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, as needed

There’s something utterly satisfying about bite-sized snacks that come together in a flash and deliver big flavor. This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is exactly that—a quick, melty, and crispy treat that feels homemade but is easier than anything from a box. I promise, once you try it, these bagel bites will become your go-to whenever you need a snack that’s both comforting and fuss-free.

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 remember the first time I whipped these up in my air fryer—it was game changing. The combo of crispy edges, melty cheese, and warm sauce is like a warm hug after a long day. What’s better? It takes mere minutes and barely any effort.

Speedy Snack: Ready in about 5 minutes, perfect for busy afternoons or last-minute cravings.
Air Fryer Magic: Gets the bagels perfectly crispy without sogginess or waiting for the oven to heat.
Customizable: You can easily switch up sauces and toppings to suit your mood or pantry.
Kid-Friendly: A great way to get the little ones involved in the kitchen, and they love eating their creations.

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 keeps it wonderfully simple. Just a few ingredients, but each plays such an important role in delivering that classic bagel bite nostalgia with a fresh homemade twist.

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 size is perfect for snacks, and halving them creates the ideal canvas for toppings. Toasty edges crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Pizza Sauce: Adds that tangy, savory base flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated melts evenly and gives that stretchy, gooey texture we all love.
Mini Pepperoni: Classic topping adds a punch of meaty, savory goodness that makes every bite exciting.

📝

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 of the things I love most about this Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe is how flexible it is. I sometimes switch up the sauce or the cheese depending on what I’m feeling or what’s leftover in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it's like a little blank snack canvas.

Variation: I often swap pizza sauce for a basil pesto or BBQ sauce to change up the flavor profile. It’s fun to surprise your taste buds!
Cheese blends: Trying a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan creates a super cheesy, savory bite. I once added some goat cheese for a tangy kick that was unexpected but delicious.
Sweet spins: For a dessert version, I’ve topped bagels with cream cheese, fruit jam, and even a drizzle of Nutella. It’s a lovely change of pace and perfect for a kid-friendly treat.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Mini Bagels

Start by slicing your mini bagels in half so each side can get that delicious, crispy toastiness. I like to give them a quick toast in the air fryer for a minute before adding toppings—this helps avoid sogginess once the sauce goes on.

Step 2: Assemble Your Bagel Bites

Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Don’t overload them or the bagels can get too soggy. Next, sprinkle on the freshly grated mozzarella—enough to cover the sauce nicely but not heap it up too thick. Finally, add your mini pepperoni slices.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the assembled bagel bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for about 4 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling and starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning since air fryers can vary.

Step 4: Repeat and Serve

If you’re making more than one batch, repeat the process with the remaining halves. Serve immediately for the best melty, crispy combo. You’ll want to plate these up quickly because they disappear fast!

Top Tip

From making these Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe dozens of times, I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference in texture and flavor.

Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Applying too much sauce can make your bagels soggy instead of crispy, so go light and even.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents which stop it from melting perfectly—fresh is best!
Single Layer in Air Fryer: Crowding the basket makes it harder for hot air to circulate, which means uneven cooking.
Watch Timing Closely: Since air fryer models vary, start checking at 3 minutes to avoid burning or drying out your bagel bites.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

air fryer bagel bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh basil or oregano on top right after cooking—it gives a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, I add a quick drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you’re serving kids, a light sprinkle of parmesan can add a nice salty twist.

Side Dishes

These bagel bites pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or crunchy veggie sticks with ranch dressing for dipping. On movie nights, I like to add some spicy popcorn or even a bowl of tomato soup to dunk into—the nostalgic vibe is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the bites on a large platter surrounded by bowls of different sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard so everyone can customize their snack. Another fun idea is to stack them on skewers for an easy-to-handle appetizer that guests can grab as they mingle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the fridge, and they last well for up to three days. When I reheat them, I find the air fryer crisp-ups them better than the microwave, which is a big plus for preserving that fresh-away-from-the-oven texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bagel bites with great success! After cooling, I pop them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When you want some, just toss them back in the air fryer straight from the freezer—no need to thaw—and cook a little longer until heated through.

Reheating

Reheating in the air fryer is my go-to because it keeps the bagels crispy and the cheese melty but not rubbery. Just 3-4 minutes at 180°C (350°F) should do the trick. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave for 30 seconds but you might lose some of that crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You absolutely can! Just keep in mind that the cooking time will increase slightly, and you’ll need to air fry them a bit longer to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly and the bagel edges crisp up.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries—this recipe can easily be made in an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the assembled bagel bites on a baking sheet, and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, and choose a vegan-friendly sauce. Just keep an eye on cooking time as some vegan cheeses melt differently.

How do I prevent soggy bagel bites?

The key is to not overload your bagel halves with sauce, and pre-toasting them briefly before adding toppings helps create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp. Also, using an air fryer promotes better circulation of hot air, which keeps them crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe really combines convenience with comfort in such a satisfying way. I love how simple it is, yet it feels special—a little homemade magic that elevates snack time. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for these whenever that snack attack hits. Trust me, your air fryer will thank you!