Air Fryer Bagel Bites: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Frozen bagel bites are a popular snack, especially for kids, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare them. Bagel bites are small bagels with pizza toppings, usually sold in boxes of 18 or 40 in the frozen food section of grocery stores. They can be cooked in a microwave or oven, but the air fryer offers a faster and more effective method, with a perfectly crispy and tender texture.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the bagel-making process. It ensures that your bagel bites start cooking immediately and helps achieve even results. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 350°F (175°C). Depending on your air fryer, this should take around 3-4 minutes.

While some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary, it is highly recommended. By preheating, you can ensure that your bagel bites are cooked evenly, achieving that desirable crispy exterior and tender interior. It also allows you to cook your bagel bites in a shorter amount of time, which is especially useful when you're short on time or making a quick snack.

Additionally, preheating helps to ensure that the cheese on your bagel bites melts perfectly without burning. This is crucial for achieving that ideal, mouth-watering texture and taste.

So, before you put your frozen bagel bites into the air fryer, remember to preheat your appliance to 350°F (175°C). This simple step will make a big difference in the overall quality and consistency of your bagel bites.

Place frozen bagel bites in a single layer

When preparing frozen bagel bites in an air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer. This ensures that the hot air of the air fryer can circulate properly and cook the bagel bites evenly. If you crowd the air fryer by stacking the bagel bites, they may cook unevenly, with some bites being too hot and others too cold.

To place the frozen bagel bites in a single layer, first remove them from their packaging. Then, place the desired number of bagel bites in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray, leaving a little space around each one. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bagel bites in batches.

For example, if you have a 6-quart air fryer, you may be able to fit about 9 bagel bites in a single layer. If you are using an air fryer oven, use the middle rack and select the "Air Fry" function.

By placing the frozen bagel bites in a single layer, you can achieve the perfect balance of a crispy golden exterior and a tender, melted cheese interior. This method ensures that your bagel bites are cooked evenly and efficiently, making them a quick and easy snack or meal.

Spray with cooking spray (optional)

Spraying your bagel bites with cooking spray is an optional step that can be done after preheating your air fryer and arranging your frozen bagel bites in a single layer in the fryer basket or on the tray. Cooking spray helps to ensure that your bagel bites don't stick and can also enhance their texture by making them extra crispy.

If you decide to use cooking spray, be sure to use it sparingly to avoid making your bagel bites too greasy. Additionally, always check your user manual to ensure that your specific air fryer model allows the use of cooking spray or non-stick liners. Some air fryers may not permit the use of certain materials, so it's important to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

By following this step, you can further elevate your snacking experience and enjoy bagel bites that are not only crispy and golden on the outside but also tender and delicious on the inside!

Air fry for 5-9 minutes

Air frying your bagel bites is a quick and convenient way to prepare this snack. It is important to keep an eye on your bagel bites as they cook, as different air fryer models will have varying cooking times.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). Place your frozen bagel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring there is some space between each bite. You can spray the bites with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish, but this is optional.

Set the cook time for 5-9 minutes. Check on your bagel bites after 3-4 minutes to ensure they are not burning. You are looking for a golden brown colour and a bubbling, slightly browned cheese on top.

Once cooked, carefully remove the bagel bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy your crispy, delicious bagel bites!

Remove from the air fryer and serve

Once your bagel bites are cooked, it's time to remove them from the air fryer and serve them. Be very careful, as they will be hot! Use silicone tongs to remove the bagel bites from the air fryer, or, if you don't have silicone tongs, use oven mitts to handle the tray and remove the bites carefully.

You may want to let the bites cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will ensure that you don't burn your mouth on the hot cheese. It will also give you time to add any extra toppings, such as sliced pepperoni, diced peppers, or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes and/or dried oregano.

If you're serving bagel bites as an appetizer or snack for a group, you might want to cook up a couple of boxes' worth. You can cook up to two boxes of bagel bites in one batch, depending on the size of your air fryer.

If you have any leftover bagel bites, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminium foil. You can then reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.

Frequently asked questions