Save to Pinterest The first time I saw these mini bagel pizzas all over my feed, I rolled my eyes at yet another air fryer trend. Then my teenage niece came over for a sleepover and begged me to make them, so I finally gave in. We huddled around the counter, assembling our own little personalized pizzas with whatever toppings we could scrounge from the fridge, and the air fryer dinged in six minutes flat.
My niece took that first bite, cheese stretching from her lips to the bagel like a cartoon, and declared these better than any pizza place in town. Now they are her requested snack every single time she visits. I have learned to double the recipe because the first batch disappears before I can even get them onto plates.
Ingredients
- 6 mini plain bagels, halved: Plain lets the toppings shine but everything or onion work too
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce: Do not drown them or the bagels get soggy fast
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Low moisture cheese melts better than fresh mozzarella here
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices: Mini ones fit perfectly without overwhelming the little bagels
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives: These get salty and crisp in the air fryer
- 2 tablespoons diced bell pepper: Adds a little crunch and bright color
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning: The finishing touch that makes them taste authentic
Instructions
- Heat things up:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375F for about two minutes so they start cooking immediately
- Get the base ready:
- Arrange your mini bagel halves cut side up like little canvases waiting for their masterpiece
- Sauce it up:
- Spread about two teaspoons of sauce on each bagel half keeping it away from the very edges
- Load on the cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across all the bagels so none are naked and sad
- Make them yours:
- Pile on pepperoni olives peppers or whatever toppings make your heart happy
- Season to finish:
- Dust each one with a pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning for that pizza parlor aroma
- Air fry time:
- Arrange in a single layer and cook at 375F for five to six minutes until bubbly and golden
- The hard part:
- Let them cool just slightly so you do not burn the roof of your mouth on molten cheese
Save to Pinterest Movie night with friends became so much more exciting when I started setting out a build your own bagel pizza bar. Everyone crowds around the island drinks in hand assembling their creations and trading topping ideas like they are master chefs. The air fryer dings and suddenly we have restaurant worthy snacks without anyone having to leave the house.
Make It Your Own
These bagels are essentially blank canvases for whatever your fridge holds. I have made versions with leftover rotisserie chicken and BBQ sauce that disappeared faster than the pepperoni ones. The air fryer turns almost any combination into something worth eating.
The Air Fryer Advantage
What makes these special is that air fryer crisp on the bagel edges that you just cannot get from an oven. The cut side gets golden and chewy while the bagel stays soft inside. Six minutes seems too short but somehow it is exactly right.
Serving Strategy
I learned to set up a dipping station with warm extra marinara because some people just really love to dunk. Put out some crushed red pepper flakes garlic powder or grated parmesan for people to customize at the table.
- Work in batches and serve them as they come out for the best texture
- Let everyone build their own if you have a group with different tastes
- Have a second batch ready to go because the first one will go fast
Save to Pinterest These little pizzas have saved me so many times when I need something fun and fast. They prove that the simplest ideas are often the ones that stick around longest.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature should I set the air fryer to?
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal melting and crisping.
- → Can I use other types of bagels?
Yes, any plain or flavored bagels work well; gluten-free options are great for dietary needs.
- → What toppings pair best with these bagels?
Classic choices include pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- → How do I achieve a crispy texture?
Air frying at the right temperature ensures a crispy base while melting the cheese perfectly.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.