Name: Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces bagels, sliced in half (plain or your favorite variety); 4 tablespoons pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade); 3-4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese; 16 slices pepperoni (or substitute with turkey pepperoni or vegetarian slices); sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, diced tomatoes (or any of your favorites)

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If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the joy of biting into a perfectly golden bagel, topped with tangy pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a handful of your favorite toppings—all ready in just minutes, right in your air fryer. I still remember the first time I made these: it felt like pizza night got a major upgrade, but without the hassle of ordering and waiting.

These pizza bagels are fun to make with kids and guarantee smiles all around. Plus, they’re quicker and easier than my crowd-pleasing Margherita Air Fryer Flatbread, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. Dive in with me and get ready to turn snack time into a mini celebration you’ll want to repeat again and again!

What is Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels?

So, what’s in a name? Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are exactly what they sound like—mini pizzas on bagels, cooked to perfection in your trusty air fryer. Why bagels, you ask? Because as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and who can resist a toasty bagel loaded with pizza goodness!

It’s playful, it’s nostalgic, and it’s downright fun to eat (no pizza cutter required). Whether you call them a snack, a meal, or a midnight delight, these pizza bagels guarantee smiles with every bite. Why not give them a try and see which toppings become your family’s favorite? Your air fryer is waiting!

Why You’ll Love This

The star of the show here is pure convenience—these Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are incredibly simple, quick to assemble, and totally customizable. You’ll love how making these at home saves you a trip (and some cash) compared to grabbing frozen snacks or takeout.

Did I mention how much better the flavors are? The sharp mozzarella, rich sauce, and crispy bagel base come together with whatever toppings your heart desires, making every bite a miniature pizza party. Don’t be surprised if you fall for these just like you did with my Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas—they’re both budget-friendly and kid-approved.

So grab your favorite bagel, pick out your best toppings, and discover just how easy delicious homemade pizza can be!

How to Make

Quick Overview

These pizza bagels are the ultimate shortcut to pizza night—crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all in under 15 minutes. You only need a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of your air fryer to create a snack or meal that’s fun, fast, and completely satisfying. From prepping to serving, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying every bite with family and friends.

Ingredients

2 bagels, sliced in half (plain or your favorite variety)
4 tablespoons pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
3–4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
16 slices pepperoni (or substitute with turkey pepperoni or vegetarian slices)
Optional toppings: sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, diced tomatoes, or any of your favorites

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Lay out your bagel halves on a clean surface. Lightly toast them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes if you like an extra-crispy base (optional but recommended).
Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Add 4 slices of pepperoni to each bagel half, or mix and match with your favorite toppings.
Carefully arrange the loaded bagels in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
Use tongs to remove from the basket, let cool for a minute or two, and enjoy!

What to Serve With

Pair your pizza bagels with a fresh green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside baked sweet potato fries, garlic parmesan broccoli, or a small bowl of tomato basil soup.

If you’re hosting a party, set out bowls of ranch or marinara for dipping, and don’t forget a chilled sparkling drink or homemade lemonade to balance the richness. However you serve them, these pizza bagels fit right in!

Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

To make these extra crispy, pre-toast your bagels in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before adding the sauce and cheese.
Swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free bagels for dietary needs, and use dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding lactose.
Get creative with toppings—leftover grilled veggies, diced cooked chicken, or even pineapple add new dimensions!
Don’t overload your bagels with sauce or too many toppings; this can make them soggy and harder to cook through.
If you’re pressed for time, prep all the toppings in advance and let each person assemble their own bagel for a DIY pizza night.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze assembled (but unbaked) pizza bagels—place them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I make these pizza bagels ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bagels in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook. Just air fry as directed when you’re ready to eat.

What other toppings work well on pizza bagels?
The sky’s the limit—try cooked sausage, bacon bits, jalapeños, pineapple, spinach, or any favorite pizza toppings.

Can I use mini bagels for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mini bagels work perfectly and make great bite-sized snacks for parties or kids.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
It’s recommended for the crispiest texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

How do I keep the bagels from getting soggy?
Avoid using too much sauce and pre-toast the bagels slightly before topping them—it helps lock in the crunch!

Conclusion

Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few basic ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can whip up a family-friendly, budget-savvy meal or snack in just minutes. Whether you love classic pepperoni or want to experiment with creative toppings, these pizza bagels are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Try them once, and you’ll see why they’re destined to be a repeat request! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to explore more quick and easy air fryer ideas on the blog—and happy snacking!