📝 About This Recipe
Elevate a nostalgic childhood favorite into a gourmet snack with these ultra-crispy, air-fried bagel pizzas. By using the air fryer, we achieve a perfectly toasted bottom and bubbly, charred cheese that a standard oven simply can't replicate in half the time. These are finished with a signature garlic-butter brush on the crust to ensure every bite is packed with savory, Italian-inspired flavor.
🥗 Ingredients
The Base
- 4 pieces Plain Bagels (split in half, standard size)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Sauce and Cheese
- 3/4 cup Marinara or Pizza Sauce (high quality, thick consistency)
- 2 cups Low-Moisture Mozzarella (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Mini Pepperoni (or standard pepperoni quartered)
- 1/4 cup Bell Pepper (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons Red Onion (minced)
- 6-8 leaves Fresh Basil (chiffonade for garnish)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 3 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
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2
Slice your bagels in half horizontally. If the bagels are very doughy, you can pull out a small amount of the center breading to create a 'boat' for more toppings.
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3
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
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4
Brush the cut side and the outer edges of each bagel half with the garlic butter mixture. This prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.
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5
Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary) and air fry for 2 minutes without toppings. This 'pre-toast' creates a structural barrier.
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6
Remove the toasted bagels carefully. Spread about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each half, staying just inside the edges.
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7
Distribute the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by a generous dusting of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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8
Top with mini pepperoni, diced bell peppers, and red onions. Press the toppings lightly into the cheese so they don't blow around in the air fryer.
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9
Carefully place the assembled bagels back into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
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10
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4-6 minutes. Check at the 4-minute mark; they are done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and showing golden-brown spots.
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11
Use tongs or a spatula to remove the pizzas. Let them rest for 2 minutes—this allows the cheese to set and prevents the 'roof of the mouth' burns!
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12
Garnish with fresh basil ribbons and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while the crust is at peak crunch.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always pre-toast the bagels for 2 minutes before adding sauce to prevent a soggy center. Use low-moisture mozzarella rather than fresh 'wet' mozzarella, as fresh mozzarella releases too much liquid for the air fryer method. If your air fryer has a powerful fan, secure the pepperoni with a toothpick or tuck them slightly under the cheese so they don't fly off. For a flavor boost, substitute the pizza sauce with basil pesto or a white garlic sauce. Don't overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key to getting those crispy, golden edges.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cold, creamy ranch dressing or spicy hot honey for dipping. Pair with a crisp Caesar salad topped with extra croutons and lemon zest. Accompany with a glass of chilled Lambrusco or a hoppy IPA to cut through the richness of the cheese. For a family movie night, serve alongside air-fried zucchini fries or mozzarella sticks. Offer a 'topping bar' with pickled jalapeños and balsamic glaze for guests to customize their slices.