Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Mini bagels: These are the base for your bagel bites, providing a chewy and satisfying texture. Pizza sauce: This adds the classic pizza flavor to your bagel bites. Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping. Pepperoni slices: Optional, but adds a delicious, savory element to your bagel bites.

To achieve a perfectly crispy texture on your bagel bites, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each bagel half, ensuring that the cheese melts uniformly and the pepperoni gets a nice, slight crisp.

• mini bagels - Substitute with English muffins: English muffins have a similar texture and can be easily split to create a similar base for the toppings.

• mini bagels - Substitute with pita bread: Pita bread can be cut into small rounds and provides a chewy texture that works well for mini pizzas.

• pizza sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce has a similar flavor profile and consistency, making it a good alternative for pizza sauce.

• pizza sauce - Substitute with tomato paste mixed with Italian seasoning: Tomato paste can be thinned with a bit of water and seasoned to mimic the taste of pizza sauce.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and provides a different but delicious flavor.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone has a similar melting quality and a slightly sharper taste.

• pepperoni slices - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is a leaner option with a similar taste and texture.

• pepperoni slices - Substitute with vegetarian pepperoni: Vegetarian pepperoni offers a plant-based alternative with a similar flavor profile.

• Allow the bagel bites to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• For short-term storage, place the bagel bites in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you plan to store them longer, consider freezing. Arrange the bagel bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the bagel bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bagel bites for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
• For reheating from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bagel bites for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they are heating evenly.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the bagel bites soggy. The air fryer ensures they remain crispy and delicious.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bagel bites in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.
• Use a microwave for a quick fix. Place the bagel bites on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 30-45 seconds. Be cautious as the cheese can get very hot.
• For a crispier texture, use an oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the bagel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bagels are crispy.
• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagel bites directly on the rack or on a small baking tray. Heat for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bagels are warm.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the bagel bites, ensuring they become crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the mini bagels in half evenly.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the bagels.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading the pizza sauce evenly on each bagel half.

• Measuring cup: Helps measure the correct amount of pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the bagel bites into the air fryer basket and removing them once cooked.

• Plate: Used to arrange the bagel bites before and after cooking.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bagel bites to cool down slightly before serving, preventing sogginess.

Pre-prep ingredients: Slice the mini bagels and measure out the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices ahead of time.

Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup quicker and easier.

Batch cooking: If you have a larger air fryer, cook multiple batches at once to save time.

Store leftovers: Make extra bagel bites and store them in the fridge for a quick snack later.