Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels — Do you love Bantam Bagels? If so, you’re going to love this air fryer copycat recipe. It’s simple to make and just as delicious as the original. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on breakfast or lunch. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels with a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior
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Who doesn’t love a delicious bagel? And who wouldn’t love one that is low in calories and fat? With an air fryer, you can have your very own copycat Bantam Bagels right at home! These bagels are fluffy and crispy on the inside, just like you would expect from a classic New York-style bagel. Plus, they only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. So give them a try today!

What Are Bantam Bagels?

If you’re a fan of bagels, you’ll be happy to know about a new type of this breakfast staple that’s been gaining in popularity. Bantam bagels are smaller than traditional bagels, but they have the same great flavor. What’s not to love about that? Read on to find out more about bantam bagels and where you can get them near you.

Why Bantam Bagels Are Famous?

Lori Greiner, the owner of the successful brand Bantam Products Inc., was not happy with how their new product line “Bagel Stuffins” performed when test marketed.

The name lacked familiarity and imagery for consumers, so they changed the name from Bagel Stuffins to Bantam Bagels. The company then went on to sell millions of dollars of merchandise and entered a contract with Starbucks, which now sells the bagels, at selected Starbucks locations.

Freshly air-fried Bantam bagels mimicking the popular snack, showcasing a golden-brown finish

Why Make Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels?

In case you haven’t noticed, the air fryer is all the rage lately. And for a good reason, this appliance produces crispy food on the outside and tender on the inside without using a lot of oil. So it’s no wonder that people are looking to buy one. But if you’re not quite sure if an air fryer is right for you, maybe this will help: You can make delicious Bantam Bagels in your air fryer! Sound good? Keep reading to find out how.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels

If you love the popular and famous Bantam Bagels, but don’t own an air fryer – this recipe is for you! These Copycat Bantam Bagels only require a few simple ingredients and can easily be whipped up in your oven or air fryer! Plus, they’re just as delicious as the originals!

Key components for making Air Fryer Bantam Bagels: frozen rolls, rich cream cheese, flavorful shredded cheese, and your choice of seasoning

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Frozen Rolls: Any frozen rolls will work in this recipe. Thawed rolls work best, as they become pliable.
  • Cream Cheese: Use any of your favorite flavors or brands, and make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
  • Egg and Water: Use a large room temperature egg and water for a simple egg wash.
  • Molasses and Baking Soda: Thi sis used to make your bagels light and fluffy.
  • Seasoning: Everything Bagel Seasoning was used in this recipe, but you can use any of your favorite seasonings, to make a variety of flavors.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels

Making Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels at home is a fun and delicious project. These bite-sized bagel balls filled with cream cheese are not only tasty but also perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. Here’s how to make them in your air fryer:

Divide the frozen dough into half, on a cutting board.

Begin by thawing out your frozen rolls. Once the rolls have been thawed, slice them in half.

Roll out each half of the sliced roll. Fill each rolled out half slice of roll with 1 tsp of cream cheese.

Spreading cream cheese on mini bagels for a rich and creamy filling

Enclose the roll over the tsp of cream cheese to create a ball. Repeat steps 2-5 with all thawed rolls.

Seasoning the bagels with a sprinkle of your choice of seasoning before air frying

Prepare the egg wash by adding the large egg and water to a bowl. Combine well. To a large pan of boiling water, add the molasses and baking soda. Add the bagel bites to the water for 30 seconds, then remove the drain on a paper towel. Brush each bagel bite with the egg wash and add to an oiled air fryer basket. Add everything bagel seasoning if desired.

Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooling the bagels on a wire rack to maintain their crisp texture after air frying

Copycat Bantam Bagel Recipe Tips

  • Variations: The possibilities are endless with these stuffed bagel minis. You can experiment by adding different ingredients such as raisins, cinnamon sugar, or even cream cheese! My son loves these with strawberry cream in the middle!
  • Crowding: Your bagel minis will grow and expand during the cooking process. Make sure there is enough room in your Air Fryer so they don’t touch each other. Otherwise, they will not cook up to perfection!
  • Flipping: Depending on the air fryer that you own, you may need o flip them halfway during the cooking process. This way both sides get cooked to perfection!
  • Sealing: To make sure your bagel minis are sealed completely, you need to gently press out any air from between them. This will help prevent cream cheese from leaking all over the Air Fryer and makes for easier cleanup!
  • Timing: Since every air fryer is slightly different, the cooking times will vary, so for best results, make sure that you watch your stuffed bagels as you cook! This way they do not overcook.
Mini bagels made in the air fryer, inspired by Bantam Bagels, with a deliciously golden and crispy texture

Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought mini bagels for this recipe? Yes, you can use store-bought mini bagels if you prefer. Just add your choice of cream cheese and toppings before air frying.

How do I store leftover Bantam bagels? Store leftover Bantam bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Can I prepare these bagels in advance? Yes, you can assemble the bagels ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. This can save time and make meal prep easier.

What types of cheese can I use? You can use any shredded cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend. Adjust the type of cheese based on your flavor preference.

Can I use different seasonings? Yes, feel free to experiment with different seasonings based on your taste. Options like garlic powder, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning can add unique flavors.

How do I ensure the bagels cook evenly? Arrange the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

What if the bagels turn out too crispy or burnt? If the bagels become too crispy or burnt, reduce the air frying time slightly or lower the temperature in future batches. Monitor the cooking process closely to achieve the desired result.

Can I use a different type of bagel? Yes, you can use different types of mini bagels if you prefer. Just make sure they are the same size for even cooking and adjust the toppings accordingly.

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Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels

Air Fryer Copycat Bantam Bagels

5 from 14 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Do you love Bantam Bagels? If so, you're going to love this air fryer copycat recipe! These little bagels are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they make a perfect breakfast or snack. Best of all, they're easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Give them a try today!
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 8 large frozen rolls
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon Everything bagel seasoning,

Instructions

  • Begin by thawing out your frozen rolls.
  • Once the rolls have been thawed, slice in half.
  • Roll out each half of the sliced roll
  • Fill each rolled out half slice of roll with 1 tsp of cream cheese.
  • Enclose the roll over the tsp of cream cheese to create a ball.
  • Repeat steps 2-5 with all thawed rolls.
  • Prepare the egg wash by adding the large egg and water to a bowl. Combine well.
  • To a large pan of boiling water, add the molasses and baking soda
  • Add the bagel bites to the water for 30 seconds then remove to drain on a paper towel.
  • Brush each bagel bite with the egg wash and add to an oiled air fryer basket. Add everything bagel seasoning if desired.
  • Air fry at 400F for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 788mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 131IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mg

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