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 mozzarella cheese, freshly grated; Mini pepperoni, as needed

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 12 reviews

If you love quick, tasty snacks that hit all the right notes, you’re in for a treat! This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is my go-to for when I want a crunchy, cheesy little snack with zero fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your favorite last-minute bites — especially when you want that ooey-gooey cheese without heating the whole kitchen. Let me walk you through how I make my perfect bagel bites, with tips and little twists to make them yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Fast & Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Crunchy & Cheesy: The air fryer crisps up the bagels just right, with melty cheese on top every single time.
Customize Your Way: Swap sauces, cheeses, and toppings to fit your mood or whatever’s in your fridge.
Minimal Cleanup: Only a few ingredients and a quick wipe of the air fryer makes snack time stress-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a simple but crucial role in making these bagel bites shine. Using mini bagels means perfect bite-sized snacks, and fresh mozzarella melts beautifully for a classic pizza vibe. Plus, using pizza sauce keeps things familiar and delicious, but don’t hesitate to switch it up.

Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe - Ingredients

Mini bagels: Their size is perfect for one- or two-bite snacks, and halving them gives a sturdy base with lots of crusty crunch.
Pizza sauce: This adds that tangy, herby tomato flavor that’s the foundation of any good pizza bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts smoothly and creates that irresistible stretchy layer everyone loves.
Mini pepperoni: Optional, but I like to pop a few on top for some extra savory, meaty punch.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is how easily you can switch it up. I’ve enjoyed it with a pesto base for a fresh spin, and even tried a sweet version with cream cheese and jam — you should definitely play around to find your favorite combo.

Change the Sauce: Instead of pizza sauce, I love using BBQ for smoky flavor or ranch for creaminess — both bring a totally different vibe.
Go Cheesy: Try a four-cheese blend (mozzarella, parmesan, goat, cheddar) for extra depth and richness, especially if you’re a cheese fanatic like me!
Sweet Treats: For dessert, swap toppings for cream cheese, banana slices, and a drizzle of Nutella — it’s a game changer!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bagels and Toppings

Start by slicing your mini bagels in half—you want each half to be ready for toppings. Spread a thin but even layer of pizza sauce on each. I find that too much sauce makes it soggy, so a light coating is best. Then sprinkle on freshly grated mozzarella (the fresher, the better for melt). Add mini pepperoni slices if you’re using them. I like to arrange them evenly so every bite has some pepperoni goodness.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the bagel halves in a single layer in your air fryer basket. I recommend cooking at 180°C (350°F) for about 4 minutes — that’s enough time for the cheese to melt and the bagels to get crispy on the edges. Keep an eye because some air fryers run hotter; adjust the time by a minute if needed. I usually pull one out early to check and avoid burning. If you want extra melty cheese, a quick extra 30 seconds can do wonders!

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy Immediately

Once out of the air fryer, let them cool for a minute because that melted cheese can be hot! Then dig in—it’s best enjoyed warm and fresh. These bites are perfect for snacking solo or serving as party appetizers.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Don’t Overload the Sauce: A thin layer prevents the bagels from getting soggy while still giving that classic pizza flavor.
Choose Fresh Mozzarella: It melts better and tastes creamier than shredded pre-packaged cheese, which can be a game changer.
Arrange Bagels Properly: Don’t stack or overcrowd in the air fryer basket so they crisp evenly on all sides.
Watch Cooking Time Closely: Every air fryer is different; start checking a minute early to avoid overcooked, dry bites.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe - Recipe Step

Garnishes

I love finishing mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or oregano—adds brightness and a little fresh pop. If you’re feeling a bit bold, a light drizzle of hot honey or chili oil on top takes the flavor next level. Fresh cracked black pepper never hurts either.

Side Dishes

These bagel bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, sliced veggies with a dip like ranch or garlic aioli, or even a small bowl of marinara for dipping. Perfect for casual snack plates or serving at game day gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the bagel bites on a platter with colorful toothpicks, mixing different variations (like classic pepperoni and BBQ chicken). You can even serve alongside mini sliders or wings for a fun snack board everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare because these get devoured fast!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find using parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking.

Freezing

I love making a batch ahead of time and freezing them. Arrange the finished bagel bites on a baking tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag—this stops them from sticking together. They’ll last up to three months frozen.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crispiness, reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Just keep an eye to avoid burning the bagels.
What type of bagels work best for bagel bites?

Mini bagels or regular bagels cut into quarters work best. Mini bagels are perfect for bite-sized snacks, while larger bagels can be sliced thinner but may need slightly longer cooking time to get crispy.
Can I use other toppings besides pepperoni?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or even veggies like bell peppers and onions. The air fryer handles these toppings well, just watch for any watery veggies that might affect crispiness.
How do I keep the bagel bites from getting soggy?

Use a thin layer of sauce, and avoid piling on lots of wet toppings. Air frying at the right temperature (around 180°C/350°F) crisps the bagels nicely without making them soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is my little kitchen secret for quick, fuss-free snacking that always satisfies. Whether you’re making a handful for yourself or a batch for friends, it’s the kind of recipe I come back to again and again because of how fast and flexible it is. Have fun with it, mix up the toppings, and know you can always count on that perfect melty, crispy bite in just minutes. Give it a try tonight—I’m betting you’ll love it as much as I do!