Perfectly Toasted Bagels: Air Fryer Timing Secrets

Toasting bagels in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect golden brown and crispy bagel. It is a convenient alternative to using a toaster or an oven, and it gives you the option to toast multiple bagels at once. The ideal temperature for toasting bagels in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F, and the toasting time ranges from 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

How to toast a bagel in an air fryer without a toaster

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

Start by taking your favourite bagel—it could be a plain bagel, a blueberry bagel, or even an onion bagel—and use a good bread knife to slice it in half. Ensure that you have a steady hand so that each half is even. Nobody wants a lopsided bagel!

Step 2: Butter or Oil (Optional)

For an added layer of crispiness and flavour, you can lightly brush your bagel halves with some melted butter or spray them with olive oil. This step is optional but will give your bagel a rich, golden hue.

Step 3: Set Up the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). The ideal temperature and time settings may vary depending on your air fryer model and personal preference, but around 3-4 minutes per side should do the trick.

Step 4: Position the Bagel

Place your bagel halves in the air fryer basket or tray with the cut side facing up. Ensure they have some space around them to allow for proper air circulation. It doesn't matter if you're using an oven-style or basket-style air fryer. Positioning the bagel halves correctly is crucial for achieving an even toast.

Step 5: Check and Adjust as Needed

Once the timer goes off, open the fryer and carefully inspect your bagels. They should be lightly toasted and emit a tempting aroma. If you prefer a darker toast, you can always add an extra minute or two. Remember, it's easier to add time than to undo a burnt bagel!

Step 6: Toppings

Your air fryer bagel is now ready to be enjoyed! You can top it with a generous smear of cream cheese, a dollop of strawberry jam, or the classic butter and honey combo. The crispy exterior of the air fryer bagel will hold up well, ensuring no sogginess, even with juicy toppings.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to prevent soggy results.
• For fresh bagels, consider a 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature to remove excess moisture for a crisper finish.
• Infuse flavour by using infused oils or compound butters, such as garlic-infused oil or rosemary butter.
• Experiment with seasonings like everything-bagel seasoning, chilli flakes, shredded cheese, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed any time of the day. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Chunky guacamole spread
• Classic cream cheese, especially on a blueberry bagel
• Jam, whether strawberry, raspberry, or apricot
• Slices of ripe tomato, paired with a fried egg for a savoury treat
• Melty shredded cheese
• Pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or peppers
• Fried egg with smoky bacon or ham

Now you're ready to enjoy perfectly toasted bagels, straight from your air fryer!

How long to toast a bagel in an air fryer

Toasting a bagel in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a perfectly toasted bagel. It's a convenient method, especially when making multiple servings at once, and it results in a crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy inside. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to toast a bagel in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Bagel

Start by slicing a standard-sized bagel in half. You want to ensure that both halves are even, so use a steady hand when slicing. This step is important as it allows for even toasting and helps achieve the desired level of crispness.

Step 2: Butter or Oil (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavour and crispness, you can lightly brush the cut sides of the bagel with melted butter or spray them with olive oil. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the taste and give the bagel a rich, golden colour.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The recommended temperature settings range from 350°F to 400°F (or 175°C). As for the time, it's generally recommended to air fry the bagel for around 3-4 minutes per side. However, the exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and your preferred level of doneness.

Step 4: Position the Bagel in the Air Fryer

Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket or tray with the cut side facing up. Ensure that there is space around them to allow for proper air circulation. This positioning is crucial for even toasting. Whether you use an oven-style or basket-style air fryer, the key is to position the bagel halves correctly.

Step 5: Check for Even Toasting and Adjust as Needed

Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and inspect the bagels. They should be lightly toasted and emit a tempting aroma. If you prefer a darker toast, you can add an extra minute or two. Just remember that it's easier to add time than to undo a burnt bagel!

Step 6: Toppings and Serving

Air fryer bagels pair well with a variety of toppings. You can spread cream cheese, butter, or jam on your toasted bagel, or get creative with other toppings like marinara sauce, shredded cheese, or even fried eggs and breakfast meats. The crispy exterior of the air fryer bagel holds up well, ensuring no sogginess, even with juicy toppings.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to prevent soggy results.
• For fresh bagels, consider a 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature to remove excess moisture.
• Experiment with infused oils, compound butters, or seasonings before toasting for added flavour.

Storing Leftover Bagels:

If you have leftover bagels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Best toppings for air fryer bagels

So, you've made some delicious bagels in your air fryer, and now you're wondering what to top them with? Well, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Combinations

If you're a fan of traditional flavours, why not try a classic bagel and cream cheese? You could also add some smoked salmon for a bagel and lox twist. Or, if you're feeling savoury, spread on some butter and sprinkle over everything bagel seasoning.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Try spreading your bagel with peanut butter or strawberry jam, or drizzle over some honey. You could even make French toast bagels by soaking the bagel halves in a French toast mixture before cooking them in a griddle or pan.

Savoury Delights

If you're looking for something more substantial, why not turn your bagel into a sandwich? Fill it with your favourite breakfast proteins and toppings, such as tofu scramble, crispy carrot bacon, or sliced avocado. You could also make a deli-style turkey or PB&J sandwich.

Pizza Bagels

Who doesn't love pizza? Top your bagel with marinara sauce and shredded cheese, or your favourite pizza toppings. You can even make mini pizza bagel bites using smaller bagels.

Creative Toppings

Want to get a little more creative with your toppings? Try sprinkling over some poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or dried or fresh fruit like blueberries, raisins, or cranberries. You could also add some spices like Italian herbs, cinnamon, smoked paprika, onion, or garlic.

There you have it! Plenty of ideas to keep your air fryer bagels interesting and delicious.

How to store leftover bagels

Leftover bagels can be stored in an airtight container, plastic wrap, or a sealed bag for 2-7 days. If you don't plan on eating them within this timeframe, it's best to freeze them.

To freeze bagels, wrap each bagel in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together. Then, place the wrapped bagels in a resealable freezer bag and store them for up to 6 months.

When you're ready to eat a frozen bagel, simply pop it into the toaster or microwave straight from frozen. There's no need to thaw them first!

• Fresh-baked bagels can be stored in a paper bag inside a resealable plastic bag to keep them fresh for a few days.
• Store-bought bagels usually come in plastic bags, but check the bag for any holes or tears. If the bag is intact, you can use it to store the bagels for up to a week.
• Pre-slicing bagels before freezing is a good idea, as it will be difficult to slice them once they're frozen solid.
• Label the freezer bag with the date so you know when the bagels were frozen and can keep track of how long they've been stored.

By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy fresh and tasty bagels for longer!

How to toast a frozen bagel in an air fryer

Toasting a frozen bagel in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a perfectly toasted bagel. It gives your bagel a crispy exterior with a warm, fluffy inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

For frozen bagels, it is best to preheat the air fryer for faster and more even cooking. Set the temperature to 350°F to 400°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Bagel

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

Step 3: Place the Bagel in the Air Fryer

Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and cut-side up. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 4: Cook the Bagel

Cook the bagel for 5-6 minutes until it is heated through and golden brown. There is no need to flip the bagel during cooking; just leave the cut-side up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bagel is toasted to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite toppings. Some classic options include cream cheese, butter, jam, or smoked salmon. You can also use your toasted bagel as a base for a sandwich or French toast.

Tips:

• Depending on your air fryer, size and wattage, you may need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• If desired, you can lightly spray some olive oil or butter on the bagel before cooking for added flavour and crispiness.
• If you have leftover bagels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions