Air-Fryer Bagels: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

There are many ways to cook a bagel in an air fryer, whether you're making them from scratch or simply reheating them. If you're making them from scratch, you'll need a few basic ingredients, such as self-rising flour and yogurt, and you can even make them vegan by using dairy-free yogurt. You can also add various toppings to your bagels, such as cheese, dried or fresh fruit, seeds, and spices. If you're simply reheating a bagel, the process is quick and easy. First, slice your bagel in half and place it into the air fryer basket, then air fry at 380 degrees for 3-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bagel.

How to Cook a Bagel in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the bagel-making process. It ensures your bagels are cooked evenly and helps to achieve that perfect golden brown colour. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 200°C). Depending on the model and wattage of your air fryer, you should preheat it for at least 5 minutes.

If you are making bagels from scratch, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature of around 280°F (137°C). This is because the dough requires a lower temperature to cook through properly. You should also line your fryer basket with parchment paper or a parchment liner to prevent the dough from sticking.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the basket. If you are cooking multiple batches of bagels, it is best to cook them in batches of 3-5 bagels, depending on the size of your air fryer. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the bagels from becoming soggy.

For frozen bagels, you can place them directly in the air fryer basket without waiting for it to preheat. Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the bagels halfway through. This will defrost and toast your bagels, giving them a nice golden colour.

By preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, you can ensure that your bagels come out perfectly toasted, crispy, and delicious every time.

Halve the bagel

Halving the bagel is the first step to making the perfect air-fried bagel. It is important to ensure that the bagel is sliced evenly, creating two equal halves. This can be done with a good bread knife. A steady hand is required to ensure that the halves are even. An uneven slice may result in a lopsided bagel.

Once halved, the bagel should be placed in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. It is important to place the bagels in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of the air fryer, 3-5 bagels can fit comfortably. If you are using frozen bagels, they can be placed directly into the air fryer basket and baked for about 5 minutes at 360°F | 176°C to defrost and brown.

Before air-frying, the bagel halves can be lightly brushed with melted butter or sprayed with olive oil. This adds flavour and gives the bagels a rich, golden hue. The air fryer should be preheated to the desired temperature, with settings depending on the desired level of crispness.

Air-fry the bagels at 370°F-380°F for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. For a lighter crisp, 2-3 minutes is sufficient, while 3-4 minutes will result in a darker crisp.

Position the bagel halves

Positioning the bagel halves correctly in the air fryer is crucial to achieving an even toast. After slicing the bagel in half, place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly across the cut surface, resulting in a uniform golden brown colour and crispiness.

It is important to note that the bagel halves should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit up to three bagel halves comfortably without overcrowding the basket. If your air fryer basket is larger, you may be able to fit four to five halves. However, avoid the temptation to overcrowd the basket as this may affect the cooking process and the overall quality of your toasted bagel.

For an added layer of crispiness and flavour, consider lightly brushing the cut side of the bagel halves with melted butter or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This simple step will not only enhance the taste of your bagel but also give it a rich, golden hue.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to achieve the best results. The ideal temperature for toasting bagels is around 350°F to 380°F (175°C to 190°C). This will ensure that your bagel halves are toasted to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Cook for 3-4 minutes

Once you've sliced your bagels in half and placed them in the air fryer basket, it's time to start cooking. Set your air fryer to 350°F-380°F (175°C-190°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes. If you like your bagels lightly toasted and crispy, 2-3 minutes should suffice. However, if you prefer a darker, crispier toast, go for the full 3-4 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timing by a minute or two.

While your bagels are cooking, you can prepare your toppings. Classic options include cream cheese, butter, or jam. If you're feeling adventurous, try something different like melted butter with honey or a deli-style sandwich. For a more indulgent treat, top your bagel with shredded cheese or deli meats. Or, if you're feeling extra hungry, make a breakfast sandwich with bacon, cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg. The possibilities are endless! You can also experiment with different types of bagels, such as cinnamon raisin or onion bagels, to find your favorite combination.

If you're making multiple batches of bagels, remember to give your air fryer a quick clean in between batches to prevent any burnt residue from building up. Additionally, if you're using frozen bagels, it's best to keep them frozen until you're ready to cook them. This will ensure the best texture and taste once they're toasted.

For those with a sweet tooth, air fryer bagels can also be transformed into delicious desserts. Simply top your bagel with your favorite ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for a unique and indulgent treat. The versatility of air fryer bagels is endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Add toppings

Once your bagel is toasted to perfection, it's time to add your toppings. The options are endless, so get creative and experiment with different combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Combinations

Spread your favourite cream cheese on your bagel. You can stick to a classic plain cream cheese, or mix it up with flavoured options like onion and chives. If cream cheese isn't your thing, try butter or even a drizzle of honey or jam. For a more savoury option, top your bagel with deli meats like turkey or a fried egg.

Bagel Pizzas

If you're feeling adventurous, turn your bagel into a pizza base. Top it with marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and your favourite pizza toppings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations, such as Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or even a drizzle of honey.

Sweet Treats

For a sweeter option, try dried or fresh fruit like blueberries, raisins, or cranberries. You can also add some crunch with seeds such as poppy, sesame, or sunflower seeds. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a delightful warmth to your bagel.

Savoury Delights

If you're a fan of savoury breakfasts, there are plenty of options to choose from. Try adding some spice with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, onion, or garlic. You can also make a breakfast sandwich with fried bacon, cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg.

Remember, these are just suggestions. The beauty of topping a bagel is that you can customise it to your own tastes. So, get creative and enjoy your delicious air-fried bagel!

Frequently asked questions