These Easy Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels are a quick and delicious snack or meal, featuring crispy bagels topped with fresh tomato, mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun appetizer.
If you love pizza but want something fast and fuss-free, these Easy Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels are your new go-to.
Crispy, cheesy, and topped with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, they’re a perfect snack, lunch, or dinner that comes together in just minutes. no oven needed!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes thanks to the air fryer, perfect for busy days.
- Crispy & Cheesy: Bagels get golden and crunchy while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Fresh Flavors: Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil bring classic Margherita taste.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like pepperoni, olives, or more cheese if you like.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and even more fun to eat, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you love a great batch of Air Fryer Appetizers, my favorite recipes are AIR FRYER STUFFED MINI PEPPERS, and AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY GOAT CHEESE EMPANADAS.
Ingredients Needed
- Plain bagels: Sliced and ready for topping.
- Olive oil: For brushing bagels before baking.
- Marinara sauce: Smooth and flavorful tomato base
- Fresh mozzarella slices: Soft and creamy cheese Fresh basil leaves, for garnish and fresh flavor
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels
Step One: Preheat the air fryer, at air fryer temperature of 400 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a reusable silicone air fryer liner and spray with vegetable-based cooking spray.
Step Two: Place the halved bagels on a clean, flat surface. Brush olive oil evenly over the cut sides using a pastry brush.
Step Three: Evenly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each bagel half.
Step Four: Place 2–3 slices of fresh mozzarella on each bagel over the marinara, then top with fresh basil leaves. Carefully transfer the bagels into the air fryer basket using a spatula, cooking in batches if needed.
Step Five: Air fry the bagels at 400°F for 5–7 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool 1–2 minutes on a heat-safe surface, then use a rubber spatula to lift them out carefully. Add extra fresh basil if desired and serve right away.
Easy Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and basil make a big flavor difference. Pre-slice the mozzarella for even melting.
- Don’t overload the bagels: A thin layer of marinara sauce and a few slices of cheese ensures crispy edges and bubbly cheese.
- Cook in batches if needed: Smaller air fryers can only fit a couple of bagels at a time; avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Adjust cook time: Air fryer temperatures may vary, so check at 5 minutes and add extra time if needed for golden cheese.
- Serve immediately: These bagels are best eaten hot so the cheese stays melty and the bagel stays crispy.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bagel is crispy again. Alternatively, use an oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for the same effect.
Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen bagels for this recipe? Yes! Just let them thaw for a few minutes or lightly toast them before adding toppings for best results.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese? Absolutely. Fresh mozzarella works best, but shredded mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and provolone will also melt beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble them ahead, but cook them right before serving to keep the bagels crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.
What air fryer temperature works best? 400°F is ideal for getting a crispy bagel with bubbly, golden cheese in 5–7 minutes.
Can I add other toppings? Yes! Feel free to add pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or any favorite pizza toppings, just be mindful of air fryer capacity.
Can I make these in the oven instead? Yes, bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or broil for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the edges.
More Air Fryer Easy Lunch Recipes
- AIR FRYER SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, AND ONIONS
- AIR FRYER CRAB CAKE SANDWICHES
- EASY AIR FRYER SHRIMP PO’BOY
- AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD PIZZA TOAST
- AIR FRYER HOT DOG TAQUITOS
- EASY AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FILET-O-FISH
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Easy Air Fryer Margherita Pizza Bagels
Description
Ingredients
- 2 whole bagels, split
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara, or red pasta sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (one ball from package or tub)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes, using air setting.
- Line air fryer basket with parchment paper and spray with vegetable-based cooking spray.
- Take the split 2 whole bagels and open them on a flat, clean surface.
- Use a pastry brush to spread 2 tablespoons olive oil over the bready surface of the bagels.
- Spread 1 cup marinara over the surface of the bagels in a thin, even layer.
- Arrange 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese on each bagel slice on top of the marinara sauce.
- Arrange Fresh basil leaves on top of the bagel slices.
- Use a spatula to lift the bagels into the prepared air fryer basket. (You may need to cook in batches, if you’re using one of the smaller air fryers).
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, at 400 degrees, or until edges of bagel are crispy and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove air fryer basket from air fryer and allow to cool on a heat-proof surface for 1- 2 minutes.
- Use a rubber-tipped spatula to carefully remove the bagel pizzas to prevent scratching your air fryer basket. If desired, add more fresh basil to hot bagel pizzas.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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