Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, crispy, and ridiculously easy, air fryer pizza bagels are your answer! They’ve got all the nostalgic pizza vibes you love—just made faster, crispier, and a little more fun thanks to the air fryer.
Perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or when you just want pizza without the fuss. They’re ready in minutes, endlessly customizable, and a great way to use up whatever toppings you’ve got hanging out in the fridge.
Use full-size bagels for a more filling meal, or go mini for party snacks and kid-sized bites. However you top them, they’re almost guaranteed to disappear fast. Let’s make them together!
Ingredients
- Bagels: Use super fresh bagels if you can, so they get nice and crispy on the outside but stay fluffy and soft inside!
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese: I like to use pre-shredded, as it just saves time and it melts wonderfully in the air fryer
- Extra toppings: I used mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, but you can get as creative as you like!
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish
How To Make Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: Step-by-Step Guide
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Prep the bagels – Slice the bagels in half so you’ve got 4 open-faced pieces ready to go.
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Assemble the pizzas – Spread a layer of marinara sauce over each half, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Add your toppings—like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or whatever you’re into.
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Air fry – Place the loaded bagels in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden.
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Serve – Carefully remove from the air fryer, top with fresh basil, and enjoy while they’re hot and melty!
Recipe Hints & Tips
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Try mini bagels – Perfect for bite-sized snacks, party trays, or kid-friendly portions.
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Boost the flavor – Sprinkle on a little Italian seasoning, oregano, or chili flakes before cooking if you want extra flavor with minimal effort.
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Keep an eye on them – Air fryers can vary, so start checking around the 5-minute mark to make sure the cheese is melted but not burnt.
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Make ahead – You can prep and assemble your bagels ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready.
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Serve with a dip – Marinara, garlic sauce, or ranch on the side takes these to the next level—especially if you’re serving them as a snack or appetizer.
Topping Variations to Try
One of the best things about pizza bagels? You can make them exactly how you like them. Here are some easy topping ideas to switch things up:
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Classic pepperoni – Always a crowd-pleaser. Add a few slices on top of the cheese before air frying.
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Veggie-loaded – Try spinach, bell peppers, red onion, olives, or artichoke hearts for a colorful, flavorful combo.
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Hawaiian-style – Add diced ham and pineapple if you’re into that sweet-and-savory vibe.
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BBQ chicken – Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce, and top with cooked chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
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Breakfast bagels – Use scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheese for a morning twist.
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Caprese-inspired – After air frying, top with fresh tomato slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Ingredients
- 2 bagels
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Mushrooms optional, for topping
- Cherry tomatoes optional, for topping
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the bagels – Slice the bagels in half so you’ve got 4 open-faced pieces ready to go.
- Assemble the pizzas – Spread a layer of marinara sauce over each half, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Add your toppings—like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or whatever you’re into.
- Air fry – Place the loaded bagels in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden.
- Serve – Carefully remove from the air fryer, top with fresh basil, and enjoy while they’re hot and melty!
And that’s all it takes to turn everyday bagels into crispy, cheesy, pizza perfection—right in your air fryer. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, after-school snack, or a fun DIY dinner, these are fast, flexible, and seriously satisfying.
Top them your way, or get creative with what you’ve got. Once you try them, you’ll see why pizza bagels deserve a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. And if you make them, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below! It helps me to create more recipes that you’ll love making in your own kitchen. You can also tag me in your pictures on Instagram @slimmingviolet.
