Air Fryer Bagel Bites: How Long To Cook?

Air fryer bagel bites are a quick and easy snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. They are perfect for kids and picky eaters and can be made with any type of bagel, pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. The air fryer gets them wonderfully crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with the perfect melted cheesy goodness on top. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make bagel bites in an air fryer, as well as tips and tricks for making them even better.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-375° F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making bagel bites. It allows your food to cook more evenly and in a shorter amount of time. It also helps to achieve that desirable crispy and melty texture.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to between 350-375° F. Different sources recommend slightly different temperatures within this range, so you may need to experiment to find the optimal temperature for your particular air fryer model. It is worth noting that some air fryers do not have a preheat setting, in which case you should let the air fryer run for about 5 minutes before adding your bagel bites.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray if needed. This will help to ensure that your bagel bites don't stick to the basket. However, make sure not to place any parchment paper or foil in the air fryer while it is preheating, as the hot air circulation can pull the paper or foil towards the heating element. Always place parchment paper or foil in the air fryer after preheating, just before adding your food.

Place the bagel bites in a single layer

When placing the bagel bites in the air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit around 9 to 16 bagel bites in a single layer. It's also a good idea to leave a little space around each bagel bite.

When arranging the bagel bites, use your discretion to ensure they have sufficient room to cook properly. You can also refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific guidelines on spacing and capacity. By placing the bagel bites in a single layer, you promote even cooking and help achieve the desired crispy texture.

It's worth noting that the number of bagel bites you can fit in a single layer will depend on their size and the dimensions of your air fryer. If you're cooking for a larger group, you may need to cook the bagel bites in batches to ensure even cooking and the best results.

Once you have arranged the bagel bites in a single layer, you can proceed with air frying according to your desired recipe and cooking instructions. Remember to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific guidelines and safety precautions.

Air fry for 5-9 minutes

Air frying bagel bites is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack in under 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand of bagel bites and the type of air fryer being used. However, on average, it should take between 5-9 minutes to air fry bagel bites.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-375° F. The temperature may vary depending on the brand of air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. For a crispier texture, a higher temperature is recommended.

Step 2: Prepare the Bagel Bites

Decide on the number of bagel bites you need and remove them from the package. It is important to note that bagel bites should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bagel Bites

Place the bagel bites in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Then, air fry for 5-9 minutes. It is recommended to check on the bagel bites after 4-7 minutes, as the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model.

Step 4: Serve

Once the bagel bites have reached your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. It is important to let them cool down for a couple of minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Tips for Customization and Serving:

You can add extra toppings such as cheese, onions, peppers, or other pizza toppings during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Serving bagel bites with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, is also recommended.

Storage and Reheating:

It is best to consume bagel bites fresh, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the bagel bites back in the air fryer and cook at 350° F for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Add toppings

You can add toppings to your bagel bites before or after air frying them. If you want to add toppings before air frying, place your desired toppings on the bagel bites and then follow the cooking instructions. If you want to add toppings after air frying, remove the bagel bites from the air fryer and add your desired toppings.

• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)
• Extra cheese (shredded mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, Gouda, etc.)
• Cooked crumbled bacon
• Diced pepperoni slices
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Peppers

When adding toppings, be mindful of the size of your air fryer and the number of bagel bites you are cooking. You want to make sure that there is enough space in the air fryer for the hot air to circulate properly. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and do not layer the bagel bites on top of each other.

Additionally, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and amount of toppings you add. Always keep an eye on your bagel bites while they are cooking to ensure that they do not burn.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite!

Serve with a dipping sauce

While bagel bites are often eaten straight out of the air fryer, they can also be served with a dipping sauce. This is a great way to elevate this simple snack and make it even more delicious. So, what are some good dipping sauce options?

One popular option is marinara sauce. This classic pizza sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy, saucy goodness of bagel bites. If you want to get fancy, you can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes and dried oregano on top of your bagel bites to really enhance that pizza flavour.

Another option is to serve your bagel bites with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or Alabama white BBQ sauce. These sauces add a tangy, savoury element that complements the other flavours nicely. If you're serving these to kids or picky eaters, you can even offer ketchup as a dipping option.

For those who like their food on the spicy side, hot sauce is another great choice. This will give your bagel bites a nice kick and keep things interesting. You could also sprinkle some extra cheese on top of your bagel bites before serving, for an extra indulgent treat.

So, there you have it! The next time you make bagel bites in your air fryer, don't be afraid to get creative and serve them with a delicious dipping sauce on the side. It's a simple way to take this snack to the next level and impress your guests (or just treat yourself!)

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