Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 370–380°F (188–193°C). Most air fryers don’t need long—2–3 minutes is enough.
Prep the bagels: Split the bagels.
For extra crisp, lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Toast the base: Air fry the plain bagel halves, cut side up, for 2–3 minutes. This keeps them from getting soggy under the sauce.
Add sauce: Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each half. Don’t overdo it—thin, even coverage is best.
Layer cheese: Add a generous layer of mozzarella, reaching close to the edges for that cheesy pull.
Add toppings: Place pepperoni or your favorite toppings on top.
Keep pieces small and don’t pile too high.
Season: Sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning for a classic pizzeria touch.
Air fry: Return to the air fryer and cook at 370–380°F for 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Finish and serve: Let them cool for 1–2 minutes. Top with fresh basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or Parmesan if you like. Serve warm.