Air-Fryer Bagel Bites: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Bagel bites are a popular snack, especially for kids, but cooking them in the microwave can result in a tough, burnt bagel with lava-like cheese. The oven method takes a long time, so the best way to cook bagel bites is in an air fryer. They will be ready in under 15 minutes, with a crispy outside and soft, chewy inside.

Cooking Bagel Bites in an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the bagel-making process. It ensures even cooking and a crispy, melty texture that is oh-so-desirable in bagel bites. The preheating temperature for your air fryer may vary, but it typically ranges from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, if you're using an Instant Pot Vortex, you should preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, some recipes recommend a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispier base.

The preheating time will depend on your air fryer model, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is especially important if you're cooking frozen bagel bites, as it ensures a consistent texture and temperature throughout your batch. By preheating, you can avoid the disappointment of soggy or unevenly cooked bagels.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer can reduce the overall cooking time. This is because your bagel bites will start cooking as soon as they come into contact with the heated surface, rather than having to wait for the air fryer to heat up during the cooking process. This is particularly advantageous when you're short on time or cooking in batches.

Moreover, preheating allows you to achieve the perfect doneness and texture. Depending on your preference, you can aim for a softer, chewier texture or a crispier, golden-brown finish by adjusting the preheating temperature within the recommended range.

Remember, every air fryer is unique, so you may need to experiment with preheating temperatures and times to find the sweet spot for your specific model. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Arrange the bagel bites in a single layer

When preparing bagel bites in an air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and a crispy base. This means that you should place the bagel bites in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving a little space around each one. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, and cook in batches if necessary.

The number of bagel bites that can be cooked in a single layer will depend on the size of your air fryer. For example, one person reported fitting 9 bites in a 6-quart air fryer, while another source stated that most air fryers should accommodate an entire pack of nine pizza bagels. If you have a larger air fryer, you may be able to fit up to two packs in a single layer.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to leave space between each bagel bite. This allows the hot air to circulate around each bite, cooking them evenly and giving them a crispy base. If the bagel bites are crowded in the air fryer, they may cook unevenly or become soggy.

When arranging the bagel bites in a single layer, try to avoid letting them touch. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly and don't stick together during cooking. If you are cooking a large number of bagel bites, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer with adequate space around each one.

In summary, arranging bagel bites in a single layer in the air fryer is important for achieving even cooking and a crispy base. By leaving space around each bite and cooking in batches if necessary, you can ensure that your bagel bites turn out perfectly cooked and delicious every time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bagel bites in an air fryer depend on whether they are frozen or homemade, and the power and size of the air fryer.

Frozen Bagel Bites

Frozen bagel bites can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen bagel bites in the air fryer, leaving a little space around each one. Then, cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown. Check for doneness at the 7-minute mark and continue cooking in 30-second intervals if they are not ready.

Homemade Bagel Bites

If you are making bagel bites from scratch, you do not need to preheat the air fryer. Simply place the bagel bites in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Check on the bagel bites after 3 to 4 minutes to ensure they are not burning.

Add toppings

Bagel bites are a popular snack because they are quick and easy to make. They are usually served as a quick snack or a lunch for kids, but they are also great for adults. You can buy them pre-frozen or make them yourself.

If you want to add toppings to your bagel bites, the first step is to slice the bagels into halves and spread pizza sauce on each half. You can use a variety of sauces, such as pesto, BBQ sauce, basil, or ranch dressing. Then, sprinkle cheese on top. You can use mozzarella, a blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, goat, or cheddar cheese, or dairy-free shredded cheese. Finally, add your favourite toppings. You can add pepperoni, olive, minced onion, peppers, or other vegetables. If you want to add a sweet twist to your bagel bites, you can top them with cream cheese, almond butter, strawberry jam, banana, or Nutella.

Once you have added your toppings, place the bagel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space around each one. You can cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes if they are homemade and not frozen, or 7 to 9 minutes if they are frozen. Check on them after 7 minutes and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bagel bites are golden brown.

Reheat and store

Leftover bagel bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated air fryer for three to four minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze your bagel bites. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months, or even up to six months according to one source. To reheat frozen bagel bites, place them in a preheated air fryer for six to eight minutes.

When removing bagel bites from the air fryer, it is recommended to use silicone tongs. You can also use your hands, but be careful as the bagel bites will be hot.

Frequently asked questions