Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites are a quick, kid-friendly appetizer or weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Ready in about 10 minutes and easily customizable.
Air Fryer Bagel Bites are a fast, crowd-pleasing snack or simple dinner for busy evenings. This homemade mini pizza bagel recipe uses just a few pantry staples, takes only minutes to prep, and cooks quickly in the air fryer. Swap toppings to suit picky eaters or keep them classic for a crowd.
Ingredient Notes
Bagels: Mini bagels work best for bite-sized portions, but larger bagels are fine if you prefer a bigger serving. Use plain, whole wheat, or asiago bagels as a neutral base; avoid strongly flavored bagels that compete with the toppings.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and Colby Jack melts well and tastes great, but feel free to use cheddar, parmesan, asiago, or any good melting cheese you prefer.
Why You’ll LOVE It!
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes
Great for Family Dinners
Customizable with Few Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice each bagel in half and place cut-side up on a flat surface.
- Spread 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each bagel half.
- Top each with about 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella and 1 tablespoon Colby Jack (or your preferred cheeses).
- Add toppings of choice. The recipe uses mini pepperonis (about 15 per bagel) and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Place prepared bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer (I fit four halves at a time) and air fry at 400°F for 3–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove with tongs, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm with extra marinara or your favorite dip. Enjoy!
Leftover Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture, or use an oven or microwave if preferred.
Topping Ideas
These bagel bites are easy to customize: pick a few favorite toppings and keep portion sizes moderate so the bagel doesn’t get soggy or heavy. Cook any meats and sauté hardy vegetables before adding.
The Classics: Mini pepperoni, cooked ground sausage, ham, extra cheese, or diced tomatoes.
Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, or jalapeños (cook thicker vegetables first).
Extra Special: Try buffalo chicken (cooked chicken tossed in hot sauce with ranch), BBQ chicken, Hawaiian (ham and pineapple), Margherita (fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella), or a meat-lover’s mix.
Pro Tip!
Limit toppings to around three per bagel to avoid overloading them. This keeps the bites crisp and easy to eat.
FAQS
They’re delicious on their own, or serve with marinara, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or pesto for dipping.
Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil, arrange frozen bagel bites in a single layer without overlapping, and air fry at 370°F for 5–7 minutes, checking to ensure they don’t overbrown.
Yes. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the prepared bagel bites for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bagel edges are slightly crisp.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
An air fryer makes these especially quick and easy, but an oven works well too.
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Thanks for stopping by! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment to share how it turned out. Happy eating!
Happy Eating!
Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites
Ingredients
- 4 mini bagels
- 3 tablespoons marinara sauce per bagel
- 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese per bagel
- 1 tablespoon shredded Colby Jack cheese per bagel
- About 15 mini pepperonis per bagel (or preferred topping)
- Pinch of Italian seasoning per bagel
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Slice each bagel in half and place cut-side up. Spread marinara on each half, sprinkle cheeses, then add pepperoni and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the prepared bagel halves in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
Oven Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bagel edges are slightly crisp.
Frozen Bagel Bites: Lightly mist the air fryer basket and arrange frozen bagel bites in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F for 5–7 minutes or until heated through.