels as they provide a sturdier base that holds up better under the weight of the toppings.
• Go easy on the sauce to prevent the bagels from becoming soggy. A thin, even layer is sufficient.
• Pre-cook raw meat or thicker vegetables before adding them as toppings to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Use perforated parchment paper in the air fryer basket if you're concerned about toppings falling through.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and get creative with your toppings!

Air fryer bagel storage

Air fryer bagels are a quick and easy breakfast option. But what's the best way to store them?

Storing Air Fryer Bagels

If you have leftover bagels, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.

Freezing Air Fryer Bagels

If you want to keep your air fryer bagels for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the leftover bagels in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Air Fryer Bagels

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bagels again, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or pop them back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to reheat.

So, there you have it! Air fryer bagels are not only delicious but also convenient, with several storage options available to keep them fresh and tasty.

Frequently asked questions