Toasting Bagels In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

You can definitely toast a bagel in an air fryer! In fact, some people prefer it to a toaster, as it can give a more even toast. The circulating hot air in the air fryer means you can achieve a bagel that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, without the dreaded burnt crust.

To toast a bagel in an air fryer, first slice your bagel in half and place it cut-side up in the air fryer basket or tray. You can then brush the bagel with some melted butter or spray with olive oil for extra crispness and flavour. Next, preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F (175-190°C) and air fry for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. You can then add your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter or honey.

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 you want to add an extra layer of crispiness and flavour, you can lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter or spray them with olive oil.

Step 2: Set the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F (175-190°C). The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer model and how toasted you like your bagel, but 3-4 minutes should be enough to get a light golden brown colour. If you prefer your bagel darker and crispier, simply add another minute or two to the timer.

Step 3: Position the Bagel

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

Step 4: Check and Adjust

Once the timer goes off, open the fryer and check on your bagel. If you want it darker or crispier, you can always add more time. 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 top it with your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, honey, jam, or even a fried egg and bacon. Enjoy!

The pros and cons of toasting bagels in an air fryer

Toasting bagels in an air fryer can be a quick and convenient way to achieve an evenly browned and crispy bagel. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of toasting bagels in an air fryer:

Pros:

• Even Toasting: The circulating hot air in an air fryer results in a more evenly toasted bagel compared to traditional toasting methods, eliminating uneven patches and ensuring a consistent golden colour.
• Quicker Results: Air fryers can toast frozen bagels faster than an oven, making them ideal for busy mornings when you're short on time.
• Less Mess and Easier Clean-Up: Air fryers produce fewer crumbs than toasters, and most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.

Cons:

• Limited Batch Size: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to toast multiple bagels in batches if you're making breakfast for a large group.
• Potential for Drying Out: The intense hot air in an air fryer can dry out bagels if they're left in for too long, so it's important to monitor them closely.
• Need for Close Monitoring: Unlike traditional toasters, you can't rely on a set-it-and-forget-it approach with air fryers. To avoid burning your bagels, keep a close eye on them, especially during your first few attempts.

Top tips for air fryer bagel sandwich making

Pre-toasting the bagel

If you want your bagel to have a more consistent texture throughout, pre-toast the bagel halves for a few minutes before assembling your sandwich. This will ensure the bagel is not too doughy or soft in the middle.

Lettuce and sauce

If you're adding lettuce and sauce, it's best to add these after the sandwich has been toasted. This will allow the lettuce to warm up and wilt slightly, and the sauce to warm through, without becoming too hot.

Secure your sandwich

Some air fryers have very strong fans, which may cause the top of your bagel to blow away. If you're concerned about this, secure your sandwich with a toothpick to hold it together.

Experiment with toppings

The beauty of an air fryer bagel sandwich is that you can pack in a lot of fillings. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favourite combination. You can also use up any bits and pieces you have in your fridge.

Temperature and timing

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F (175°C to 190°C). The timing will depend on your preferred level of crispness, but generally, you'll want to air fry for around 3 to 5 minutes. For a lighter crisp, air fry for 2 to 3 minutes, and for a darker crisp, go for 3 to 4 minutes.

Butter or oil

For an added layer of crispiness and flavour, brush your bagel halves with melted butter or spray with olive oil before toasting. This will also give your bagel a rich, golden hue.

Avoid overcrowding

To ensure even toasting, avoid overcrowding your air fryer. This will allow the hot air to circulate freely and prevent your bagel from becoming soggy.

Fresh bagels

If your bagel is fresh, consider a pre-toasting technique. Pop it into the air fryer for a short 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature to remove excess moisture and create a crisper finish.

Seasoning

Before popping your bagel into the air fryer, sprinkle on some seasoning. Everything-bagel seasoning is a classic, but you can also try chili flakes, shredded cheese, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.

Clean-up

One of the benefits of using an air fryer is the easy clean-up. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your delicious bagel sandwich!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for toasting a bagel in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of bagel, your desired level of crispness, and the model of your air fryer. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect toast:

Temperature Settings:

• The recommended temperature range for toasting bagels in an air fryer is between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 204°C).
• For a lighter toast, you can start at the lower end of this range, around 350°F to 370°F.
• For a darker and crispier toast, increase the temperature to 380°F to 400°F.

Timing Guidelines:

• The toasting time will vary depending on your desired level of crispness and the model of your air fryer.
• For a lightly toasted bagel, set the timer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• If you prefer a darker and crispier toast, increase the time to 3 to 5 minutes.
• It's important to keep an eye on your bagel during the toasting process, as air fryers can vary in terms of heating intensity.
• Always remember that it's easier to add more time than to undo a burnt bagel!

Tips for Adjustments:

• If you're toasting frozen bagels, it's best to preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• When toasting from frozen, increase the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes or until the bagel is heated through.
• For subsequent batches of bagels, adjust the timing as the air fryer is already heated up.
• If you're using an oven-style air fryer, only use one shelf or tray at a time to ensure proper air circulation.
• For a more flavourful and crispier bagel, you can lightly brush the bagel halves with melted butter or spray them with olive oil before toasting.

Bagel toppings

So, you want to toast a bagel in an air fryer? Great idea! But what are you going to put on it? Here are some ideas for bagel toppings to get your taste buds tingling.

Savoury Toppings

If you're a fan of the classics, you can't go wrong with cream cheese. But why not jazz it up a bit? Try adding smoked salmon (also known as lox), sardines, or chopped veggies like broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers. If you're feeling adventurous, try a cream cheese and jelly bagel—a tried-and-true favourite.

For a more substantial meal, turn your bagel into a breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese. Or keep it simple with just egg and cheese on an asiago bagel. If you're a fan of spice, add some sriracha to your cream cheese, or try jalapeño cream cheese.

Other savoury toppings to try include:

• Hummus with cucumber, onion, tomato, and bell peppers
• Ricotta cheese with pesto and tomato slices
• Greek yoghurt and fruit
• Mashed sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Scrambled eggs with fried or sheet pan eggs
• Avocado with salt and lemon pepper
• Salami, roasted pepper herb cream cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce
• Fried halloumi with pesto, yoghurt sauce, and chopped veggies

Sweet Toppings

If you have more of a sweet tooth, there are plenty of sweet toppings to satisfy your cravings. Try peanut butter or another nut butter with banana, or go for a more indulgent option with almond or walnut cream cheese.

For a fruity bagel, spread on some strawberry or blueberry cream cheese, or go for fresh fruit and berries with a drizzle of honey. If you're feeling fancy, try a lime mascarpone cream mousse or a lemon ricotta cream mousse.

Other sweet toppings to tantalise your taste buds include:

• Cinnamon raisin bagel with butter
• Honey or jam with butter
• Maple syrup and walnuts
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Applesauce with a sprinkle of cinnamon

Frequently asked questions