Pin It My roommate stumbled into the living room last winter clutching her phone, eyes wide over some TikTok trend about bagel pizzas in the air fryer. I rolled my eyes at first, honestly, but then she made a batch and the smell took over the entire apartment, all toasty and sharp with melted cheese. Now they are our Friday night default while we argue over what to watch next.
Last month we had friends over for game night, and I made a double batch expecting leftovers. Instead, the entire plate vanished in under ten minutes while someone yelled from the kitchen about finding the last one. They are the kind of snack that disappears while people are busy laughing and reaching for another.
Ingredients
- Mini plain bagels: Use the stale ones from your bread box, they actually crisp up better than fresh
- Pizza or marinara sauce: A thick sauce works best so the bagels do not get soggy underneath
- Shredded mozzarella: Low moisture cheese melts beautifully without making the bagels wet
- Mini pepperoni slices: These curl up and get slightly crisp in the air fryer, which is exactly what you want
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Sprinkle this on top to give them that familiar pizza shop flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Let it run empty at 375 for a couple minutes so the bagels hit hot air immediately and start crisping.
- Prep the bagels:
- Lay out all the bagel halves cut side up on your counter so you can move through assembly quickly.
- Add the sauce:
- Spread about two teaspoons of sauce on each half, keeping it away from the very edges to prevent burning.
- Layer on the cheese:
- Divide the mozzarella evenly so every bagel gets a good blanket of cheese without overwhelming the base.
- Add your toppings:
- Pile on whatever you like, pepperoni or olives or peppers, but do not overstuff or they will not heat through.
- Sprinkle with seasoning:
- A pinch of oregano over each one wakes up the flavors and makes the kitchen smell incredible.
- Air fry them:
- Cook them at 375 for five or six minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden in spots.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for a couple minutes so the cheese sets, otherwise you will burn the roof of your mouth.
Pin It My niece visited last month and claimed she hated pepperoni, so I made hers with just extra cheese and some diced peppers. She ate three and asked if I could make them for her birthday party, so now they are officially on the menu for every family gathering.
Customize Your Toppings
Mushrooms release a lot of water as they cook, so either saute them first or use them sparingly. Cooked sausage crumbles add a salty richness that balances the mild cheese, and pineapple actually works if you let it drain well before adding it to the bagels.
Cheese Variations
Sharp cheddar changes the whole vibe into something more savory, while a mix of mozzarella and provolone gives you that classic pizza parlor melt. Just remember that stronger cheeses mean you can use less, or they will overpower everything else.
Serving Ideas
Set out a small bowl of warm marinara for dipping, because it pulls everything together. These disappear fast if you leave them on the counter while people are mingling, so make at least twelve if you have more than four people over.
- Let everyone build their own so they get exactly what they want
- Keep extra sauce nearby in case someone wants to add more
- Make extra because they reheat beautifully in the air fryer
Pin It These little pizzas started as a skeptical experiment and became the one recipe I actually make on repeat. Hope they become your go to too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Yes, cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend work well, offering unique flavors and meltiness.
- → How do I keep bagels crispy after cooking?
Air frying at high heat crisps the edges nicely; avoid stacking after cooking to maintain texture.
- → Are there vegetarian topping options?
Absolutely, vegetables like olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or herbs add great taste and color.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and air fry just before serving for best freshness and crispness.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Substitute with gluten-free bagels to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- → What temperature and time are best for air frying?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 5–6 minutes until cheese melts and browns lightly.