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

Crunchy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is my go-to for a quick snack that feels a little indulgent. It’s amazing how just a handful of ingredients can come together in minutes for a satisfying bite-sized treat.

Several small round pizzas are shown on crumpled brown parchment paper, each with a visible base layer of red tomato sauce topped with a thick layer of melted golden yellow cheese, some parts slightly browned and bubbly. One pizza has small, evenly spread slices of reddish-brown sausage on top of the cheese. The pizzas have light tan crusts that are thin and slightly crispy around the edges. The image is taken from above, showing the pizzas closely arranged with no plate visible, on a subtle crumpled paper surface. 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’ve made plenty of snack recipes, but these Air Fryer Bagel Bites always impress with how fast and easy they are. Plus, the air fryer gives you that perfectly crisped edge without any fuss. It’s a little homemade upgrade from the frozen stuff, and trust me, once you taste them fresh, you’ll never want the other kind again.

Speedy Prep: From assembled to table in under 5 minutes, making them ideal for busy afternoons or last-minute cravings.
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer crisps the bagel edges beautifully while melting the cheese just right — something the microwave can’t quite do.
Simple Ingredients: Just mini bagels, sauce, cheese, and optional toppings you probably already have on hand.
Customizable Fun: Easily swap sauces or cheeses to match your mood, making each batch uniquely yours.

Six small pizzas are placed in two vertical columns on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each pizza has two to three layers: a thin round base in light beige, a spread of bright red tomato sauce just inside the edges, and a top layer of melted cheese in golden yellow with some browned spots. Four of the pizzas have scattered small round brown sausage slices on the cheese, while two pizzas are just cheese without toppings. The cheese looks bubbly and slightly browned, giving a warm and fresh baked appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balance — the breadiness of the bagel, the tangy pizza sauce, and the gooey mozzarella melt. Choosing fresh ingredients really makes a difference and elevates these bites beyond your average snack.

Flat lay of four mini bagel halves topped with bright red pizza sauce, piles of freshly grated mozzarella cheese, and small, round mini pepperoni slices, arranged neatly and invitingly with a few scattered mozzarella shreds around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mini Bagels: Their small size is perfect for bite-sized snacks, and they crisp up nicely without drying out in the air fryer.
Pizza Sauce: A rich, tangy spread adds moisture and flavor; homemade or store-bought works great.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully creating that ooey-gooey signature texture.
Mini Pepperoni (optional): Adds a bit of savory spice and texture contrast, but feel free to omit or swap with veggies.

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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 my mood or who I’m feeding. These bagel bites are great for experimentation, so don’t hesitate to try different sauces or cheeses to find your perfect combo.

Variation: I once swapped the pizza sauce for garlic basil pesto—totally changed the vibe and became an instant favorite in my household.
Cheesy Mix: Sometimes I use a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for extra flavor and color.
Sweet Twist: For dessert, try cream cheese with strawberry jam or Nutella topped with banana slices—air frying these gives a warm, melty treat you won’t forget.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Base

Start by slicing your mini bagels in half. I like to give the cut side a quick toast in the air fryer for a minute or so if I have extra time — that adds some crunch and helps the bagels hold up better once loaded with sauce and cheese.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spread about a tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half. Then generously sprinkle with the fresh mozzarella. Don’t skimp here, the cheese is what makes these irresistible!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the bagel halves into a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for around 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer models vary — the cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges crisp and golden brown.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

If you’re adding mini pepperoni or other toppings, I usually scatter those on halfway through air frying to keep them from drying out. Once done, serve up your delicious bagel bites warm for the best experience.

Top Tip

Over the years making these, I’ve noticed a few small tricks that make a big difference when you want them just right: crisp outside, soft inside, gooey cheese. These tips will help you nail that perfect balance every time.

Pre-toast Bagels: Try toasting your bagel halves for 1–2 minutes before adding toppings to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give each bagel bite enough space in the air fryer basket to ensure they crisp evenly.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can impact melting quality.
Watch the Time: Air fryers vary, so start checking at 3 minutes to avoid burning, especially with smaller bagels.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or oregano right after they come out of the air fryer for a pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of chili olive oil adds a nice kick, too, if you’re into some heat.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for cozy dipping. Even a small serving of roasted veggies adds a nice balance for a snack or light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

At casual parties, I arrange these bagel bites on a wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauces—ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo work well. For kids, I once made a colorful “pizza buffet” where everyone got to add their own toppings before air frying — so much fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They hold up surprisingly well and are perfect for a quick snack later in the day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen batches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. They freeze perfectly for up to three months — just be sure to separate them so none stick together.

Reheating

To reheat, I trust the air fryer again—just 3 to 4 minutes at 180°C (350°F) brings them back crispy and melty without drying them out like a microwave might.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular-sized bagels instead of mini bagels?

Absolutely! You can use regular-sized bagels, but just adjust the cooking time accordingly—closer to 6–7 minutes in the air fryer—and slice them into smaller pieces if you want individual bites.

What’s the best cheese to use in this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe?

Fresh mozzarella is my top pick because it melts beautifully and has a creamy texture, but feel free to mix in cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for more flavor complexity.

Can I make these Air Fryer Bagel Bites gluten-free?

Definitely. You can find mini gluten-free bagels at many grocery stores or specialty bakeries, which makes this snack accessible if you’re avoiding gluten.

How do I prevent the bagels from getting soggy with the sauce?

A little pre-toasting helps a lot. Toasting the bagel halves in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before adding sauce helps create a barrier, preventing sogginess while still allowing the sauce to soak in just enough for flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m feeding the kids after school or needing a quick snack for myself, I know I can count on these to hit the spot every time. Give it a try—you might find yourself coming back for more, and maybe even sharing with friends over a cozy catch-up!