Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Pizza bagels are a tasty treat, and you can easily make them in an air fryer. You can use any type of bagel, from plain to everything, and load them up with your favourite toppings. The doughy bagel holds all your toppings, and the bottom gets crispy while the bagel stays soft and chewy. You can make pizza bagel bites for appetizers by using mini bagels instead of full-sized ones.

Pizza bagel bites: a tasty snack that can be made in the air fryer in under 10 minutes

Pizza bagel bites are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an after-school snack for the kids. The best part is that they are so easy to make and can be customised with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Bagels (you can use plain, gluten-free, or any flavour you like)
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Cheese (shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a pizza blend)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, ham, vegetables, etc.)

Instructions

• Cut the bagels in half.
• Spread each bagel half with pizza sauce.
• Add your desired toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the prepared bagel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 3-7 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they don't burn. The bagel bites are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips

• If you want extra crispy bagel bites, you can air fry the bagels without the sauce and toppings for 2-4 minutes before adding them.
• Use an air fryer rack to prevent the toppings from flying off while cooking.
• Always use silicone tongs to remove the bagel bites from the air fryer to avoid accidents.
• You can also make pizza bagel bites from scratch using mini bagels, or use frozen bagel bites for an even quicker snack.

Pre-made vs homemade: the pros and cons of buying pre-made pizza bagels vs making them yourself

Pre-made vs. Homemade Pizza Bagels: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pizza bagels are a convenient and tasty snack or meal, and they can be made in an oven or air fryer. But is it better to make them from scratch or buy them pre-made? Here are some pros and cons of each option:

Pre-made Pizza Bagels

Pros:

• Convenience: Pre-made pizza bagels are quick and easy. You can find them in the freezer section of your local grocery store, and they can be cooked in an air fryer or oven in under 15 minutes.
• Consistency: Pre-made pizza bagels will have consistent results, so you know what to expect with each purchase.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: Pre-made pizza bagels usually come with set toppings, limiting your ability to customize.
• Cost: Buying pre-made pizza bagels can be more expensive than making them yourself, especially if you're feeding a large group.

Homemade Pizza Bagels

Pros:

• Customization: You can choose your own bagel type and add any toppings you like, from classic pepperoni and cheese to more creative options like BBQ chicken or mushroom and sausage.
• Freshness: Homemade pizza bagels are made to order, ensuring freshness.
• Cost-effectiveness: Making pizza bagels from scratch can be more cost-effective, especially if you're feeding a large group.

Cons:

• Time: Making pizza bagels from scratch takes more time, including preparation and cleanup.
• Inconsistency: Results may vary with homemade pizza bagels, depending on your ingredients and cooking method.

In conclusion, both pre-made and homemade pizza bagels have their advantages and drawbacks. Pre-made pizza bagels offer convenience and consistency, while homemade pizza bagels provide customization and cost savings. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, time constraints, and budget.

Air fryer settings: the best temperature and duration settings for cooking pizza bagels in an air fryer

Pizza bagels are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, and can be ready in as little as 5 minutes. The exact temperature and duration settings will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the toppings you use, and your personal preference.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking pizza bagels in an air fryer is between 350°F and 380°F. Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F, but this may be too high and cause the pizza bagels to burn. If you are using a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, one source recommends cooking at 355°F.

Duration

The cooking time for pizza bagels in an air fryer can range from 4 to 10 minutes. Most sources recommend checking the pizza bagels after 3 to 7 minutes to ensure they do not burn. The duration will depend on the type of air fryer, the toppings used, and your desired level of crispiness.

Tips

• Be careful not to overload the air fryer basket. Place the pizza bagels in a single layer with no overlap to ensure even cooking.
• If you are using loose toppings (such as pepperoni slices), be aware that they may blow off in the air fryer's inner heating currents. Use tongs to adjust them if needed.
• To prevent the cheese from burning, you can cover the pizza bagels with foil during the first few minutes of cooking and then remove it to allow the cheese to melt.
• If you are using frozen bagels, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
• Preheating your air fryer is recommended for more even cooking and a crispier texture.
• Different types of bagels (such as plain, sesame, or everything bagels) can be used, but avoid dense bagels as they may become hard and dry when air-fried.
• Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your favorite combination.

Toppings: the best toppings to use for pizza bagels

Pizza bagels are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. The toppings you choose for your pizza bagels can be as simple or as creative as you like. Here are some ideas for delicious toppings to elevate your pizza bagel game:

Classic Pizza Toppings

If you're a fan of traditional pizza toppings, you can't go wrong with the classics:

• Sauce: Start with a base of tomato sauce or pizza sauce. Just be sure not to over-sauce your bagels, as this can make them soggy. Aim for about a tablespoon of sauce per bagel half.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties like smoked gouda or Monterey jack.
• Pepperoni: Mini pepperonis are a perfect fit for bagels, but you can also quarter regular-sized pepperoni slices.

Meat Toppings

For meat lovers, there are plenty of options to choose from:

• Sausage: Crumble Italian sausage or cooked breakfast sausage on top of your bagel for a hearty topping.
• Chicken: Try BBQ chicken with smoked gouda and red onions, or shred cooked chicken and add your favourite sauce.
• Ham: For a Hawaiian-style pizza bagel, top with thinly sliced ham and diced pineapple.
• Bacon: Combine with peanut butter and banana for a sweet and savoury combo, or add to a breakfast bagel with egg and cheese.
• Meatballs: Slice up cooked meatballs and add spaghetti sauce and mozzarella for a meatball parmesan bagel.

Vegetarian Toppings

There are endless vegetarian options to choose from as well:

• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms pair well with sausage or other toppings.
• Onions: Try caramelised onions, red onions, or green onions for a pop of colour and flavour.
• Pineapple: Be sure to drain and dry canned pineapple before adding to your bagel to avoid sogginess.
• Olives: Kalamata or black olives add a briny flavour to your bagel.
• Vegetables: Sliced tomatoes, sautéed peppers, or spinach are all great choices.

Other Topping Ideas

• Peanut butter and granola for a sweet and crunchy treat.
• Cream cheese, lox, and sliced cucumbers for a bagel with a deli twist.
• Burger patty, cheese, and your favourite burger toppings for a bagel take on a classic burger.
• Cookie dough for a sweet and indulgent dessert bagel.

Remember, when it comes to toppings, the key is moderation. Too many toppings can make your bagel hard to handle. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious air-fried pizza bagels!

Reheating: how to reheat pizza bagels in an air fryer

Pizza bagels are a tasty meal or snack and can be reheated in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-370°F (182°C). Preheating will help melt the cheese faster and prevent the air circulation from blowing the cheese or toppings off the bagels.
• Prepare the pizza bagels: Cut the bagels in half and top each half with your desired sauce and toppings. You can use pizza sauce, marinara/pasta sauce, or pesto as a base. For toppings, popular choices include pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon, sausage, and various vegetables.
• Place the pizza bagels in the air fryer: Ensure that you place them in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes.
• Reheat the pizza bagels: Air fry at 350-370°F (182°C) for 2-5 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve: Allow the pizza bagels to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Reheating pizza bagels in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy them again. You can also use this method to reheat frozen pizza bagels, but you may need to adjust the timing and temperature slightly.

Frequently asked questions