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Homemade air fryer pizza bagels topped with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil
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Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Bagels - Quick, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 plain or whole wheat bagels, split
  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Favorite toppings, such as: Pepperoni slices
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Black olives
  • Cooked sausage or bacon
  • Pineapple tidbits
  • Red onion
  • Fresh basil (add after cooking)
  • Optional finishing touches: Red pepper flakes, a drizzle of hot honey, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes. A short preheat helps the bagels toast and the cheese melt evenly.
  • Prep the bagels: Lightly brush or spray the cut sides of the bagels with olive oil. This helps them crisp without drying out.
  • Toast the bagels (optional but recommended): Place the bagel halves in the air fryer cut side up and toast for 2–3 minutes. This creates a barrier that keeps the sauce from soaking in.
  • Add the sauce: Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each half for a lighter bite, or up to 2 tablespoons for a saucier result. Don’t overload—the cheese needs room to melt.
  • Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Top with cheese: Add a generous layer of mozzarella, then a light dusting of Parmesan for savory depth. Keep cheese about 1/4 inch from the edges to prevent overflow.
  • Add toppings: Place your chosen toppings evenly. Avoid piling too high or they won’t heat through by the time the cheese melts.
  • Air fry: Return the bagels to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned and the edges are crisp.
  • Finish and serve: Let them cool for 1–2 minutes so the cheese sets. Add fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey if you like. Serve warm.