Toasting a bagel to golden, crispy perfection doesn’t require a traditional toaster. An air fryer can achieve the same delightful crunch with a soft, chewy interior, often in less time and with more versatility.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Toasting Bagels?
There are so many ways to toast a bagel, but you’ll quickly find that toasting in an air fryer is superior to other methods. Here’s why: It gives your bagel a perfectly crispy exterior with a warm, fluffy inside. You can easily customize the toasting level to your preference for a personalized touch. The air fryer is super quick and easy to use, making your mornings a breeze. You can toast other breakfast items like English muffins and pastries in the air fryer too, making it a versatile kitchen gadget.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can throw multiple bagels in the air fryer at once, making it more convenient and quicker than a regular toaster. So, give it a try and elevate your breakfast game with the magic of an air fryer
How to Toast a Bagel in an Air Fryer
Method 1: Basic Toasting (Air Frying Foodie)
To make the perfect air fryer toasted bagel, begin by slicing 2 standard-sized sliced bagels in half and place into the air fryer basket, in a single layer, cut side up. Air fry at 380 degrees for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the crispness you prefer, use 2-3 minutes for lightly crispy, and 3-4 minutes for darker crisp. Top with your favorite toppings such as cream cheese or a bit of butter. I make this recipe in my 5.8 quart Cosori basket style air fryer.
Method 2: Preheating for Crispiness (Fryit.co)
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Slice your bagels in half. If desired, you can spread butter on it. Toast bagels in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes, cut-side up. Toast until they turn golden and reach your desired level of crispiness. No flipping required. If air frying from frozen add 1-2 minutes. Serve and enjoy your air fryer toasted bagels! Add your favorite spread or, better yet, make a breakfast bagel sandwich. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food. You can also skip preheating by adding 2-3 minutes to your cooking time.
Method 3: Butter and Double Toasting (This Old Gal)
Place Bagel back into Air Fryer and toast/bake for 3 more minutes. Remove Bagel, add more butter and eat. This method is great for toast too, just cut the cook time to 2 minutes for each step. Air Fryer Perfectly Toasted Bagels (a/k/a Toast, Butter, Toast, Butter) is a silly and delicious way to make perfectly buttered toast. I use a 3.2 Quart GoWise USA Air Fryer, which I love and cooks very quickly and cooks both sides of whatever food is put into the basket, so you may need to adjust for other brands, as others I have tried, don’t cook as even or as fast.
Method 4: Toasting Frozen Bagels (Food Lovin Family)
Frozen bagels will take a little longer to toast in the air fryer. Cook them at 370 degrees F for about 5-6 minutes. Slice your bagel in half. Place the halves in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Set the air fryer to 370 degrees F and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the desired amount of crispiness. Don’t overcrowd – Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you will be able to cook 1 – 2 full bagels. Make sure to lay the halves in a single layer and not overcrowd the basket for even cooking. Golden brown – If you prefer your bagel a little on the crispy side, lightly spray them with cooking oil or spread a little butter over them before toasting.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bagels
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Bagels need room to toast evenly.
- Monitor Progress: Air fryers can vary. Check halfway through to prevent over-toasting.
- Use the Right Temperature: 360°F (182°C) is ideal for toasting bagels. It’s hot enough to quickly toast them without burning them. Adjust time for preferences: If you prefer lightly toasted bagels, check them for around 3-4 minutes.
- Optional Oil: A light oil spray on the cut side can enhance crunchiness.
- Sprinkle with Water: Before placing the bagels in the air fryer, lightly sprinkle them with water. This helps to add moisture and promotes a chewier texture in the finished bagels.
- Flip for Uniform Crispness: Flip the bagel halves halfway through the cooking time to ensure even toasting on both sides. This helps to achieve a uniformly crispy exterior.
Topping Ideas
Bagels are a great breakfast by themselves, and many people like their bagel plain. You can also eat them topped with your favorite bread toast toppings, such as melted butter, honey, or jam. Serve bagels with fresh bowl of berries or eggs.
- Sweet: Strawberry Freezer Jam, No Cook Raspberry Freezer Jam, Strawberry Puree, Peach Freezer Jam, Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam, Cinnamon Almond Butter, or Blackberry Freezer Jam.
- Savory: Smoked salmon or lox, capers, Chive Butter, top with Make-Ahead Scrambled Eggs, bacon you bake in the oven, or thinly sliced spicy pickled onions.
- Creative: Spread some peanut butter and top with caramelized apples and nuts. Smear the toasted bagels with some good butter, garlic butter, or herb butter (chive butter). Make a thick bed of almond butter on an air fryer bagel, and top it with caramelized bananas, and everything bagel seasoning.