Air-Fryer Bagel Chips: A Crunchy, Easy Snack

Air Fryer Bagel Chips are a quick and easy snack that can be made in a pinch. They are crunchy, tasty, and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. You can use any type of bagel and season it with your choice of spices. The best part is that they are low in fat, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. All you need to do is slice the bagels, add some oil and seasonings, and air fry them for a few minutes. They are perfect for dipping and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. So, if you're looking for a tasty and crispy snack, Air Fryer Bagel Chips are the way to go!

Choosing the right bagel

Freshness

While it may seem counterintuitive, it is actually recommended to use day-old or slightly stale bagels for making bagel chips. This is because the moisture content in fresh bagels can make them chewier, and they may not crisp up as nicely. Using slightly older bagels ensures a drier base, which will result in a crunchier chip.

Type of Bagel

When it comes to the type of bagel, the good news is that almost any kind will work! Whether it's plain, cheese, everything, onion, wholemeal, or even gluten-free, feel free to use your favourite. However, some sources suggest that everything bagels make the best bagel chips because of their flavourful seasoning.

Thickness

To ensure even cooking and a nice crispy texture, it is important to slice the bagels thinly and evenly. Aim for slices that are around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips, while slightly thicker slices may be a bit chewier.

Oil

Using a light oil, such as olive oil, is recommended to ensure the bagels become crispy without overpowering their flavour. Brush or drizzle a small amount of oil on each bagel slice before air frying to promote even browning and prevent them from drying out.

Seasonings

The beauty of making your own bagel chips is that you can customise the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can keep it simple with just salt, or experiment with various seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.

By choosing the right bagels and following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy bagel chips in your air fryer!

Preparing the bagel slices

Firstly, you'll want to select your bagels. Any type of bagel will work, so feel free to use your favourite variety. Plain, everything, sesame, garlic, Asiago, and cinnamon sugar bagels are all great options. If you want to make things easier when slicing, opt for day-old or stale bagels as they will be firmer and easier to cut into thin, even slices.

Now, it's time to slice the bagels. Using a sharp serrated knife or a bread knife, cut the bagels into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips, while slightly thicker slices may be chewier. Cut the bagels in half to create two half-moons, then place the cut side down on a cutting board and slice into thin pieces. You can also slice the bagel width-wise into 1/4-inch thick pieces and then cut those in half. Each bagel half should give you around 3-4 slices.

Once you have your bagel slices, it's time to add some oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil, melted butter, coconut oil, or non-stick cooking spray. Brush or drizzle a small amount of oil onto each bagel slice, making sure they are well coated. For seasoning, garlic powder is a popular choice, but you can also use plain salt, onion powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or bagel seasoning. Feel free to experiment with different flavours!

After coating the bagel slices with oil and seasonings, it's almost time to pop them into the air fryer. However, if you want to make cleanup easier, you can first place the seasoned bagel slices on a piece of parchment paper or a baking sheet. This will catch any oil drips and prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

Adding oil and seasoning

Firstly, brush or spray a small amount of oil onto each bagel slice. You can use olive oil, melted butter, coconut oil, or a non-stick cooking spray. It is important to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed across the surface of the bagel slices. This step not only enhances the flavour but also promotes even browning during the air frying process.

Next, it's time to season your bagel chips. You can use a variety of seasonings, depending on your taste preferences and the type of dip you plan to serve them with. A simple option is to sprinkle garlic powder on the oiled bagel slices. You can also experiment with other seasonings such as plain salt, onion powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even a homemade blend like Everything Bagel Seasoning, which typically includes sesame, poppy, garlic, and onion. If you want to add some cheese to your chips, grated Parmesan is a great option.

After seasoning, it's important to flip the bagel slices and repeat the process on the other side. Ensure that both sides of the slices are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. This will ensure that your bagel chips have a consistent flavour and texture.

If you want to get creative, you can try different flavour combinations for your bagel chips. For example, if you're making a Southwest Dip, you can season your chips with cumin and paprika. Or, if you're serving them with a Cucumber Feta Greek Yogurt Dip, try using oregano, basil, dill, garlic, and onion powder. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations.

Air-frying the bagel chips

Step 1: Prepare the Bagels

Start by slicing your bagels into thin, even pieces. You can cut them into rounds or halves, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be. Using a sharp knife, preferably a serrated or bread knife, will help you achieve uniform slices.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings

Drizzle or brush olive oil onto each bagel slice. You can also use melted butter, coconut oil, or cooking spray as an alternative. Ensure that the oil coats both sides of the bagel slices. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the oiled slices. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or plain salt are all excellent options. You can also experiment with other seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned bagel slices in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Leave some space between each slice to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bagel slices in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 300°F to 400°F, and cook the bagel slices for 2-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For even cooking and crispiness, consider flipping the bagel slices halfway through the cooking process. The chips are ready when they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the bagel chips from the air fryer and let them cool down. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. You can serve them as-is or with your favorite dips, such as hummus, salsa, guacamole, or cream cheese. Enjoy the crunchy, flavorful treat you've created!

Storing the bagel chips

Storage Containers

It is recommended to store your bagel chips in an airtight container or a sealed bag. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing other odours or becoming stale. A zip-top bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. If using a zippered bag, be sure to label it with the date and contents.

Storage Temperature

The bagel chips can be stored at room temperature. There is no need to refrigerate them unless you have added perishable toppings, such as cream cheese or other spreads.

Moisture Control

Before storing, ensure that the bagel chips are completely cooled. Any excess moisture can affect their crispness. If you live in a humid environment, you can include a small piece of bread or a rice grain in the storage container to help absorb any excess moisture.

Storage Duration

If stored correctly, your homemade bagel chips can last up to 2 weeks. After this period, they may start to lose their crispness and freshness.

Refreshing Stale Chips

If your bagel chips do become stale, you can refresh them by placing them on a plate next to a wet paper towel in the microwave. Turn the microwave on high for about 30 seconds. The moisture from the wet paper towel will help soften and refresh the chips.

Freezing

If you have made a large batch, you can also freeze your bagel chips. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Precautions

To maintain the quality of your bagel chips, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect their texture and taste. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and always ensure they are fully cooled before storing.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade bagel chips for longer and maintain their delicious crunch!

Frequently asked questions