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

Absolutely! Just cut regular bagels into quarters after slicing them in half. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly - usually an extra minute does the trick for larger pieces.

My air fryer is larger/smaller than standard. How should I adjust the recipe?

The cooking principle remains the same regardless of air fryer size. For smaller air fryers, work in more batches to avoid overcrowding. For larger ones, you can cook more at once but still maintain a single layer with space between each piece.

Can I make these healthier?

Definitely! Use whole grain bagels, low-fat cheese, and load up on veggie toppings. You can also try reduced-sugar pizza sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs.

My cheese melted too quickly but the bagel isn't crisp enough. What went wrong?

Your air fryer might run a bit hot. Try reducing the temperature to 160°C/325°F and cooking for 5-6 minutes instead. This allows the bagel to crisp up before the cheese burns.

Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Description

Air Fryer Bagel Bites are a quick and delicious snack or appetizer, made with mini bagels, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. These bagel bites come together in just minutes using the air fryer, resulting in a perfectly crispy base and gooey, melty cheese—perfect for parties, snacks, or quick meals.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Bagel Bites

- 4 mini bagels, halved
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- Mini pepperoni (optional topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Bagels – Slice the mini bagels in half and lay them cut-side up on a clean work surface.
Add Sauce and Toppings – Spread a layer of pizza sauce over each bagel half. Sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Top with mini pepperoni or any desired toppings.
Air Fry the Bagel Bites – Arrange the prepared bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Repeat as Needed – If making a larger batch, repeat the process in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each bagel bite is evenly cooked.
Serve – Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy while warm and melty.

Notes

To Store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To Freeze: Bagel bites freeze well. Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
To Reheat: Reheat in a preheated air fryer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Use a different base sauce: Substitute pizza sauce with pesto, BBQ sauce, basil dressing, or ranch dressing for variety.
Cheesy Variations: Use a mix of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, goat, or cheddar cheese for a four-cheese version.
Sweet Bagel Bites: For dessert-style, top with cream cheese, almond butter, jam, banana, or Nutella.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 bagel halves
Calories: 120
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg