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 for topping (about 12 pieces)

There’s just something so satisfying about that melty, cheesy goodness combined with the slight crunch of a toasted bagel. This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe brings that magic right into your kitchen in minutes—quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for when you want a snack that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly impressive.

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

This recipe is one of my go-tos when I want a quick fix that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. It’s all the comfort of pizza, wrapped up in a fun, portable bite that you whip up in your air fryer—no oven preheat, no mess, and minimal fuss.

Speedy prep: You can throw these together in under five minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Minimal ingredients: Just a few pantry staples and your favorite toppings, so it’s budget-friendly and easy to customize.
Crispy edges & melty cheese: The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch with gooey cheese—something stovetop or microwave can’t quite replicate.
Great for all ages: Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, these little bites bring smiles all around.

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

The beauty of this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part to create a balanced flavor and texture that’s frankly addictive. I always suggest using fresh mozzarella for that creamy melt, and the mini bagels provide just the right surface area and crunch.

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: Their small size is perfect for single bites and toasting evenly in the air fryer—plus, the slight chew is just right.
Pizza sauce: Adds tangy richness and the classic ‘pizza’ flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Mozzarella cheese: Choose freshly grated when possible; it melts beautifully and offers that gooey texture we all crave.
Mini pepperoni (optional): For a punch of savory flavor and a bit of chew that complements the cheese perfectly.

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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

Honestly, I love swapping things up with this recipe since it’s so flexible. You can craft it just how you like—whether you want a vegetarian-friendly version or something a little more indulgent. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors.

Variation: For a cheesier twist, try mixing mozzarella with parmesan or cheddar—it adds a sharper, richer taste that’s absolutely dreamy.
Different sauces: Not a fan of traditional pizza sauce? Try pesto or even some BBQ sauce for a smoky flair—my family was pleasantly surprised the first time I did this!
Sweet version: For dessert, spread cream cheese and drizzle with Nutella or strawberry jam. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again.
Diet-friendly: Use gluten-free mini bagels or dairy-free cheese to accommodate food preferences without losing the fun.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bagels

Start by slicing your mini bagels in half if they aren’t pre-sliced already. This lets the toppings sit perfectly on each half. I always give the bagels a quick check for any dryness—if they’re a bit stale, a tiny spritz of water before the toppings helps keep them from drying out in the air fryer.

Step 2: Layer on the Sauce and Cheese

Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half—just enough to cover without making it soggy. Then sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella generously on top. If you like pepperoni, add those mini slices last so they get perfectly crispy as the cheese melts.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your bagel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between them. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cheese should melt into beautiful bubbles, and the edges of the bagel will turn golden and crisp. If your air fryer’s smaller, you might need to do this in batches.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help these Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe turn out just right every time. These simple tips will save you time and frustration so you get perfect results.

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Giving the bagel bites space is key for even cooking and a crispy crust all around.
Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes have anti-caking agents that affect melting; fresh mozzarella really shines here.
Adjust timing for your air fryer: Each model cooks a bit differently—if it’s your first time, check a minute early to avoid overcooking.
Avoid soggy bites: Too much sauce can make the bagel soggy, so a thin layer is better for that perfect crisp-to-cheese ratio.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

air fryer bagel bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano right after they come out of the air fryer—it adds a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color. A drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can kick the taste up a notch too.

Side Dishes

Pair these bagel bites with a fresh green salad or crunchy veggie sticks and a creamy ranch dip to balance the richness. They’re also great alongside a bowl of tomato soup for an all-in-one cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes serve these on a wooden board topped with an array of colorful dipping sauces like spicy mayo, basil pesto, and honey mustard. Kids especially love having the option to choose their own dip—it makes snack time feel like a mini celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool, I store leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days. Just make sure to reheat them properly so they stay crispy and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for this recipe. I lay the bagel bites out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. They last up to three months frozen. It’s a perfect way to have quick snacks ready anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bagel bites back into a preheated air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3–4 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty—trust me, they come out almost as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular bagels instead of mini bagels?

You absolutely can! Just be aware that regular bagels are bigger, so you might need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the cheese melts all the way through without burning the edges. Also, the bites won’t be quite as snackable in size.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t own an air fryer, you can bake these in a conventional oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bagel edges are golden. Just keep an eye to avoid burning.

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even cooked sausage bits. Just be careful not to overload the bagels, as the air fryer can only cook so much at once and too many toppings might cause sogginess.

How do I prevent soggy bagel bites?

A key is spreading a thin layer of sauce, not too thick, and making sure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. This helps moisture evaporate and results in that lovely crispiness we’re after.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is one of those little culinary joys that turns simple ingredients into something special. I find it’s a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for sneaky snacks, kid lunches, or a quick treat after a long day. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how the air fryer transforms these mini delights. I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe in your arsenal for easy, yummy bites any time the craving strikes!