Pizza bagels are the after-school snack that never went away, and the air fryer makes them faster than the microwave version without the soggy middle. Split, sauce, cheese, air fry. The bagel's chew holds up better than sliced bread, and the edges of the cheese go properly crisp and lacy where they hit the basket.
Everything you need
- 2 plain bagels, halved
- 4 tbsp tomato pizza sauce or passata
- ¾ cup (84 g) shredded cheese
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices or chopped ham, optional
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Single layer, always. Crowding the basket steams food instead of crisping it. Tap any ingredient to open its converter.
Method
0 of 4 done-
Spread a spoon of sauce over the cut side of each bagel half, right to the edge.
For this step
- 4 tbsp tomato pizza sauce or passata
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Top with cheese and your toppings of choice, then a pinch of oregano.
For this step
- ¾ cup (84 g) shredded cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano
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Air fry at 190°C / 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and browned in spots and the bagel edge is toasted.
For this step
- ¾ cup (84 g) shredded cheese
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Let them sit 1 minute, since molten cheese holds a lot of heat, then serve.
For this step
- ¾ cup (84 g) shredded cheese
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Air fryer notes
- Cook at 190°C / 375°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
Cook's tips
- Don't overload the sauce or the middle goes soggy. A thin, even layer crisps better than a thick one.
- Toast the bare bagel halves for 2 minutes before topping if you like extra crunch under the sauce.
Make it your own
- Swap pizza sauce for pesto and mozzarella for a white pizza bagel.
- English muffins work exactly the same way if that's what's in the cupboard.
Storing & reheating
Best fresh and hot. Not really a leftover food, the bagel turns chewy-soft once the cheese cools.
Frequently asked
How long do pizza bagels take in an air fryer?
5 to 6 minutes at 190°C / 375°F, until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown at the edges.
Do I need to toast the bagel first?
No, but toasting the bare halves for 2 minutes before adding toppings gives a firmer base that resists going soggy under the sauce.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
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A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.