Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels (Print version)
Crispy bagels loaded with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, air fried until golden in under 12 minutes.
# Ingredients:
For the base
01 -
4 plain or everything bagels, halved (8 pieces total)
02 -
1 teaspoon olive oil, for brushing the cut sides (optional)
For the toppings
03 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) thick pizza sauce or marinara
04 -
2 cups (200 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
05 -
3 oz (85 g) sliced pepperoni (about 40 slices)
06 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and run it empty for 3 minutes. Starting with a preheated basket means the bagel bottoms begin crisping immediately.
02 -
For extra crispiness, place the bagel halves cut-side up in the basket and air fry for 2 minutes before adding toppings. Skip this step if you prefer a softer base.
03 -
Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half, leaving about a 1/4-inch border at the edge. A thin, even layer works better than a thick one.
04 -
Cover each sauced half with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese, then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top.
05 -
Place the bagels in a single layer in the basket, cheese-side up. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted with lightly browned spots and the pepperoni edges should be slightly crisped.
06 -
Let the pizza bagels sit for 1 minute before serving. The sauce stays very hot and needs a moment to cool. Serve immediately for the crispiest result.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately while the cheese is melted and the bagel bottom is still crisp.
02 -
Mini bagels cook about 1 minute faster than full-size. Check at the 4-minute mark.