Air Fryer Bagels: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can toast a bagel in an air fryer! It's a great way to free up counter space and achieve a perfectly toasted bagel. The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures even toasting, and you can easily adjust the settings to get your desired level of crispness. To toast a bagel in an air fryer, simply slice it in half, place the halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 350-400°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also toast frozen bagels in the air fryer by preheating the air fryer first and then placing the frozen bagel directly into the basket without thawing.

How to toast a bagel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

First, take your bagel and slice it evenly in half. If you want to toast a whole bagel, you can, but slicing it in half will give you better results.

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 for even cooking.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 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 guide, cooking for around 3-4 minutes per side should do the trick.

Step 4: Check and Adjust

Once the timer goes off, open the fryer and check on your bagel. If you prefer a darker toast, add another minute or two of cooking time. Remember, it's easier to add time than to undo a burnt bagel!

Step 5: Top and Serve

Remove the bagel from the air fryer and top with your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, or honey. You can also make a breakfast sandwich with bacon and a fried egg.

The best toppings for air fryer bagels

Air fryer bagels are a quick and easy breakfast option, and the best part is that you can top them with just about anything! Here are some ideas for the best toppings to elevate your air fryer bagels:

Savoury Toppings:

• Cream Cheese: A classic bagel topping, cream cheese is a great starting point. You can stick to plain cream cheese, or get creative with flavours like onion and chives.
• Butter: For a simple yet delicious option, top your bagel with a generous slab of butter.
• Deli Meats: Turn your bagel into a hearty sandwich by filling it with deli meats like turkey or ham.
• Cheese: For an extra indulgent treat, add some cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, or asiago cheese will melt beautifully on your air fryer bagel.
• Eggs: Whether fried, scrambled, or sunny-side-up, eggs are a great addition to your bagel.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon pairs perfectly with a soft bagel and your choice of toppings.

Sweet Toppings:

• Honey: Drizzle some honey on top of your cream cheese for a sweet and tangy combination.
• Jam: Strawberry, blueberry, or any other flavour of your choice will add a sweet touch to your bagel.
• Peanut Butter: For a protein-packed option, spread some peanut butter on your bagel.
• Fruit: Top your bagel with fresh berries or dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or blueberries for a touch of sweetness.

Bagel Seasonings:

• Everything Bagel Seasoning: This classic New York-style seasoning blend is a popular choice for a reason!
• Poppy Seeds: For a subtle crunch and a unique flavour, top your bagel with poppy seeds.
• Sesame Seeds: Like poppy seeds, sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and a nutty flavour.
• Spices: Try Italian herbs, cinnamon, smoked paprika, onion, or garlic powder for an extra kick of flavour.

So, get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite!

How to serve air fryer bagels

Air fryer bagels are a quick and easy breakfast option. They can be served in a variety of ways, from sweet to savoury, and can be customised to your taste. Here is a guide on how to serve air fryer bagels:

Preparing the Bagels

First, you will need to slice your bagel in half and place the halves into the air fryer basket, cut-side up. If you are using frozen bagels, you do not need to defrost them first. Set your air fryer to between 370-400°F and "fry" the bagels for 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

Toppings and Fillings

The fun part about bagels is that they are so versatile and can be topped or filled with almost anything. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Cream Cheese: Spread your favourite cream cheese on the bagel. Some popular options include onion and chives, or plain cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning.
• Butter: For a simple yet delicious option, top your bagel with a bit of butter.
• Sweet Spreads: Try something sweet like honey or jam, especially if you are using a cinnamon raisin bagel.
• Savoury Spreads: If you are feeling adventurous, try some peanut butter or houmous.
• Breakfast Bagel: For a more hearty breakfast, top your bagel with scrambled eggs, bacon, or ham, or fried eggs.
• Bagel Sandwich: Use your bagel as bread and fill it with your favourite sandwich toppings, such as deli meats, cheese, and salad.
• Bagel Pizza: Top your bagel with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favourite pizza toppings.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover bagels, they can be stored in an airtight container or sealed bag for 2-7 days. To freeze, simply place in a ziplock bag and store for up to six months. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

How to toast bagels from frozen in an air fryer

Step 1:

First, take your frozen bagel and slice it in half. Ensure that you use a good bread knife and slice it evenly—nobody wants a lopsided bagel!

Step 2:

You can optionally brush the cut sides of the bagel halves with some melted butter or spray them with olive oil. This adds flavour and gives a rich, golden hue to the finished product.

Step 3:

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). The temperature and time may vary depending on your air fryer model and your personal preference. As a guide, air fry at 380°F for 3-4 minutes for a golden brown and crispy bagel.

Step 4:

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket, cut-side facing up. Ensure that the bagels have some space around them to allow for even air circulation.

Step 5:

Once the timer goes off, check the bagels and see if they are toasted to your liking. If you prefer a darker toast, put them back in the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 6:

Top your toasted bagel with your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, honey, jam, or even a fried egg and some bacon!

How long to put a bagel in the air fryer

You can cook a bagel in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the crispness you prefer and the type of air fryer you have.

Preparation

First, slice the bagel in half and place the halves into the air fryer basket, cut-side up. If your bagel is a bit stale, try running it under the tap before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Set your air fryer to between 360-400°F. The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your bagel. For a lightly crispy bagel, air fry for 2-3 minutes. For a darker crisp, cook for 3-5 minutes.

Toppings

Once your bagel is toasted, top with your favourite toppings. Classic options include cream cheese, butter, or jam. For a more savoury option, try scrambled eggs, bacon, or ham.

Frequently asked questions