Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas — a crave-worthy snack that comes together in minutes and tastes like pure nostalgic happiness. These little beauties channel all the gooey, cheesy goodness of your favorite pizzeria pie, but with a weekday-friendly twist. Crisp-edged bagels act as the perfect canvas for zesty sauce, bubbling cheese, and plenty of customization. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting a laidback movie night, or just need a quick lunch, Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Once you try this recipe, you might just start craving them more than classic takeout!

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely adore how simple yet vital each ingredient is for these Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas. They may look minimal, but every element brings something essential — from the hearty bagels right down to the pinch of oregano for pizzeria flair.

Bagels: Classic plain bagels are perfectly chewy and crisp up beautifully; mini bagels are great for bite-sized versions.
Extra virgin olive oil: A quick brush ensures a gorgeous golden, flavorful base.
Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle infuses kicky, savory undertones like your favorite pizza shop.
Oregano: This dried herb gives major Italian vibes and brings aroma to every bite.
Pizza sauce: Opt for a zesty, slightly sweet sauce that clings to the bagel and delivers real pizza flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For melty pulls and deliciously gooey tops—don’t skimp!
Parmesan cheese (optional): An extra sprinkle deepens flavor with salty-nutty notes, totally worth it if you have it on hand.

How to Make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 370°F (180°C) so it’s hot and ready to crisp up those bagels right from the start. This step ensures you’ll get that classic toasted bottom even before the cheese goes on.

Step 2: Flavor the Bagels

Brush each cut bagel half lightly with extra virgin olive oil — don’t skip this, it’s the secret to a truly golden crust! Sprinkle on the garlic powder and dried oregano, giving every bite a burst of herbaceous, garlicky flavor. Place the seasoned halves in your air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure nobody’s overlapping.

Step 3: Toast the Bagels

Air fry the bagels for 3 minutes, until the edges turn slightly golden and the centers crisp up. This pre-toast step keeps your bagel pizzas from getting soggy later, plus it adds that signature crunch on the bottom.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Carefully remove the bagel halves from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!) and spread a thin blanket of pizza sauce over the cut sides. Scatter on a generous handful of shredded mozzarella, and if you love a deluxe finish, sprinkle with Parmesan too. Now’s also the perfect moment to toss on any extra toppings if you’re feeling creative!

Step 5: Final Air Fry & Enjoy!

Return your loaded bagel pizzas to the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes at 370°F (180°C), until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops get golden brown. If you prefer your cheese just barely melted, shorten the time to 3 minutes. Give them a quick rest for 1–2 minutes—this lets the cheese set slightly so you won’t burn your mouth in excitement!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly torn basil, a dash of chili flakes, or a final dusting of Parmesan can make Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas look and taste extra-special. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil or a swirl of balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Pair your pizzas with a crisp Caesar salad, oven-roasted veggies, or a bowl of minestrone soup for a simple, satisfying meal. For party snacking, serve with garlic knots or crunchy veggie sticks and ranch for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making a “pizza bar” and letting everyone customize their own with assorted sauces and toppings—ideal for kids or casual get-togethers! Cut mini bagel pizzas into quarters for appetizer platters, or stack them on a wooden board for a fun, interactive lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas (don’t be surprised if you don’t!), allow them to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or wrap individually in foil, then keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

To make busy days easier, freeze your cooled bagel pizzas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and reheat beautifully—just think of them as the best homemade frozen pizzas!

Reheating

Bring leftover or frozen bagel pizzas back to life by air frying at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or until hot and melty. You can also use a toaster oven or standard oven if you prefer. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bagels a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free or whole wheat bagels?

Absolutely! Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas work beautifully with nearly any type of bagel—whole wheat, gluten-free, or even onion-flavored for extra kick. Just choose your favorite and keep an eye on toasting time, as denser bagels may need a minute more.

What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

Feel free to get creative with your cheese! Cheddar, provolone, fontina, or gouda all melt well for bagel pizzas. For extra flavor, try blending a little smoked cheese or pepper jack into your mozzarella mixture.

Could I make these vegan?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite plant-based bagels, vegan mozzarella-style shreds, and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Many pizza sauces are naturally vegan, but double-check the label to be sure.

How can I prevent the cheese from blowing off in the air fryer?

If your toppings tend to shift around, gently press the cheese into the sauce before air frying. Keeping your pizzas in a deep basket and not overfilling the basket with multiple layers will help keep things in place, too.

Do I have to pre-toast the bagels, or can I skip that step?

Pre-toasting is highly recommended for the best texture and to prevent soggy bottoms. But if you’re in a rush, you can skip straight to topping and air fry a minute or two longer—just know they may be a bit softer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up pizza night with something quick, endlessly customizable, and totally nostalgic, Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are sure to win you over. They truly bring joy to both kids and adults, and trust me, once you make them, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for the cheesy, crispy magic!

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas are a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious homemade pizza. Crispy bagels topped with savory sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for a snack or a light meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas:

2 standard bagels (or 4 mini bagels)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon oregano
3 tablespoons pizza sauce
½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 370℉ (180℃).
Prepare the Bagels: Brush the bagel halves with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano. Air fry for 3 minutes until golden.
Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half, top with mozzarella cheese, and add parmesan cheese and any extra toppings.
Air Fry: Return the bagel pizzas to the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes at 370℉ (180℃) until cheese is melted and golden.
Cool and Serve: Let the bagel pizzas cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

You can customize these bagel pizzas with your favorite toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or herbs.
For a quicker version, you can use pre-toasted bagels instead of air-frying from scratch.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Italian-American