Name: Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 mini bagels halved; 1/4 cup pizza sauce; 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; Mini pepperoni slices (quantity to preference, about 20 slices)

There's something incredibly satisfying about quick, cheesy snacks that hit the spot in minutes. This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is a game-changer when you want something warm, melty, and comforting without the wait. The crispy edges from the air fryer add a perfect crunch you just can't resist.

The image shows several small round pizzas on a crinkled brown paper background. Each pizza has three visible layers: a light beige thin crust base, a bright red tomato sauce spread evenly on top, and a golden-brown melted cheese layer that covers most of the surface with some bubbling and browning spots. Some pizzas have small round slices of pepperoni scattered across the cheese layer. One of the pizzas near the top left corner is shaped like a heart, with all its layers matching the others. The background texture is changed to white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly get a little excited every time I make these bagel bites. They're perfect for those moments when you want a quick snack but want it to feel special — like mini pizzas ready in just minutes. Plus, using an air fryer means you get that great texture without firing up your oven.

Speed and Ease: This recipe takes under 5 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect when you're short on time.
Flexible Ingredients: You can switch up sauces, cheeses, or toppings to suit your mood or pantry.
Air Fryer Magic: Crisp edges and perfectly melted cheese without sogginess – something only an air fryer can deliver consistently.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: These bagel bites are endlessly customizable and loved by all ages.

Six mini bagel pizzas are placed on a black wire rack over a white marbled surface. Each bagel is topped with a layer of bright red tomato sauce spread evenly over the top half of the bagel, followed by a thick, bubbly layer of melted golden-yellow cheese that has browned slightly from baking. Three of the bagel pizzas have small round slices of brown sausage scattered on top of the cheese. The bagels have a light, slightly toasted brown crust visible around the edges. The wire rack grid creates a neat pattern beneath the bagels, and the photo has a clean, bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps things simple but effective, using familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. The balance between the bready base, tangy sauce, and melty cheese is what makes it so crave-worthy.

Flat lay of four mini bagels halved, a small bowl of bright red pizza sauce, a generous pile of freshly grated mozzarella cheese, and neatly arranged mini pepperoni slices, all beautifully set with vibrant colors and textures contrasting, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mini Bagels: Using mini bagels is perfect here because they're the right size for a quick snack and crisp up nicely without being doughy.
Pizza Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce adds that familiar tang and pairs perfectly with the cheese. You can sub in pesto or BBQ if you want a flavor twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella melts uniformly and gives you that gooey, stringy texture everyone loves on bagel bites.
Mini Pepperoni (optional): These add a salty, meaty punch, but you can omit or swap for veggies or other favorite toppings to customize.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on what I have on hand or the mood I'm in. The Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe really shines because it’s so easy to personalize — have fun with it and make it your own.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is using a pesto base instead of pizza sauce, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and goat cheese — it’s a fresh, herby delight that breathes new life into these little bites.
Cheese Combo: I sometimes blend mozzarella with a bit of parmesan or even gorgonzola for a sharper flavor kick. Trust me, it elevates the whole snack.
Sweet Variation: For a dessert twist, try spreading cream cheese with a drizzle of honey and topping with sliced strawberries or bananas. The air fryer adds a lovely toasted touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Mini Bagels

I like to start by slicing the mini bagels right down the middle, laying them out on a plate so I can easily assemble. It's best to choose bagels that are a bit fresh — too stale and they won’t crisp up as nicely.

Step 2: Layer with Sauce and Cheese

Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Don’t skimp on the sauce because it keeps the bites flavorful and moist underneath all that melted cheese. Then sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella over the top — freshly grated melts so much better and looks nicer than pre-shredded packages.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Air Fry

If you’re going classic, add mini pepperoni slices on top. Then arrange the bagel halves in your air fryer basket — try to keep them in a single layer so they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 180°C/350°F and cook for about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them the first time; you want the cheese melted and the edges crisp but not burnt.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the fryer, let them cool just a bit (the cheese will be super hot!). I like to serve them immediately because the contrast of warm, melty cheese and crunchy bagel is absolute magic.

Top Tip

Through making this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe several times, I've learned a few things that really improve the results and your experience.

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts more evenly and looks nicer than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Air circulation is key in air frying. Arrange your bagel halves in a single layer for the crispiest results.
Keep an Eye on the Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary; start with 4 minutes but adjust as needed to avoid burning.
Let Them Rest: Allow bagel bites to cool a minute or two before serving. It makes them easier to handle and keeps your mouth safe from lava-hot cheese.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

air fryer bagel bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little freshly chopped basil or dried Italian herbs on top right after air frying – it adds a lovely burst of aroma and freshness. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is great if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

Pair these bagel bites with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of mixed olives for a Mediterranean-style snack. For a casual approach, carrot sticks and ranch dip always work well alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe on a platter with fun toothpicks for easy grabbing. I once made a 'pizza board' with assorted toppings laid out so guests could build their own before air frying — super fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the fridge, and they last well for up to three days. Just make sure to let them cool before packing them away to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

One of the best things about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully. I place cooled bagel bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they keep well for up to three months without sticking together.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them back into a preheated air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3–4 minutes. This method crisps them up again perfectly without drying them out, much better than using a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular-sized bagels for this recipe?

You can absolutely use regular-sized bagels, but keep in mind that they will require longer cooking time in the air fryer and might be a bit more filling. Mini bagels are ideal for snack-sized portions and cook more evenly.

What toppings work best on Air Fryer Bagel Bites?

Traditional mini pepperoni is a crowd-pleaser, but you can also use sliced mushrooms, olives, diced bell peppers, or even cooked sausage bits. For a vegetarian option, try spinach and fresh tomato slices topped with your favorite cheese.

How do I prevent soggy bagel bites in the air fryer?

To keep your bagel bites crisp, avoid stacking them and ensure they’re in a single layer with space between each piece for air to circulate. Also, don’t overload the sauce or toppings, as too much moisture can prevent crisping.

Can I make these bagel bites gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free mini bagels which are widely available in many grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients like sauce and cheese are generally gluten-free, but always check labels to be safe.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe has become one of my go-to snacks for those busy days or casual gatherings with friends. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable — which means you can make it uniquely yours while still enjoying a comforting bite. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to up their snack game without fuss. Give it a try and watch these little bites disappear fast!