Save to Pinterest Last summer, my nephew came home from camp obsessed with TikTok recipes, and he couldn't stop talking about these mini bagel pizzas he'd seen everywhere. I was skeptical—bagels and pizza seemed like a mashup made just for viral content. But one lazy afternoon when he was visiting, I decided to give it a shot with what I had in the kitchen, and honestly, the moment that first batch came out of the air fryer, golden and bubbling, I got it. They were ridiculously easy, tasted genuinely good, and somehow became the thing we made together every time he visited after that.
I made these for my sister's book club night once, thinking they'd be a cute appetizer alongside wine and cheese. Instead, they completely disappeared in the first twenty minutes, and I spent the rest of the evening wishing I'd made a second batch. One of her friends actually asked for the recipe, which felt like a small victory, and now whenever she hosts, someone inevitably asks if I'm bringing those bagel pizzas.
Ingredients
- Mini plain bagels, halved (6 total, 12 halves): These are the foundation, and I learned that mini bagels work better than regular ones because they get crispy at the edges without drying out the center—plus they're portion-controlled, which is honestly nice.
- Pizza sauce or marinara (1/2 cup): This is where you can get creative; I've used everything from jarred sauce to homemade, and it all works, but don't skimp on spreading it evenly or some bites will be dry.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Fresh mozzarella will burn before it melts, so stick with the regular shredded kind; it gets that perfect bubbly, slightly golden texture in the air fryer.
- Mini pepperoni slices (1/4 cup optional): Mini pepperoni crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and add that authentic pizza flavor without overwhelming each bite.
- Sliced black olives (2 tablespoons optional): A small amount goes a long way, and they stay surprisingly firm through the cooking process.
- Diced bell pepper (2 tablespoons optional): This adds freshness and a slight sweetness; I always add this because it keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): The finishing touch that makes these taste authentically pizza-like; don't skip it even if everything else is minimal.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Set it to 375°F and let it preheat for 2 minutes—this matters more than you'd think because a properly heated basket means faster, more even cooking. I learned this the hard way after my first batch came out a bit soggy.
- Set up your assembly line:
- Lay out your bagel halves cut side up on a clean surface, and get all your toppings within arm's reach. This makes the next steps feel effortless and keeps the kitchen from looking like a disaster zone.
- Sauce it up:
- Spread about a teaspoon or two of sauce on each half, being gentle so you don't tear the bagel. A thin, even layer works better than loading it on, which I discovered after my first overly saucy attempt.
- Layer the cheese:
- Divide your mozzarella evenly among all the halves, letting it pile up just a little in the center. This creates those beautiful golden pools of cheese you're after.
- Add your toppings:
- Scatter pepperoni, olives, or peppers however you like—this is where you can customize based on who you're feeding. I've found that less is more; overcrowded pizzas steam instead of crisping up.
- Season for flavor:
- Finish each one with a tiny pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning to bring everything together. This last step is the detail that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
- Air fry in batches:
- Place as many as will fit in a single layer in your basket without crowding—they need space for air to circulate. If you're making all 12, work in two batches rather than stacking them.
- Watch them transform:
- Cook at 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the bagel are just starting to turn golden. Peek in around the 4-minute mark if you're new to this; every air fryer runs slightly different.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for about a minute before eating so the cheese sets slightly and won't burn your mouth. This is also when you'll notice how perfectly crispy the outside gets while staying soft inside.
Save to Pinterest There's something oddly satisfying about pulling a batch of these out of the air fryer—that moment when the kitchen fills with the smell of melted cheese and toasted bread, and you know the next few minutes are going to make someone happy. That's the whole reason I keep making them, honestly.
Customization and Variations
The beauty of these mini pizzas is that they're a blank canvas for whatever you have on hand or whatever mood you're in. I've done a meat lover's version with cooked sausage and pepperoni, a veggie-forward one loaded with mushrooms and spinach, and even a Hawaiian version that my sister swears by despite the pineapple controversy. The key is not going overboard—two or three toppings maximum keeps them light and lets the bagel-crust base shine through.
Serving and Storage Tips
These taste best served immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and warm, maybe with a side of marinara for dipping if you're feeling fancy. If you have leftovers (which rarely happens), you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes the next day, and they'll crisp right back up like they just came out fresh.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well
I've tried making these in the toaster oven and even under the broiler, and nothing compares to the air fryer version. The circulating hot air crisps the bagel edges while keeping the inside tender, and it gets the cheese perfectly golden without any burnt spots—it's honestly the reason this recipe works as well as it does.
- If you don't have an air fryer, a toaster oven at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes is your best backup plan.
- Keep an eye on the first batch from your particular air fryer since they all have their quirks with timing.
- Make extra because they'll vanish faster than you expect, and you'll wish you'd doubled the recipe.
Save to Pinterest These mini bagel pizzas turned out to be one of those recipes that lives rent-free in my kitchen rotation, and I'm grateful for every lazy afternoon and impromptu gathering where they've saved the day. They're proof that the simplest ideas sometimes become the ones you return to again and again.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best temperature for cooking these mini bagels in an air fryer?
Air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- → Can I use different toppings on these mini bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mushrooms, cooked sausage, pineapple, or any favorite toppings you prefer.
- → Are these mini bagels suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, when prepared without meat toppings like pepperoni, these bagels fit a vegetarian diet.
- → How can I make a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free mini bagels to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- → How should I serve these mini bagels for best taste?
Serve them warm, optionally with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors.
- → Can I reheat leftover mini bagels?
Yes, reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to regain their crispiness and melted cheese texture.