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

If you're a bagel lover, you'll know that achieving the perfect toast is an art. While the oven and toaster are tried-and-true methods, using an air fryer to toast your bagel is a game-changer. Not only does it give you a crispy exterior and warm, fluffy inside, but it's also quicker and easier to use than traditional methods. Here's how to make a bagel in an air fryer and take your breakfast or snack to the next level.

Choosing the right air fryer

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right air fryer. Here are some tips to help you make your decision:

Type of Air Fryer

There are two primary types of air fryers on the market: those with a basket-style design and those with a mesh tray or rack. Basket-style air fryers are the most common and feature a drawer-like basket for food. They come in digital and manual forms, with the former allowing for more precise control over cooking time and temperature. Mesh tray/rack air fryers, on the other hand, cook food on a flat or shallow receptacle, similar to a countertop toaster oven, and often have clear glass doors. Some models even come with multiple racks for cooking a full meal at once.

Capacity

Air fryers come in various capacities, typically ranging from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts. Consider how many people you'll be cooking for regularly. A 2- or 3-quart air fryer is usually sufficient for one or two people, but you may need to cook in batches if you have a larger household or entertain frequently.

Advanced Features

When choosing an air fryer, consider the types of food you plan to cook and whether you'd like additional features such as dehydration, baking, or rotisserie cooking. Many models also have preset buttons for specific foods and a "keep warm" function. These extra features can be convenient, but decide if you'll actually use them before making a purchase.

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400 or more. Basic models start at around $30 and can be a great option if you're new to air frying and don't want to spend a lot. Most air fryers, however, fall in the $100 range, offering a good balance between performance and cost.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are several reputable options to choose from, including Philips, Instant Pot, Cosori, Ninja, and Cuisinart. Reading reviews and comparing features can help you determine which brand and model are the best fit for your needs.

Preparing the bagel

Next, if you want to add a layer of crispiness and flavour, lightly brush the inside of the bagel halves with melted butter or spray with olive oil. You could also use infused oils or compound butters, such as garlic-infused oil or rosemary butter, for an extra special touch.

Now you're ready to place the bagel halves into the air fryer. Position them cut-side up in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they have some space around them to ensure proper air circulation.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 370°F (or 175°C). The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness, but generally, 3-4 minutes per side should do the trick. If you're cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 5-6 minutes.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your perfectly toasted bagel. Don't forget to add your favourite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, jam, or even a fried egg and bacon for a heartier breakfast.

Setting the air fryer

Now that you've sliced your bagel in half, it's time to set the air fryer for optimal toasting. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you get that perfect, golden-brown bagel:

Firstly, preheating your air fryer is recommended for the best results. Set your air fryer to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). If you're short on time, you can skip the preheating step, but it may impact the evenness of the toast.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to toast your bagel. Place the bagel halves into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that the cut side is facing up. This positioning is crucial for achieving an even toast. Give the bagels some space to allow for proper air circulation. Whether you're using an oven-style or basket-style air fryer, positioning is more important than the type of air fryer.

The recommended cooking time for your bagels is around 3-4 minutes per side. However, this may vary depending on your air fryer model and your preferred level of doneness. If you like your bagels extra toasted, feel free to add a minute or two to the cooking time. Keep in mind that air-fried bagels can go from golden brown to burnt quite quickly, so it's better to add time incrementally to avoid overdoing it.

If you're toasting multiple bagels, you may need to do so in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. Overcrowding can prevent hot air from circulating effectively, leading to uneven cooking and potentially soggy bagels.

Additionally, if your bagels are fresh and a bit moist, consider a pre-toasting step. Pop the bagels into the air fryer for a short 1-minute pre-toast at a lower temperature, like 300°F (150°C), to remove excess moisture and set the stage for a crispier finish.

Positioning the bagel

Now that you've got your bagel sliced in half, it's time to position it in the air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your bagel is positioned correctly for even toasting:

• Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket or tray with the cut side facing up. This is important as it ensures the hot air circulates around the bagel, toasting the inside while keeping the outside crispy.
• Ensure the bagels have some space around them. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by leaving some room between each bagel half. This allows for proper air circulation and helps achieve even toasting.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook 1-2 full bagels at a time. For larger batches, you might need to toast multiple bagels in separate rounds.
• If you're using an oven-style air fryer, only use one shelf or tray at a time. This ensures the hot air circulates effectively and cooks the bagels evenly.
• There's no need to flip the bagels during cooking. Simply let them cook cut-side up for the duration of the recommended time.
• If you're toasting frozen bagels, there's no need to thaw them beforehand. Place them straight into the preheated air fryer for that perfect crispy texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making a bagel in an air fryer will depend on the type of bagel you are cooking (fresh or frozen) and your personal preference for the level of toastiness.

Cooking Fresh Bagels

Fresh bagels should be sliced in half and placed in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. If you want a crispier bagel, you can brush the cut side with melted butter or spray with olive oil before cooking.

The air fryer does not need to be preheated for fresh bagels. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F and cook for 3-4 minutes. If you prefer a lighter toast, 2.5 minutes may be enough. For a crispier bagel, go for the full 4 minutes.

Cooking Frozen Bagels

For frozen bagels, it is best to preheat the air fryer for more even cooking. Set the temperature to 350°F-370°F and cook for 5-6 minutes.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on its size, you will likely only be able to cook 1-2 full bagels at a time.
• If you want a crispier bagel, lightly spray the bagel halves with cooking oil or spread a little butter over them before toasting.
• Each air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time to get your desired level of doneness.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, subsequent batches will cook faster since the air fryer is already heated up.

Frequently asked questions