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 slices, enough to top each bagel half

Crunchy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, these little bites pack so much comfort in every nibble. This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is my go-to snack when I want something fast but satisfying—plus, the air fryer makes it a breeze!

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 remember the first time I whipped up these bagel bites—I couldn’t believe how crispy and golden they came out in just minutes. There’s something magical about using the air fryer for a recipe that’s quick, customizable, and so delicious.

Speedy Snack: Ready in under 5 minutes, it’s perfect when hunger strikes fast.
Crispy-Soft Texture: The air fryer crisps the bagels just right while melting the cheese perfectly.
Super Customizable: From classic pepperoni to sweet toppings, you can make it whatever you’re craving.
Minimal Cleanup: No greasy pans or ovens—just a quick wipe of the air fryer basket.

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 calls for simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role in delivering that classic bagel bite flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.

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: These little rounds provide the perfect base with just enough chew and density to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Pizza sauce: A flavorful, tangy foundation that complements the cheese and toppings beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts wonderfully, giving that gooey, stretchy bite we all love.
Mini pepperoni (optional): Adds a little savory zip and classic pizzeria vibe—totally optional based on your taste.

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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

One thing I adore about this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is how flexible it is. I often mix up the sauce or cheese depending on what’s in my fridge—or what mood I’m in. Try making it your own!

Variation: I switched the pizza sauce for pesto once, and it gave the bagel bites this fresh, herby twist that was surprisingly addictive. You might want to try BBQ sauce or even ranch dressing too!
Cheese Blend: Combining mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar or parmesan amps up the flavor dramatically, which I love for a grown-up snack version.
Sweet Treat: For a dessert spin, spread cream cheese and top with fruit jam or Nutella. Air frying just long enough to warm it through creates this warm, gooey delight.
Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free bagels work great here, and you can swap the cheese for vegan alternatives if needed.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bagels Just Right

Start by slicing your mini bagels in half — if they come pre-sliced, even better. Lay them out on a plate or cutting board and spread about a teaspoon of pizza sauce evenly over each half. Don’t overdo the sauce or it might make the bagel soggy, which you definitely want to avoid here.

Step 2: Load Up the Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated mozzarella cheese over each sauced bagel half. The fresh cheese melts better and gives that authentic stretchy texture. Add mini pepperoni slices if you’re using them—just a few per bite to keep balance.

Step 3: Air Fry to Melty Perfection

Place the bagel halves in a single layer inside your air fryer basket—give them a little space so the air circulates well. Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them: you want the cheese melted and bubbly but not burnt. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 3 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Repeat and Serve Warm

If you’re making multiple batches, repeat the process to keep everything fresh and crispy. Serve immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is perfectly gooey—the ultimate cozy snack!

Top Tip

After making this recipe a few times, I’ve learned some little tweaks that really help your Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe come out perfect every time.

Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grating mozzarella makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: If your model needs preheating, do so for consistent results because temperature can affect melting and texture.
Watch the Timing: Every air fryer is different, so keep a close eye the first time you try this to avoid over-browning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little dried oregano or crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving—it adds a burst of flavor and a hint of color that’s so inviting. Fresh basil leaves also make a lovely garnish when using pesto sauce.

Side Dishes

For a fuller snack or light meal, pair your bagel bites with a crisp green salad or baby carrots with a side of ranch dressing. Sometimes I throw together a quick tomato soup for dipping, which transforms this snack into a cozy, comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a casual gathering? Arrange the bagel bites on a wooden board with little bowls of different sauces—like garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a honey mustard drizzle. It’s fun for guests to mix and match flavors and makes the snack feel a bit more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have any leftovers, I place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about three days, though honestly, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these freeze beautifully. I lay them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh up to three months, perfect for quick snack emergencies.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated bagel bites back to life, I pop them into a preheated air fryer for 3-4 minutes. This method brings back that crisp crust and melty cheese way better than microwaves, in my opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular-sized bagels for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just adjust the toppings and air frying time accordingly, as bigger bagels will need a little more time to get heated through and cheese melted perfectly.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking these bagel bites?

If your air fryer recommends preheating, it’s a good idea for consistent results. I usually preheat for about 3 minutes at 180°C (350°F) before adding the bagels.

Can I customize the toppings on these bagel bites?

Definitely! This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is ultra-flexible. Try different sauces, cheeses, and toppings—like veggies, different meats, or even sweet spreads—to match your preferences.

How long do leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Leftover bagel bites keep well in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back that fresh, crispy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe holds a cozy spot in my snack lineup because it's quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how easy it is to whip up these crunchy, cheesy bites that feel like a warm hug in every mouthful. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own—I bet it’ll become your favorite go-to snack too!