Air fryer bagel bites: 7 Delightful Steps to Cheesy Bliss

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 2, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making air fryer bagel bites! These little snacks are like magic – they come together in no time and are perfect for any occasion. I remember the first time I whipped them up for a cozy movie night with friends; the smell of melted cheese and warm bagels filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! Seriously, it’s hard to resist that golden, crispy topping paired with gooey cheese and zesty pizza sauce. Plus, you can customize them however you like! Whether it’s pepperoni, olives, or even some colorful veggies, the possibilities are endless. Trust me, once you try these air fryer bagel bites, they’ll become your go-to snack for everything from casual get-togethers to quick family dinners!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients for these irresistible air fryer bagel bites is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:

8 mini bagels, halved
1 cup pizza sauce – the star of the show!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – because who doesn’t love melty cheese?
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any other toppings you fancy)
1/4 cup sliced black olives – they add a nice briny touch!
1 tsp Italian seasoning – for that extra kick of flavor

Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your cravings or what you have on hand. It’s all about making these bagel bites your own!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Getting your air fryer bagel bites ready is a breeze! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have delicious snacks in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bagel bites cook evenly and get that perfect crispy finish.
Slice the mini bagels: Take your mini bagels and slice them in half. Make sure to do this carefully to keep each half nice and even. You want them to hold all those tasty toppings!
Add the sauce: Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Don’t be shy—this sauce is what gives your bites that delicious flavor!
Top with cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce, followed by your chosen toppings like pepperoni and black olives. Go wild with your creativity here!
Season it up: Finally, sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning over the top for that extra burst of flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Air fry: Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary!
Cool and serve: Once done, carefully remove the bagel bites and let them cool slightly before diving in. You don’t want to burn your tongue on that cheesy goodness!

And there you have it! Your air fryer bagel bites are ready to be enjoyed. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, these air fryer bagel bites are an absolute game-changer! Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have delicious snacks ready in no time!
Easy Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients at home, making this a super convenient recipe to whip up anytime.
Delicious Taste: The combination of gooey cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and your choice of toppings creates an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a movie night, or just a snack for the kiddos, these bagel bites are a hit with everyone.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the toppings to suit your mood—get creative and make them your own!

Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Tips for Success

To make your air fryer bagel bites truly shine, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure to place the bagel halves in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and nobody wants a soggy bagel bite!
Watch the cooking time: Every air fryer is a little different. Check on your bagel bites around the 5-minute mark to prevent burning. You want that cheese perfectly melted and bubbly!
Experiment with toppings: If you’re feeling adventurous, try different cheeses or toppings! Fresh veggies, cooked sausage, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing can elevate your bagel bites.
Let them cool slightly: After cooking, let your bagel bites cool for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit and prevents any tongue burns!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to crafting the ultimate air fryer bagel bites every time!

Variations of Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Now, let’s talk about the fun part – customizing your air fryer bagel bites! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so feel free to get creative with toppings and flavors. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Veggie Delight: Swap out the pepperoni for an assortment of fresh veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Add some feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist!
Buffalo Style: Drizzle some buffalo sauce over the pizza sauce before adding cheese, and top with cooked chicken for a spicy kick. Don’t forget to finish with a dollop of creamy ranch!
Caprese Bagel Bites: Use fresh mozzarella slices, sliced tomatoes, and basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking takes these to the next level!
Sweet Treat: For dessert, spread some nut butter on the bagel halves, sprinkle with chocolate chips and a few banana slices, and air fry for a sweet twist!

The options are endless, so let your taste buds guide you! Mix and match toppings based on what you love or have on hand, and you’ll always have a new favorite version of these delicious bagel bites!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover air fryer bagel bites is super easy! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I love using glass containers because they keep everything fresh and make reheating a breeze!

When you’re ready to enjoy your bagel bites again, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bagel bites in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty once more. This method keeps them nice and crispy, just like when you first made them!

Trust me, you’ll want to reheat them this way rather than using the microwave, which can leave them a bit soggy. Enjoy your delicious bites all over again!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful air fryer bagel bites? Here’s a quick look at the typical values per serving (which is about 2 bagel bites):

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 6g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and toppings you choose. Enjoy your tasty treats while being mindful of your nutritional goals!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making air fryer bagel bites? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear from fellow snack enthusiasts:

Can I use regular bagels instead of mini bagels? Absolutely! Just slice them into quarters instead of halves to keep the proportions right. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!
What other toppings can I use? The sky’s the limit! You can try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack, or go for toppings like jalapeños, cooked bacon, or even fresh herbs. Mix it up to suit your taste!
How do I prevent them from getting soggy? Make sure to air fry them in a single layer and monitor the cooking time closely. If they’re crowded in the basket, they might steam instead of crisping up!
Can I make these ahead of time? Sure! Prepare the bagel bites and store them in the fridge before cooking. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready for a quick snack!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The air fryer is your best friend here! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. It’s way better than the microwave!

Hope these answers help you create the perfect air fryer bagel bites every time!