Air Fryer Bagel Bites: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Bagel bites are a popular snack, especially for children, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in the microwave, oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. However, cooking bagel bites in an air fryer is considered the best and fastest way to make them. They are quick and easy to cook, taking less than 15 minutes, and can be customised with different toppings.

Cooking Bagel Bites in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the bagel bite-making process. It ensures even cooking and a crispy, melty texture. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer varies across sources and brands, with suggestions ranging from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, the Ninja Foodi air fryer cooks bagel bites at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes.

If your air fryer requires preheating, like the Instant Pot Vortex, remember to add a couple of minutes to the total cooking time. Preheating your air fryer will also depend on whether you are cooking frozen or homemade bagel bites. Frozen bagel bites are ready in under 15 minutes, while homemade ones can be ready in as little as 4 minutes.

To achieve the perfect bagel bite, it is essential to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. This arrangement promotes uniform cooking and a crispy base. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bagel bites in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Additionally, it is worth noting that every air fryer is unique, so it is advisable to check on your bagel bites during the cooking process to prevent overcooking. By preheating your air fryer and following these tips, you can achieve delicious, crispy, and evenly cooked bagel bites.

Arrange the bagel bites in a single layer

When cooking bagel bites in an air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and a crispy base. If you are using frozen bagel bites, it is not necessary to thaw them first. Simply place them directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. If your air fryer is not large enough to fit all the bagel bites in a single layer, you can cook them in batches.

When arranging the bagel bites, try to avoid overcrowding and ensure that they do not touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit anywhere from 4 to 9 bagel bites in a single layer. If you are using homemade bagel bites, you may need to adjust the number of bites accordingly.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of bagel bites you are cooking. For a larger batch, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Additionally, different air fryers may cook at slightly different rates, so it is always a good idea to check on your bagel bites periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly and to your desired level of doneness.

When removing the bagel bites from the air fryer, it is recommended to use silicone tongs as they are the safest option. Metal tongs can scrape the bottom of your air fryer, and using your hands can be dangerous. By arranging the bagel bites in a single layer, you not only ensure even cooking but also make it easier to remove them from the air fryer safely and efficiently.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bagel bites in an air fryer depend on whether they are homemade or frozen, and also vary according to the specific air fryer model being used.

Frozen Bagel Bites

Frozen bagel bites should be cooked for around 7 to 9 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to check the bagel bites after 7 minutes and then continue cooking until they are golden brown. Some sources suggest cooking the bagel bites for 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend cooking them for 5 minutes at the same temperature.

Homemade Bagel Bites

For homemade bagel bites, the cooking time is shorter, ranging from 3.5 to 6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that the temperature can be adjusted to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispier texture, or lowered to 340 degrees for a softer texture. Checking the bagel bites after 4 minutes is advisable, and they can be cooked for an additional few minutes if needed.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is generally recommended, as it ensures more even cooking and a crispy, melty texture. If your air fryer requires preheating, add a couple of minutes to the total cooking time.

Cooking in Batches

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bagel bites in batches to ensure even cooking. It is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and to arrange the bagel bites in a single layer, leaving some space around each one.

Additional toppings

Bagel bites are a fun and easy snack to make in the air fryer, and the best part is you can get creative with your toppings! While the classic combination of pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni is always a winner, you can easily switch things up by adding extra toppings or even making dessert-style bagel bites.

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are some additional topping ideas to try:

• Mozzarella, feta, spinach, and mushrooms.
• BBQ sauce, ham, pineapple, mozzarella, and bacon.
• Alfredo sauce, chopped spinach, and artichokes.
• Pesto, basil, or ranch dressing as an alternative to traditional pizza sauce.
• Chicken, sausage crumbles, or ham for extra protein.
• Green peppers, diced onions, or minced olives for some extra flavor and color.
• For a sweet treat, try cream cheese, almond butter, strawberry jam, banana, or Nutella.

Remember, when adding extra toppings, it's best to mince or chop them finely so they cook through evenly. Add your toppings during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to ensure they get heated without burning. With so many options to choose from, you can customize your bagel bites to your heart's content!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer bagel bites are a quick and easy snack, perfect for kids and adults alike. They can be served as a simple meal, quick snack, or easy lunch.

When serving, it is recommended to use silicone tongs to remove the bagel bites from the air fryer. You can also use your hands, but tongs are the safest option.

If you are making a large batch, you can prep the bagel bites in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply pop them into the air fryer and serve hot.

For a more substantial meal or a larger serving, you can use standard-sized bagels instead of mini bagels. Increase the air frying time by a few minutes to ensure the bagels are cooked through.

You can also get creative with your toppings and sauces. While traditional pizza sauce is a popular choice, you can switch it up with pesto, BBQ sauce, basil, or ranch dressing. For a cheesy delight, try a blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, goat, or cheddar cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, go for a sweet version with cream cheese, almond butter, strawberry jam, banana, and Nutella toppings.

For a healthier option, you can make gluten-free bagel bites using almond flour and yogurt. These simple and easy bagel bites are soft, pillowy, and bite-sized, perfect for satisfying your bagel cravings.

Lastly, if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions