Air Fryer Bagels: Timing For Perfect Results

Toasting bagels in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior with a warm, fluffy inside. The circulating hot air ensures even toasting without burnt edges, and the results are surprisingly better than using a toaster or an oven. The air fryer is also versatile, allowing you to toast other breakfast items like English muffins and pastries. Here's a simple guide on how to toast a bagel in an air fryer.

How to toast a bagel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

First, take your bagel of choice and slice it evenly down the middle. If your bagel is frozen, it's best to preheat your air fryer for more even cooking.

Step 2: Position the Bagel

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Ensure there is space around the bagels for the hot air to circulate.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F (or 175°C) for 3-4 minutes. You may need to adjust the time depending on your air fryer model and how toasted you like your bagel. For a lighter toast, 2.5-3 minutes is perfect, and for a darker toast, leave it for the full 4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Butter or Oil (Optional)

For an extra crispy bagel with a rich, golden hue, brush the bagel halves with melted butter or spray with olive oil before toasting.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

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

Step 6: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Your bagel is now ready to eat! Top it with cream cheese, butter, honey, jam, or any other toppings of your choice. Enjoy!

Best toppings for air fryer bagels

To make the perfect air fryer bagel, you'll need to start with a good base. Slice your bagel in half and place it in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Air fry at 370-380°F for 3-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.

Now, for the fun part: toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Combinations

The traditional route is a schmear of cream cheese. You can keep it plain, or add some onion and chives with everything bagel seasoning. If you're feeling fancy, try a creamy vegan mascarpone cheese.

Sweet Options

For a sweeter bagel, try non-dairy butter, jam, or honey. For a real treat, make a French toast bagel by soaking the sliced bagel in a French toast mixture and cooking it on a griddle or in a pan.

Savory Creations

If you're feeling adventurous, top your bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or make a breakfast bagel with scrambled eggs, bacon, and sliced avocado. You can also turn your bagel into a pizza by adding marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.

Homemade Bagel Toppings

If you're feeling extra creative, you can make your own bagel toppings. Try mixing in dried or fresh fruit like blueberries, raisins, or cranberries. Or, add some spices like Italian herbs, cinnamon, smoked paprika, onion, or garlic.

So, get creative, and enjoy your perfect air fryer bagel!

How to make homemade bagels

Ingredients:

• Self-rising flour (or a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt)
• Yogurt (any thick, plain variety such as Greek, coconut, or soy)
• Optional: Butter or oil for brushing/spraying
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. everything bagel seasoning, cheese, dried/fresh fruit, seeds, spices)

Method:

• Mix the flour and yogurt in a bowl until combined. If the dough is too thin, add more flour; if it's too thick, add more yogurt.
• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it several times until smooth.
• Divide the dough into four portions. Using your hands, roll each portion into a sausage shape and connect the ends to create a bagel shape.
• Brush the exterior of each bagel with melted butter or spray with olive oil for a richer, golden hue (optional).
• Sprinkle your chosen toppings over the bagels.
• Place the bagels into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for air circulation. For a bigger batch, you may need to toast in several batches.
• Air fry at 350-380°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove the bagels from the air fryer and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving with your favorite toppings or fillings.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent the bagels from spreading and rising unevenly.
• If you don't want to brush the bagels with butter, you can use milk or cream instead.
• Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your favorite combinations.
• If your bagel is fresh and moist, consider a 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature to remove excess moisture for a crispier finish.

Storage:

Air-fried bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to six months.

Reheating:

Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

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. Keeping bagels at room temperature in a paper bag or a zip-top bag is ideal. Avoid using plastic bags if the bagels are still warm, as this can make them soggy.
• Airtight Containers: Leftover bagels can be stored in airtight containers, plastic wrap, or sealed bags at room temperature for 2-7 days.
• Freezer Storage: If you want to store bagels for longer, freezing is a great option. Before freezing, it is advisable to slice the bagels in half horizontally to make it easier to toast them directly from the freezer. Wrap the bagel halves in plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper to prevent sticking, then place them in a sealable freezer bag. Frozen bagels can be stored for up to 3-4 months.
• Thawing: When ready to eat, simply thaw the frozen bagels at room temperature or pop them into a toaster or oven without thawing for a quick snack.
• Storing Store-Bought Bagels: The plastic bags that store-bought bagels come in can be used for storage if there are no holes or tears. If the bag is damaged, transfer the bagels to a resealable plastic bag.

How to toast a frozen bagel in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

Take your frozen bagel and slice it evenly in half. Do not allow the bagel to thaw before toasting.

Step 2: Place Bagel in the Air Fryer

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket, cut-side up, in a single layer. Make sure to leave enough space for air circulation and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Step 3: Cook the Bagel

For best results, preheat your air fryer before cooking. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, and cook for 5-6 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Once toasted, remove the bagel from the air fryer and add your favourite toppings. Classic toppings include cream cheese, butter, jam, or peanut butter. For a savoury option, you could add scrambled eggs, bacon, or ham, or smoked salmon.

Tips:

• Depending on your preferred level of crispness, you can cook the bagel for 2-3 minutes for a lighter crisp, and 3-4 minutes for a darker crisp.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, the air fryer will already be heated up, so subsequent batches will cook faster.
• If you are using an oven-style air fryer, only use one shelf/tray at a time to ensure even cooking.
• There is no need to flip the bagels during cooking. Simply leave the cut-side up for the duration of the cooking time.
• If you are cooking for a larger group, you can toast bagels in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F, brush the cut surface with melted butter or oil, and place the bagels cut-side up on a baking tray for 4-5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions