Air Fryer Everything Bagel Bites – Quick, Crispy & Cheesy in Just 6 Minutes

Air fryer everything bagel bites are the ultimate quick family meal that brings everyone to the table in minutes. I discovered this game-changing recipe during a particularly busy weeknight when I needed something fast, delicious, and guaranteed to please my picky eaters.

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy everything bagels, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese that takes me back to my childhood pizza parties. In my kitchen, I’ve perfected this recipe over countless family dinners, and now these air fryer everything bagel bites have become our go-to solution for busy evenings. The air fryer transforms ordinary bagels into golden, crispy perfection while keeping the cheese perfectly melted and bubbly. What started as a quick snack solution has become a beloved family tradition that my kids request weekly—similar to our cheesy Mini Bagels that are also perfect for little hands. Ready to try it?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Everything Bagel Bites Recipe

These air fryer everything bagel bites have become a cornerstone recipe in my kitchen since I started making them for my family in 2025. The combination of convenience and comfort food satisfaction makes this recipe special for busy home cooks everywhere.

Ready in just 6 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners when time is short
Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge
Kid-friendly and customizable with endless topping combinations to please everyone—just like our Mini Pizza Bagels.
Crispy perfection every time thanks to the air fryer’s even heat circulation
Budget-friendly meal that feeds a family of four without breaking the bank
Great for meal prep – make extras and reheat throughout the week

This recipe is more than just a quick meal—it’s a memory-maker that brings families together around the table.

Ingredient Note List

Everything Bagels: I always recommend using day-old bagels because they hold up better to the sauce and won’t get soggy during cooking, especially if you’re using our homemade New York Style Bagels.

Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella melts more evenly than pre-shredded and creates that perfect stretchy cheese pull we all love.

Passata: This smooth tomato sauce provides the perfect base without chunks, spreading easily across the bagel surface.

Garlic Granules: I prefer granules over fresh garlic here because they distribute evenly and won’t burn in the air fryer.

Dried Oregano: This herb adds that classic pizza flavor and pairs beautifully with the everything bagel seasoning.

Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These enhance all the other flavors and balance the richness of the cheese.

Optional Toppings: Choose your family’s favorites like pepperoni, mushrooms, or fresh basil to make each air fryer everything bagel bite unique.

How to Cook Air Fryer Everything Bagel Bites

Step 1. I usually start by halving the bagels and arranging them cut-side up on a clean surface – this makes assembly much easier.

Step 2. In a small bowl, I mix the passata with garlic granules, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined – this creates the perfect pizza sauce base.

Step 3. My family prefers when I spread the sauce evenly across each bagel half, leaving just a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Step 4. I’ve found that sprinkling the mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce creates the best melted cheese coverage.

Step 5. For the air fryer method, I preheat to 400°F and cook the bagel bites for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6. I usually let them cool for about 2 minutes before serving – the cheese stays incredibly hot and this prevents any burns.

Step 7. My husband always adds fresh basil on top right before serving, and it really elevates the flavors beautifully—just like we do with our Pumpkin Bagels for a fall-inspired twist.

Six bagel halves on a baking tray, topped with tomato sauce, prepped for making pizza bagels in the air fryer.

Bagel halves topped with mozzarella and pepperoni, placed on a baking tray before air frying.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover air fryer everything bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

For freezing, I recommend wrapping individual portions in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and make perfect grab-and-go meals.

For best results, I like to reheat these in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, the same method I use for our crispy Stuffed Everything Bagel Bites. You can also use the microwave for 30-45 seconds if you’re in a hurry, though they won’t be quite as crispy.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Everything Bagel Bites

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy bagel bites and adds nutritional balance.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted peppers, zucchini, or broccoli complement the savory flavors while adding vitamins and fiber to the meal.

Fresh Fruit: Apple slices or grapes offer a sweet, refreshing palate cleanser that kids especially love alongside these savory bites.

Tomato Soup: In my kitchen, I often serve these with a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination, especially with a side of Healthy Breakfast Bread.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory everything bagel seasoning and creates a satisfying complete meal.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip: This cooling side helps balance the richness of the cheese and adds a Mediterranean twist to the meal—try it with our Greek Yogurt Bagel Recipe on the side.