Who doesn't love pizza in a fun, bite-sized form? This Air Fryer Pizza Bagel is a simple, delicious option for a quick meal or snack. Whether you're feeding your entire family or need a quick lunch for yourself, this simple recipe comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Plus, they are way better than the frozen bagel pizza bites!
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As a dietitian, I love finding creative ways to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. Who else grew up frozen bagel bites!? These pizza bagels are packed with flavor and protein, and they're lower in fat than traditional pizza thanks to the use of turkey pepperoni. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day, or even an easy snack for kids!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy - Ready in under 10 minutes, these homemade pizza bagels use minimal ingredients and cooks in the air fryer for a no-fuss meal.
- Fun for the Whole Family - Everyone can create their own pizza masterpiece with their favorite toppings, making it a fun, interactive pizza night for both kids and adults.
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside - The air fryer gives these pizza bagels the perfect texture-crispy pizza crust on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Pizza Bagel
- Bagels: Use your favorite plain bagels - regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free work well.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar or homemade marinara to keep it healthier. You can also use store-bought traditional pizza sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A great source of calcium and protein.
- Turkey Pepperoni: A lighter option than traditional pepperoni with less fat but all the flavor.
- Optional Additional Toppings: Fresh basil, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions For Air Fryer Pizza Bagel
- Swap turkey pepperoni for a plant-based alternative for vegetarian pizza bagel bites.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use a dairy-free mozzarella for a vegan-friendly version.
- Use mini bagels to make bite-sized mini pizzas, perfect for appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.
Looking for some inspo on pizza combos? Try these!
- Mediterranean - Swap marinara for hummus, top each bagel half with feta cheese, olives, spinach and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Meat Lovers - Add turkey sausage, turkey bacon, or mini pepperonis for a hearty option.
- Caprese - Use fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fresh twist.
- Breakfast Pizza Bagel - Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled turkey sausage for a breakfast spin.
- Veggie Supreme - Load up bagel halves with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and olives for a veggie-packed version.
- BBQ Chicken - Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce, and top with shredded chicken, red onion slices, and cheddar cheese for a smoky twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Slice bagels in half and spread marinara sauce on each half.
Step 3: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, turkey pepperoni slices, and any additional toppings.
Step 4: Place bagels in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 5: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute before serving.
Tips For Best Results
- For extra crispy bagels, lightly toast them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Don't overload the bagels with too many toppings, as this can make them soggy.
- Watch the cooking time carefully-check for doneness by looking for melted cheese that's golden brown.
- Use parchment paper in your air fryer to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Looking for serving suggestions? Try serving with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for an easy side dish. You can also pair with a dipping sauce like ranch or extra marinara for added flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store any leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the assembled, uncooked bagels. Wrap each half in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen by adding an extra 2-3 minutes in the air fryer.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs For Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Recipe
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use regular pepperoni, but turkey pepperoni offers a lower-fat option.
Yes, place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can use any type of bagel-regular, whole wheat, mini, or even gluten-free bagels!
Yes! If you're in the market for a new air fryer, I recommend the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven for its large capacity and perfect results every time. I love that it has oven trays instead of a traditional basket!
Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel
Ingredients
- 2 bagels (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free), halved
- 4 tablespoon marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices turkey pepperoni
- Optional additional toppings: fresh basil, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bagels in half and spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce on each half.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on each bagel half.
- Place 4 slices of turkey pepperoni on top of each bagel half, adding any optional toppings if desired.
- Place the prepared bagels in the air fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer, let cool for a minute, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don't overload the bagels with too many toppings, as this can make them soggy.
- Watch the cooking time carefully-check for doneness by looking for melted cheese that's golden brown.
Abbie says
hello childhood fav... delicious