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

Cooking bagel bites in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack in under 10 minutes. Bagel bites are small bagels with pizza toppings, usually served as a quick snack or a lunch for kids. While you can cook them in a microwave or oven, the air fryer is considered the best option as it provides a consistent temperature and texture, and takes less time.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making Bagel Bites. It allows your food to cook more evenly and in a shorter amount of time. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 350-400°F. This temperature range is hot enough to ensure your Bagel Bites cook through and achieve the desired crispy texture on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.

When preheating your air fryer to this temperature range, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, every air fryer is slightly different, so you may need to adjust the temperature or timing slightly based on your specific model. It's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines. Additionally, if you are using parchment paper or foil in the air fryer, do not place them inside during the preheating process. The hot air circulation can pull the paper or foil towards the heating element, creating a safety hazard. Instead, wait until after preheating and just before adding your food to place the parchment paper or foil in the air fryer.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range of 350-400°F, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Bagel Bites with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

Place frozen bagel bites in a single layer

Placing frozen bagel bites in a single layer is a crucial step in the air fryer cooking process. This ensures that each bite cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of crispiness and meltiness. By not overlapping the bagel bites, you allow the hot air to circulate around each one, resulting in consistent cooking.

When arranging the frozen bagel bites in the air fryer basket, it is best to leave a little space around each one. This prevents overcrowding and ensures that the hot air can flow freely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit around 9 to 12 bagel bites in a single layer.

It is important to note that the number of bagel bites you can cook at once may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Always refer to the instructions provided with your air fryer for specific guidelines. Additionally, avoid the temptation to stack or layer the bagel bites, as this will impact cooking times and may lead to uneven results.

By following this step and placing the frozen bagel bites in a single layer, you are ensuring that each bite cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and consistent snack or meal.

Cook for 5-9 minutes

Now that you've placed your bagel bites in the air fryer, it's time to cook them! The cooking time will vary depending on the number of bagel bites you're preparing, the specific model of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.

For a single layer of frozen bagel bites, the cooking time typically ranges from 5 to 9 minutes at a temperature of around 350°F (180°C). However, it's important to keep an eye on your bagel bites during the cooking process, especially after the 4-minute mark, to ensure they don't burn.

If you're cooking a larger batch or want a crispier texture, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. On the other hand, if you prefer your bagel bites softer or are cooking a smaller batch, you might want to reduce the cooking time accordingly.

It's worth noting that some air fryers may require preheating, which can add a couple of extra minutes to the overall cooking time. Additionally, different air fryer models may have slight variations in cooking times, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions.

While the bagel bites are cooking, you can prepare any additional toppings or sides, such as a salad or a dip. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top of the bagel bites during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy treat!

Once the bagel bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted to your liking, it's time to remove them from the air fryer. Remember to use silicone tongs or handle them carefully with your hands, as they will be hot!

Add toppings 2-3 minutes before they're done

When making bagel bites in an air fryer, it is best to add toppings 2-3 minutes before they are done. This is because air fryers cook food very quickly and you don't want to burn your toppings.

If you are using frozen bagel bites, the cooking time is around 5-9 minutes, so you will want to add your toppings about halfway through. If you are making homemade bagel bites, the cooking time is shorter, so you will only need to cook them for 2-3 minutes after adding the toppings.

Some suggested toppings include:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Green peppers
• Diced onions
• Mini pepperonis
• Cooked crumbled bacon
• Different types of cheese, such as shredded pepper jack or crumbled feta

Remove with tongs and serve

Once your bagel bites are cooked to perfection, it's time to take them out of the air fryer and serve them up! But how do you do that without burning yourself or making a mess? Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your bagel bites are removed safely and efficiently:

Firstly, it is important to use the right tool for the job. Silicone tongs are the best option for removing bagel bites from the air fryer. They provide a good grip and won't scratch the surface of your air fryer like metal tongs can. If you don't have silicone tongs, you can carefully use your hands, but be very cautious as the bites will be hot!

When you're ready to remove the bagel bites, open the air fryer with caution as hot air will escape. Use your silicone tongs to carefully grab each bite, one by one, and place them on a serving plate or tray. Be gentle to avoid breaking or crumbling the bagel bites. If you need to stack them, do so carefully to maintain their shape.

If you're serving a large number of bagel bites, you may need to keep them warm while you remove the rest. You can do this by placing them on a wire rack in an oven set to a low temperature, or by covering them loosely with foil. Just be careful not to let them get cold or soggy!

Once you've removed all the bites, it's time to serve them! You can arrange them on a platter or in a bowl, or simply serve them straight from the air fryer basket if you're short on time. Don't forget to provide napkins or paper towels, as these tasty treats can be messy to eat!

Some people like to get creative with their serving suggestions. For example, you could provide a dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch dressing on the side. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try sprinkling red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or garlic powder on top for an extra kick of flavour.

And there you have it! Your bagel bites are now ready to be devoured. Whether you're serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a main course, your guests are sure to be impressed by their crispy, golden deliciousness. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions