Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites: Quick, Easy, Cheesy!

Pizza bagel bites are a popular snack, especially for kids, and they're even better when cooked in an air fryer. They're quicker than cooking in the oven and less soggy than cooking in the microwave. You can cook shop-bought frozen pizza bagel bites or make your own from scratch.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the bagel-making process. It allows your food to cook more evenly and in a shorter amount of time. Plus, it gives you the best crispy and melty texture! So, when making pizza bagel bites in your air fryer, preheat it to between 350°F and 400°F.

If you are using a Cosori air fryer, preheat to 360°F. Place the frozen bagel pizza bites in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket and air fry for 4-6 minutes. Start checking the bagel bites around the 4-minute mark as all air fryers cook differently.

If you are using an Instant Pot Vortex, preheat to 350°F and cook for 5 minutes.

For other air fryers, preheat to 350°F and air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown. Check for doneness at the 7-minute mark and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

If you are making homemade pizza bagels, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place your bagels in the air fryer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Layer the bites with space around each one

When layering the pizza bagel bites in the air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer, with a little space around each one. This is to ensure that the bagel bites cook evenly and get crispy. If you crowd the air fryer, the bites may come out soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit between 9 and 2 boxes of bagel bites in one layer.

If you are making the bagel bites from scratch, you will first need to slice each mini bagel in half and top them with pizza sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings. Then, place the bagel bites in the air fryer in a single layer with space around each one.

If you are using frozen bagel bites, you may want to add a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese to each one before placing them in the air fryer. This will make them even cheesier and more delicious! Again, make sure to leave space around each bite.

Once the bagel bites are in the air fryer, you can cook them according to your desired level of crispiness. For softer bagels, cook for a shorter amount of time. For crispier bagels, cook for a few minutes longer.

Add extra toppings

There are many different toppings you can add to your pizza bagel bites to elevate them to the next level. If you're looking for some extra cheese, you can add a pinch of shredded mozzarella, or some crumbled feta, or even some shredded pepper jack. If you're looking for something a little more savoury, you can add some cooked and crumbled bacon, or some diced pepperoni slices.

If you're looking to add some extra vegetables to your pizza bagel bites, you can add some diced peppers, onions, or even some green peppers. You could also add some Italian spices on top, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavour. If you're looking for a healthier option, you could serve your pizza bagel bites with some instant pot vegetables, or air fryer corn on the cob.

If you want to get creative, you can add a slice of olive, finely minced onion, or peppers during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just remember to keep any additional toppings small and finely chopped so they cook through in time.

Cook for 5-9 minutes

Now it's time to cook your pizza bagel bites! Place them in the air fryer and set the timer for 5 to 9 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the power of your air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. For a Cosori air fryer, for example, the cooking time is 3 to 5 minutes. For other air fryers, it is recommended to cook the pizza bagel bites for 5 to 8 minutes. If you want them crispier, you can leave them in for up to 9 minutes.

While you wait, remember that the air fryer's hot air circulation will be working its magic, crisping up the outside of your bagel bites while keeping the inside soft and chewy. The cheese on top will melt into gooey goodness, and any extra toppings you've added will cook to perfection.

Keep a close eye on your bagel bites as the cooking time comes to an end. All air fryers are a little different, so it's important to check for doneness around the 4-minute mark. You don't want to risk overcooking or burning your delicious snack!

Once the timer goes off, use a thin knife to check that your bagel bites are cooked through. If they need a little longer, put them back in for another minute or two. But be careful not to overdo it—you don't want to ruin your hard work!

When your pizza bagel bites are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer using silicone tongs. Be very careful, as the bites will be extremely hot! Let them cool down for a few minutes before digging in.

Now you can finally enjoy your homemade pizza bagel bites! Serve them warm, and feel free to sprinkle on some extra cheese or Italian spices for added flavour. These bites are perfect for a quick snack, a tasty lunch, or even a family movie night. Enjoy!

Remove and let cool

Once the bagel bites are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer using a pair of tongs. It is important to note that they will be extremely hot, so be cautious. Allow the bagel bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cooling time will also allow the cheese to settle, ensuring the bagel bites are not too hot to eat.

The cooling time is also a great opportunity to add some extra flavour to your bagel bites. You can sprinkle some red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or garlic powder on top. Alternatively, you can dip the bites into marinara sauce for an extra kick of flavour.

If you want to add some extra toppings to your bagel bites, it is best to do so during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Simply sprinkle on your desired toppings and let the air fryer work its magic.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on your bagel bites to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Frequently asked questions