Air Fryer Breakfast Ideas: Cheesy Egg Bagels in 11 Minutes

Air fryer breakfast ideas don’t get much better than these cheesy egg bagels! I’ve been making this recipe for my family every weekend, and it’s become our go-to when we need something quick but satisfying. The combination of crispy bagel, runny egg, and melted cheese creates the perfect morning comfort food — much like our Mini Bagels, which are always a hit with kids.

There’s something magical about the way an air fryer transforms simple breakfast ingredients into something extraordinary. I discovered this recipe on one of those hectic Tuesday mornings when my usual breakfast routine just wasn’t cutting it. My kids were rushing to get ready for school, and I needed something that would give them protein and energy without requiring me to stand over the stove. That’s when I remembered the bagel thins sitting in my pantry and decided to experiment.

The result was better than I ever imagined – perfectly cooked eggs with jammy yolks, melted cheese that gets just the right amount of golden on top, and a bagel base that stays crispy even with all those delicious toppings. Now it’s become one of our most requested air fryer breakfast ideas, and I love how it brings everyone to the kitchen table with smiles on their faces. Ready to try it?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cheesy Egg Bagels

These air fryer cheesy egg bagels have become a staple in my kitchen because they deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. I’ve served them to family, friends, and even picky eaters – and they’re always a hit.

• Ready in just 11 minutes – perfect for those rushed morning routines when you still want a proper breakfast
• High-protein powerhouse – with 15.6g of protein per serving, it keeps you satisfied until lunch
• Foolproof cooking method – the air fryer does all the work, giving you perfectly cooked eggs every single time
• Customizable to your taste – swap the pesto for avocado, add bacon bits, or use your favorite cheese
• Budget-friendly ingredients – uses simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank
• Kid-approved favorite – even my pickiest eater asks for seconds when I make these

Ingredient Note List

Bagel Thins: I always recommend using bagel thins instead of regular bagels because they’re perfectly proportioned for this recipe and won’t overwhelm the egg. They also toast up beautifully in the air fryer, creating the ideal crispy base.

Small Eggs: Small eggs work best here because they fit perfectly on the bagel halves without spilling over the edges. If you only have large eggs, just be extra careful when cracking them.

Low-Fat Cheese: I prefer using grated low-fat cheese because it melts evenly and doesn’t make the bagels too heavy. Sharp cheddar or mozzarella both work wonderfully and add that perfect cheesy flavor.

Pesto: The pesto adds a burst of herby flavor that elevates these simple air fryer breakfast ideas. I usually keep store-bought pesto on hand, but homemade works beautifully too — especially when paired with savory ideas like our Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels.

Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes bring a pop of color and a slight acidity that balances the richness of the eggs and cheese. Make sure to quarter them so they cook evenly.

Italian Herbs: A sprinkle of Italian herbs ties all the Mediterranean flavors together and makes the whole dish smell absolutely amazing while it cooks.

How to Cook Air Fryer Cheesy Egg Bagels

Step 1. I usually start by preheating my air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes – this ensures even cooking from the moment the bagels go in.

Step 2. Slice your bagel thin in half and place both pieces on the air fryer tray with the cut sides facing up. In my experience, this creates the perfect base for holding all the toppings.

Step 3. I’ve found that spreading exactly one teaspoon of pesto on each half gives the best flavor balance without making the bagels soggy.

Step 4. Here’s my secret trick: crack each egg into a small bowl first, then gently pour it onto the bagel half. This prevents any shell mishaps and gives you better control.

Step 5. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over both halves, making sure to cover the egg whites. My family prefers when I add a little extra cheese around the edges for those crispy, golden bits.

Step 6. Add your quartered cherry tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. I always tell my kids that the herbs make it taste “fancy” – and they’re not wrong!

Step 7. Cook for exactly 6 minutes for perfectly runny yolks. If you prefer firmer yolks like my husband does, add an extra 1-2 minutes to your cooking time.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover air fryer cheesy egg bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 2 days. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, sometimes we make extra for busy mornings.

Freezing isn’t something I recommend for this particular recipe since the eggs and cheese don’t freeze well and the texture changes significantly. These air fryer breakfast ideas are so quick to make that I prefer preparing them fresh each time.

For reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes, which helps restore some of that crispy bagel texture. You can also use the microwave for 30-45 seconds if you’re in a hurry, though the bagel won’t be as crispy.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cheesy Egg Bagels

Fresh Fruit Salad: The bright, sweet flavors of seasonal fruit create a perfect contrast to the rich, savory bagels and add essential vitamins to your morning meal.

Crispy Hash Browns: These complement the bagels beautifully, or try them alongside our Mini Pizza Bagels for a weekend breakfast spread.

Turkey Sausage Links: A lean protein option that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean flavors — just like our savory Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels.

Avocado Slices: The creamy texture and healthy fats make these air fryer breakfast ideas even more nutritious, especially when paired with High Protein Bagel Bites.

Fresh Orange Juice: The citrus helps cut through the richness of the cheese and eggs while providing a refreshing morning boost.

Greek Yogurt with Berries: This adds probiotics and extra protein, or switch it up with a sweet bite of our Strawberry Bagels Recipe..

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