Marrying the delightful chewiness of bagels with the savory allure of pizza toppings, pizza bagels have long been a favorite snack for many. But what if there was a way to elevate this classic treat with a modern twist?
Enter the air fryer: a kitchen gadget celebrated for its ability to achieve crispy perfection without the excessive oil of traditional frying.
This article will guide you through the process of crafting delectable pizza bagels using an air fryer, promising a crispy, cheesy delight in no time.
How To Make Pizza Bagels In Air Fryer?
Pizza bagels are a delightful snack that combines the best of two worlds: the crispy and chewy texture of bagels with the savory goodness of pizza toppings. Using an air fryer to make them speeds up the cooking process and ensures a perfectly toasted bagel with melted cheese on top. Here’s how to make pizza bagels in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
- Bagels (whole or mini-sized, as preferred)
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni slices, sliced bell peppers, olives, onions, etc.)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Start by slicing the bagels in half.
- Spread a generous amount of pizza or marinara sauce on each bagel half.
- Sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your preferred toppings. If using vegetables, ensure they’re thinly sliced so they cook evenly.
- Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil over the toppings for added richness.
- Sprinkle some Italian seasoning or dried oregano and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes.
- Arranging the Bagels:
- Place the prepared bagel halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
- Cooking:
- Cook the pizza bagels in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 4-6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bagels are golden brown. The exact time might vary based on the air fryer brand and the thickness of your toppings.
- Serving:
- Carefully remove the pizza bagels from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a minute or two.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, cheesy pizza bagels!
Tips:
- For a healthier twist, consider using whole grain or whole wheat bagels.
- If you want a spicier kick, you can add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Remember, air fryer models can vary, so keeping an eye on your pizza bagels during the first attempt to prevent overcooking is a good idea.
- You can store leftover pizza bagels in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick snack later.
How Long Do You Put Pizza Bagels In The Air Fryer?
To air-fry pizza bagels, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 degrees Celsius). Then, place the pizza bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Start checking the pizza bagels around the 4th minute, as all air fryers cook differently.
Here are some additional tips for air-frying pizza bagels:
- If you are using frozen pizza bagels, there is no need to thaw them before cooking.
- You can brush the pizza bagels with olive oil before cooking to give them a crispier crust.
- If you are using a lot of toppings, you may need to cook the pizza bagels for a few minutes longer.
- Be careful not to overload the air fryer basket, or the pizza bagels will not cook evenly.
Are Pizza Bagels Good In The Air Fryer?
Yes, pizza bagels are good in the air fryer. In fact, many people find that they are even better in the air fryer than they are in the oven. The air fryer cooks the pizza bagels evenly & quickly, resulting in a crispy crust and melted, gooey cheese. Here are some of the benefits of cooking pizza bagels in the air fryer:
- Crispy crust: The air fryer circulates hot air around the pizza bagels, which helps to create a crispy crust.
- Melted cheese: The air fryer also melts the cheese evenly and perfectly.
- Quick cooking time: Pizza bagels cook in the air fryer in just a few minutes, making them a quick and easy snack or meal.
- Healthy cooking method: Air frying uses less oil than traditional cooking methods, such as frying or baking. This makes it a healthier way to cook pizza bagels.
Also Read: How To Make A Pizza With Tortilla?
Bottom Line
Making pizza bagels in an air fryer is a game-changer, offering a quick and crispy alternative to conventional methods. You can achieve a pizza bagel with a perfectly toasted base and a bubbly, golden topping by placing your sauce, cheese, and toppings atop a halved bagel and air frying at the right temperature.
This method saves time and ensures a consistent result with every batch. With the air fryer at your disposal, turning a simple bagel into a gourmet treat has never been easier or more delicious.