Pin The first time I made these mini bagel pizzas, my kids were obsessed with a TikTok trend and wouldn't stop asking me to recreate it. I grabbed some mini bagels from the freezer, a jar of sauce, and cheese, thinking it would be a quick way to buy myself some peace. Six minutes later, golden, bubbling perfection came out of the air fryer, and suddenly I understood the viral hype. What started as a desperate attempt to keep them entertained became a snack I now make at least twice a month.
I served these at a casual Sunday afternoon gathering, and watching people's faces light up when they bit into one and got that perfect combination of soft bagel, melty cheese, and crispy edges was oddly satisfying. One friend asked for the recipe, which made me laugh because she seemed convinced there was some secret technique involved. There really isn't—just honest ingredients and the right temperature.
Ingredients
- Mini plain bagels, halved (6 total, making 12 halves): These are the foundation, and using mini bagels keeps portions reasonable and cooking time short; if you can only find regular bagels, just slice them thinner or use a quarter of a full-sized one.
- Pizza sauce or marinara (1/2 cup): The sauce is where you can get creative—I've used everything from a simple tomato sauce to a garlic-infused marinara, and each version tastes subtly different in the best way.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): This melts beautifully and creates those gorgeous golden-brown spots; don't use pre-shredded cheese from a bag if you can help it, as the anti-caking agents make it less creamy.
- Pepperoni slices, optional (1/4 cup mini or chopped regular): These crisp up in the air fryer and become almost chip-like, adding a salty, savory note that balances the cheese perfectly.
- Black olives, sliced (2 tablespoons): A small amount goes a long way and adds a briny complexity that keeps things interesting.
- Bell pepper, diced (2 tablespoons): Fresh, colorful, and adds a subtle sweetness that prevents the whole thing from feeling too heavy.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Just a pinch per pizza is all you need; this tiny amount of seasoning lifts everything and makes them taste like you spent hours developing the recipe.
Instructions
- Fire up your air fryer:
- Set it to 375°F and let it preheat for two minutes while you prep everything else. This temperature is the sweet spot for getting the bagel edges crispy while the cheese bubbles without burning.
- Prepare your canvas:
- Slice your mini bagels in half and arrange them cut side up on your work surface. This moment matters more than you'd think—make sure they're sitting flat so the sauce and cheese don't slide off.
- Sauce and cheese:
- Spread about two teaspoons of sauce onto each bagel half (less than you think you need, trust me), then divide the mozzarella evenly among all twelve pieces. The cheese should completely cover the sauce so nothing dries out.
- Build your toppings:
- Add pepperoni, olives, or bell pepper in whatever combination sounds good to you. Don't overcrowd them—a light hand here means everything gets a chance to cook properly.
- The finishing touch:
- A small pinch of oregano on each pizza adds an aromatic punch that makes people pause and actually taste what they're eating. This is where humble ingredients become memorable.
- Air fry with confidence:
- Place as many pizzas as fit in a single layer in your basket (usually all twelve, but work in batches if needed) and cook at 375°F for five to six minutes. You're looking for the cheese to bubble and the edges to turn golden brown.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for a minute so everything sets, then serve while they're still warm and the cheese is at its stretchiest. The contrast between the crispy bagel and melty cheese is exactly the point.
Pin The real magic happened when my picky eater actually ate multiple pizzas and asked when we could make them again. That feeling of creating something simple that actually gets eaten without complaint is worth so much more than any complicated recipe.
Customization Is Everything
These mini pizzas are a blank canvas waiting for whatever sounds good to you. I've made versions with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled cooked sausage, fresh basil, caramelized onions, and even a pineapple version that shouldn't have worked but genuinely did. The air fryer handles almost any topping combination without complaint, so feel free to clean out your fridge and experiment.
Making Them Ahead
You can assemble these entirely ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to two days before air frying. Pull them out, bring them to room temperature for five minutes, then pop them in at the same temperature and timing. Reheating leftovers also works beautifully in the air fryer—just give them two to three minutes at 350°F and they'll taste almost as good as fresh.
Why Air Fryer Wins
An air fryer is genuinely the best tool for this job because it crisps the bagel edges and browns the cheese without using your regular oven, which would take almost twice as long and heat up your whole kitchen. The circulating hot air means everything cooks evenly, and you're not babysitting anything. If you don't have an air fryer, a toaster oven set to 400°F works, but watch closely—you're looking at closer to eight to ten minutes.
- Serve these with a small bowl of warm marinara for dipping if you're feeling fancy, or just eat them straight from the basket if you're being honest.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or a few fresh basil leaves added after cooking brings brightness that's surprisingly nice.
- These freeze beautifully uncooked, so make a double batch and air fry from frozen—just add a minute to the cooking time.
Pin These mini bagel pizzas remind me that the best recipes aren't always the most complicated ones. Sometimes they're just the ones that bring people together and taste so good that nobody questions why something this easy became a regular thing in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use regular bagels instead of mini?
Yes, regular bagels can be used but may require longer cooking time to ensure the cheese melts and bagels crispen evenly.
- → What are good alternative toppings for these bagel bites?
Toppings like mushrooms, cooked sausage, pineapple, or different cheeses can be added to suit your taste.
- → How do I keep the bagels crispy after air frying?
Serve immediately for best crispiness or reheat briefly in the air fryer to maintain texture and warmth.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bagels to accommodate gluten sensitivities without altering the cooking method.
- → What temperature and time work best for air frying these?
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 5–6 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown.