Air-Fryer Bagel Bites: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen bagel bites. They are a popular snack, especially for kids, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in the microwave or oven. However, cooking them in an air fryer is considered the best method as it only takes 5-9 minutes and results in a crispy outside and soft and chewy inside. The bites are ready when the cheese is melted and the bagels are golden brown.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-375° F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the bagel-making process. It allows your bagel bites to cook more evenly and helps you achieve that sought-after crispy and melty texture.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to 350-375° F. Different air fryers have different preheating functions, so it's important to refer to your air fryer's instructions to ensure you're doing it correctly. For example, if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, it's recommended to let it run for about 5 minutes before adding your bagel bites.

Preheating your air fryer will usually add a couple of minutes to your total cooking time. However, it's worth the wait as it ensures your bagel bites are cooked thoroughly and have that desirable golden-brown colour.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next step of placing your frozen bagel bites inside. Remember to space them out in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Place the frozen bagel bites in a single layer

When placing the frozen bagel bites in the air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or touch each other. This allows for even cooking and browning, creating that desirable crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit around 9 bagel bites, leaving a little space around each one.

It's worth noting that overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided, as it can lead to uneven cooking and affect the overall quality of your bagel bites. By giving each bite its own space, you promote optimal airflow and even cooking, ensuring that every bite is cooked to perfection.

When placing the frozen bagel bites in a single layer, it's also a good idea to consider the number of bites you plan to cook. Take out only the desired amount from the package, as cooking more than you need may result in sogginess if they sit too long after cooking. By cooking only what you need, you ensure that each bite is enjoyed at its freshest and tastiest.

Additionally, when arranging the bagel bites in a single layer, it's important to follow the recommended spacing guidelines provided by the air fryer manufacturer. Each air fryer model may have specific instructions for optimal spacing, so referring to the manual or online resources can help ensure you're arranging the bites correctly for the best results.

In summary, placing frozen bagel bites in a single layer in your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect cook. By spacing them out, avoiding overcrowding, and considering the number of bites you need, you're well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and chewy bagel bites that are ready in just a few minutes!

Air fry for 5-9 minutes

Now, this is the most important step in the bagel-making process. The air fryer is a magical contraption that will give your bagel bites that crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. But you have to be careful not to overdo it.

Air frying times can vary depending on the model of your fryer and the number of bagel bites you're cooking. As a general rule, you should air fry your bagel bites for 5 to 9 minutes. But don't just set a timer and forget about them! Keep a close eye on your bagel bites, especially if this is your first time making them in an air fryer.

Check on your bagel bites after about 5 minutes. You're looking for that golden brown colour, and you want to make sure the cheese is melted. If they're not quite done yet, put them back in for another minute or two. Remember, it's better to check on them too often than to let them burn.

If you're cooking a larger batch, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. But again, keep an eye on them and trust your instincts. You don't want to end up with burnt bagel bites!

Once they're done to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using silicone tongs. They'll be hot, so be careful not to burn yourself. Now, all that's left to do is enjoy your delicious, crispy, cheesy bagel bites!

Add toppings

Once you've preheated your air fryer and placed your bagel bites inside, you can start thinking about toppings. The great thing about bagel bites is that you can get creative and add whatever toppings you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Extra Cheese

If you're a cheese lover, why not add a pinch of shredded mozzarella, pepper jack, or crumbled feta cheese on top of each bagel bite? This will make them even more delicious and cheesy. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or garlic powder on top for an extra kick of flavour.

Meat Lovers

If you want to add some meat to your bagel bites, try using cooked and crumbled bacon or diced pepperoni slices as toppings. You can add these towards the end of the cooking process, so they get nice and crispy without burning.

Vegetables

If you want to add some vegetables to your bagel bites, finely minced onion, peppers, or olives are great options. You can add these during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking so they don't burn.

Dipping Sauce

While not exactly a topping, serving your bagel bites with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Try marinara sauce for a classic pizza flavour, or get creative with other sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy chilli sauce.

Remember, the key to adding toppings is to make sure they don't burn. Add them towards the end of the cooking process, and keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your own unique bagel bite recipes!

Serve with a dipping sauce

There are several dipping sauces that you can serve with your bagel bites. Here are some ideas:

Marinara Sauce

This is a great option if you're looking for something classic and tasty. The marinara sauce will complement the pizza bagels perfectly and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Red Pepper Flakes and/or Dried Oregano

Sprinkling red pepper flakes and dried oregano on top of your bagel bites will give them a nice spicy kick. This combination will turn your bagel bites into a flavourful, sophisticated treat.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a great way to add a punch of flavour to your bagel bites. It's a simple, effective way to enhance the taste of your snack.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a perfect pairing for bagel bites, especially if you're serving them as an appetiser. Your guests will love the sweet and tangy flavour!

Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic dipping sauce for a reason. It pairs well with the pizza bagels and will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a cool and creamy option that will balance out the warmth and crispiness of the bagel bites. It's a unique choice that your guests will surely remember.

Remember to always adapt to your preferences and get creative with your sauces!

Frequently asked questions