Air Fryer Bagels: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

If you're a bagel lover, you'll know that achieving the perfect toast is an art. While a toaster or oven can do the job, an air fryer offers a quicker, more convenient option for that golden, crispy exterior and warm, fluffy interior. But how long do you need to heat a bagel in an air fryer?

The answer depends on a few factors, such as the initial temperature of the bagel and your desired level of crispness. Generally, it takes around 3-6 minutes to toast a bagel in an air fryer at 350-400°F (175-204°C). If you're toasting from frozen, it may take a little longer, around 5-7 minutes. It's also worth noting that different air fryer models may vary in cooking time and temperature, so you may need to adjust the settings slightly.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process. First, if you have a whole bagel, use a bread knife to slice it evenly in half. You can optionally brush the cut sides with melted butter or spray with olive oil for added flavour and crispness.

Next, set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400°F (175-204°C). Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up, ensuring they have some space around them for even cooking.

Finally, air fry your bagels! The time will depend on your preferences, but as a guide, aim for around 3-4 minutes for a lightly crispy bagel, and 4-6 minutes for a darker, crispier toast. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as air fryers can quickly turn a golden brown bagel into a burnt one!

Once your bagels are toasted to perfection, it's time to enjoy them! You can top them with traditional spreads like butter, jam, or cream cheese, or get creative with savoury toppings like smoked salmon, fried eggs, or pizza toppings.

How to toast a bagel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

First, take your bagel and slice it in half. You can use any type of bagel here, from plain to blueberry, cinnamon raisin, onion, or sesame—it all works!

Step 2: (Optional) Butter or Oil the Bagel

For an extra crispy and flavourful bagel, you can lightly brush the cut sides of the bagel with melted butter or spray them with olive oil. This step is completely optional but will give your bagel a rich, golden hue.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 204°C). The ideal cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness and your air fryer model, but it should be around 3-4 minutes for a lightly toasted bagel, and 4-6 minutes for a darker and crispier bagel.

Step 4: Place the Bagel in the Air Fryer

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Make sure there is space around the bagels to allow for proper air circulation. This step is crucial for achieving even toasting.

Step 5: Check and Adjust as Needed

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

Step 6: Enjoy Your Toasted Bagel

Your bagel is now ready to be enjoyed! You can top it with a variety of spreads and toppings, such as cream cheese, butter and honey, strawberry jam, or peanut butter. You can also turn it into a breakfast sandwich by adding bacon, cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even toasting.
• If your bagel is fresh and moist, consider a 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature (300°F/150°C) to remove excess moisture for a crispier finish.
• Experiment with different seasonings before toasting, such as everything-bagel seasoning, chili flakes, shredded cheese, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
• If you're toasting frozen bagels, preheat the air fryer and add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

How long to heat a frozen bagel in an air fryer

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to heat a frozen bagel, your air fryer can be a handy tool. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Bagel

Before placing the bagel in the air fryer, it's a good idea to preheat the air fryer for the best results. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (about 175°C to 204°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, you can set the temperature and let it run for a few minutes without food inside. Alternatively, you can skip preheating but add a bit more time to the cooking time.

When the air fryer is ready, take your frozen bagel and slice it in half. Some people prefer to slice the bagel before freezing, as it's easier to get a clean cut.

Step 2: Cook the Bagel

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Depending on your air fryer model and the number of bagels, you might need to cook them in batches.

Cooking time for frozen bagels in an air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 7 minutes. For a darker, crispier bagel, you might want to add an extra minute or two. If you're cooking from room temperature, 3 to 4 minutes should be enough.

There's no need to flip the bagels during cooking. Just let them cook until they're golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once your bagels are nicely toasted, it's time to serve them! You can enjoy them with a variety of toppings or as a base for a breakfast sandwich. Classic choices include cream cheese, butter, or jam. If you're feeling adventurous, try something like avocado, smoked salmon, or even Nutella.

Tips and Tricks

• If you want an extra crispy bagel, lightly spray the bagel with cooking oil or brush it with melted butter or oil before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It's best to cook one or two bagels at a time to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Always keep an eye on your bagels while they're cooking, as air fryer temperatures can vary, and you don't want them to burn.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, subsequent batches will cook faster since the air fryer is already heated up.
• You can cook frozen bagels directly from frozen. There's no need to defrost them first.

Best toppings for air fryer bagels

To heat a bagel in an air fryer, slice it in half and place the halves in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Then, air fry at 350°F to 400°F for 3-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.

Now, for the toppings! Here are some ideas for the best toppings for air fryer bagels:

Savoury Toppings

• Cream cheese, a classic!
• Butter
• Bagel seasoning
• Peanut butter
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Eggs and bacon
• Deli meats and cheese
• Hummus
• Guacamole
• Smoked salmon
• Crispy carrot bacon
• Sliced avocado
• Tofu scramble

Sweet Toppings

• Strawberry jam
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Raisin
• Blueberry
• Maple syrup
• Mascarpone cheese
• Melted chocolate
• Nut butter

How to make bagels in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or your favorite bagel toppings

Method

• In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and yogurt and mix until combined. If the dough is too thin, add more flour. If the dough is too thick, add more yogurt.
• Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough on top. Knead it several times, then divide it into 4 portions.
• Roll out each portion of dough into a long, sausage shape and connect them at both sides to form a bagel.
• Brush the exterior of each bagel with melted butter and sprinkle with your chosen bagel toppings.
• Transfer the bagels into an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper.
• Air fry the bagels for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool completely before slicing and spreading with your favorite toppings.

Tips

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as the bagels will spread and rise.
• If you don't want to brush the bagels with butter, you can use milk or cream instead.
• Once the bagels have cooled, slice them in half.
• For frozen bagels, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-6 minutes.

Topping Ideas

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Cheese (asiago, cheddar, or mozzarella)
• Dried or fresh fruit (blueberries, raisins, or cranberries)
• Seeds (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds)
• Spices (Italian herbs, cinnamon, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic)

How to store leftover bagels

Storing leftover bagels properly is essential to keep them fresh and soft. Here are some tips to ensure your leftover bagels remain in the best condition:

• Counter Storage: It is recommended to store bagels on the counter rather than in the fridge. Storing bagels in a cool refrigerator can cause them to become stale faster due to the recrystallization of starch molecules at low temperatures. The ideal place to keep bagels is in a paper bag or a zip-top bag on the counter. However, ensure that the bagels are not warm when placed in the bag, as this can lead to sogginess.
• Airtight Containers: Leftover bagels can be stored in airtight containers, plastic wrap, or preferably a sealed bag. This helps lock out moisture and prevents the bagels from hardening.
• Freezer Storage: If you want to store bagels for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Before freezing, it is advisable to pre-slice the bagels to avoid the hassle of cutting them when frozen. Wrap each bagel half in plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Then, place the wrapped halves together in a sealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: When ready to consume, thaw the frozen bagels at room temperature. You can reheat them in an air fryer, toaster, or oven for a couple of minutes to regain their warmth and crispiness.
• Storage Duration: Bagels stored at room temperature in airtight containers or bags typically remain fresh for 2-7 days. Frozen bagels, on the other hand, can last for up to 3-4 months without losing their softness and texture.

Frequently asked questions