Save Last summer, my friend texted me a TikTok link at 11 PM with just a laughing emoji—it was these mini bagel pizzas, and she was already halfway through making them in her air fryer. I was skeptical about turning breakfast bagels into pizza, but when she offered me one straight from the basket and it was crispy on the outside with that perfect cheese pull, I was instantly converted. Now whenever I need something fast that actually tastes good, this is what I make.
I served these at a Saturday afternoon gathering where someone inevitably asked, 'Who's bringing food?' and I had them made before people even arrived. Watching my brother dip one into marinara while simultaneously scrolling on his phone—not even looking at the pizza—told me everything. They're the kind of snack that disappears without fanfare because everyone's too busy eating them.
Ingredients
- Mini plain bagels, halved: The foundation matters here—plain bagels give you that slightly chewy texture that air frying makes wonderfully crispy. Regular-sized bagels work too, but mini ones are more elegant and easier to eat with one hand.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: Whatever you have in the pantry is fine, though I've learned that a slightly thicker sauce doesn't run off the sides as much as thin marinara does.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The real magic ingredient—it gets those gorgeous golden bubbles when the air gets circulating around it. Don't skip the shredding step even if pre-shredded seems faster.
- Pepperoni slices: Mini pepperoni cups up and browns in the heat, which is honestly the best part texture-wise, though they're completely optional if you want to keep it vegetarian.
- Optional toppings: Black olives, bell pepper, or whatever you have that feels pizza-adjacent—I've even used leftover cooked sausage with great success.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Just a pinch on top gives it that authentic pizza finish and makes your kitchen smell incredibly good.
Instructions
- Set up your air fryer:
- Preheat to 375°F for a couple of minutes while you get your bagel station ready. The short preheat time is key because you want it hot but not smoking when the bagels go in.
- Prep and sauce your bagels:
- Lay all your mini bagel halves cut side up on a cutting board, then spread about 2 teaspoons of sauce on each one. Work methodically so they all get an even coat—the sauce is what holds everything together.
- Layer on the cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across each bagel half, being generous but not piling it on so thick that it won't melt properly. This is when I usually divide my batch into different topping variations so everyone gets options.
- Add your toppings:
- If you're using pepperoni, olives, or peppers, scatter them on now before the cheese locks everything down. A light sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning on top makes them look and taste finished.
- Air fry:
- Arrange as many bagel pizzas as fit in a single layer—don't overcrowd or the hot air can't circulate properly and the cheese won't get that bubbly golden moment. At 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes, watch for the cheese to bubble slightly and the bagel edges to turn golden and crispy.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for about 30 seconds so the cheese sets slightly and you won't burn the roof of your mouth. Serve with a small bowl of warm marinara for dipping if you're feeling fancy.
Save What's stayed with me about this recipe isn't just how easy it is, but how it became the thing I make when someone stops by and my fridge is basically empty. It transformed bagels from a breakfast ingredient into something that feels like actual cooking, even when it takes less time than waiting for pizza delivery.
Customization Ideas That Actually Work
The beauty of this recipe is that it's a framework rather than a strict formula. I've made them with buffalo chicken shredded from rotisserie leftovers, with caramelized onions when I wanted something richer, even with everything bagels just using the seeds as-is instead of plain bagels. Each version feels different enough to keep them interesting. The cheese and heat do all the heavy lifting, so almost any pizza-friendly topping is fair game.
Storage and Reheating
Freshly made is definitely best, but they're sturdy enough to reheat without falling apart. Pop them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F and the cheese remelts while the bagel stays crispy rather than getting rubbery like they would in the microwave. I've kept them in an airtight container for a day or two, though I've never had leftovers last longer than that in my house.
Why This Works in an Air Fryer
The circulating heat is what makes these special—it's the difference between a pizza that's soft and cheesy and one that has that textural contrast of crispy edges with melty center. A regular oven would work, but you'd probably need 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F and they might not crisp up the same way. The air fryer was made for small, quick things like this that don't need a lot of babysitting.
- The high heat and quick cooking time mean the bagel doesn't dry out while waiting for the cheese to melt.
- Air frying uses significantly less oil, so they taste fresh rather than heavy, which means you can eat more without feeling overstuffed.
- Cleanup is almost nonexistent since nothing spills or splatters inside the basket, making this genuinely the easiest snack to execute and finish.
Save This recipe proved that sometimes the best food ideas come from scrolling through your phone at weird hours, and that the simplest things—toasted bagels, melted cheese, whatever toppings you have—can become exactly what you wanted to eat. These have become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent without the guilt or the effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What temperature should I air fry these mini bagels?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the bagels for 5-6 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! Swapping mozzarella for cheeses like cheddar or provolone can add different flavors and textures.
- → How many mini bagels does this yield?
This makes 12 mini bagel snacks, perfect for serving about 4 people as a light bite.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free mini bagels allows for a gluten-free version without compromising taste.
- → What toppings work best on these bagels?
Traditional pepperoni, olives, diced bell peppers, and Italian seasoning complement the cheesy base well but feel free to customize.
- → How should leftovers be reheated?
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness and warm the toppings evenly.