Can You Toast a Bagel in an Air Fryer

Bagels are a breakfast staple, loved for their chewy texture and versatility. Whether you’re smearing them with cream cheese or piling on avocado and smoked salmon, a perfectly toasted bagel can elevate your morning. But what if you don’t have a toaster? Can you toast a bagel in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes, and I’m here to walk you through exactly how to do it, why it works so well, and some tips to make your bagel game unbeatable.

Why Use an Air Fryer to Toast a Bagel?

An air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries or chicken wings—it’s a versatile kitchen tool that can toast a bagel to golden perfection. Unlike a traditional toaster, which can sometimes burn the edges or leave the center unevenly toasted, an air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to deliver a consistent, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Plus, if you’re cooking for a crowd, you can toast multiple bagels at once, something a standard toaster struggles with. The air fryer’s compact size and energy efficiency also make it a great alternative to heating up a full oven, especially for just one or two bagels.

How to Toast a Bagel in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Let’s get to the good stuff—here’s how to toast a bagel in your air fryer for that perfect balance of crispy and chewy. I’ve tested this method with both fresh and frozen bagels, and it works like a charm every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Bagel

Start by slicing your bagel in half with a serrated knife. If your bagel is fresh, you’re good to go. For frozen bagels, there’s no need to thaw them, but you’ll adjust the cooking time slightly. For an extra flavor boost and crispier texture, lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter or olive oil. This step is optional but highly recommended, especially if you love a rich, golden crust. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle on some seasoning—like everything bagel spice—before toasting.

Step 2: Set Up Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 1-2 minutes. Preheating ensures even toasting, though if your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, you can skip this and add a minute or two to the cooking time. Place the bagel halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer without overlapping. If you’re using an oven-style air fryer, stick to one tray to avoid uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you can usually fit two to four standard bagel halves at once. For example, an 8-quart Cosori air fryer can handle four halves comfortably.

Step 3: Toast to Perfection

Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and toast for 3-4 minutes for fresh bagels. If you’re toasting frozen bagels, increase the time to 5-6 minutes. Check the bagels after 3 minutes to ensure they’re not over-toasting—every air fryer is slightly different, and you don’t want to end up with a rock-hard bagel. You’re aiming for a golden-brown, crispy surface. If you prefer a darker toast, add an extra minute, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 4: Add Your Toppings

Once your bagels are toasted, carefully remove them with tongs (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool for a minute. Now’s the time to get creative with toppings. Go classic with a generous smear of cream cheese, or try something new like avocado, a fried egg, or even peanut butter and sliced bananas. The air fryer’s crispy exterior holds up beautifully, even with wetter toppings like jam or marinara sauce for a bagel pizza.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bagels

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s enough space between bagel halves for air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven toasting.
• Flip for Evenness: While not always necessary, flipping the bagels halfway through can ensure both sides toast evenly, especially in basket-style air fryers.
• Adjust for Frozen Bagels: Frozen bagels need a slightly lower temperature (around 330°F) and longer cooking time (6-7 minutes) to heat through without burning.
• Experiment with Flavors: Brush with garlic butter for a savory twist or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat before toasting.
• Clean Up Easily: Place a piece of air fryer-safe parchment paper under the bagels to catch any crumbs or melted butter drips. Just don’t preheat with the parchment inside, as it can be a fire hazard.

Why Air Fryer Bagels Are a Game-Changer

I was skeptical the first time I tried toasting a bagel in my air fryer. I mean, a toaster is literally designed for this, right? But after one bite, I was hooked. The air fryer gave my cinnamon raisin bagel a crispy, almost caramelized edge that my old toaster could never achieve. Plus, I could toast four halves at once, which was a lifesaver when my family was over for brunch. The air fryer’s speed and consistency make it a no-brainer for busy mornings when you still want something delicious.

Compared to other methods, the air fryer holds its own. A traditional toaster is quick but often uneven, and it can only handle one or two bagels at a time. An oven is great for large batches but takes longer to preheat and uses more energy. A stovetop skillet can work in a pinch, but it requires constant attention to avoid burning. The air fryer strikes a perfect balance: fast, efficient, and hands-off, with results that rival a New York bagel shop.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Air Fryer-Toasted Bagel

Once you’ve mastered the art of toasting, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Classic Cream Cheese: Pair your bagel with a flavored cream cheese, like chive or veggie, for a timeless breakfast. Check out this veggie cream cheese recipe for inspiration.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Layer on bacon, a fried egg, and cheddar for a hearty morning meal. The air fryer can even cook the bacon and egg while your bagel toasts.
• Bagel Pizza: Spread marinara sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and add your favorite toppings, then pop it back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Sweet Treat: Slather with almond butter, top with sliced apples, and drizzle with honey for a dessert-like breakfast.

Common Questions About Toasting Bagels in an Air Fryer

Can you toast a whole bagel without slicing it?

Yes, you can toss a whole bagel in the air fryer to warm it up, but it won’t get that crispy, toasted texture on the cut side. For the best results, slice it first. If you want to try a whole bagel, set the air fryer to 360°F for 4-5 minutes and check for doneness.

Will the bagel dry out?

If you overcook it, yes. Stick to the recommended 3-4 minutes for fresh bagels and check frequently. Sprinkling a little water on the bagel before toasting can help keep it moist, especially for frozen ones.

Can I use an oven-style air fryer?

Absolutely. Oven-style air fryers work just as well, but stick to one tray at a time to ensure even toasting. The process is the same: cut-side up, 360°F, 3-4 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Toasting a bagel in an air fryer is not only possible but might just become your new favorite method. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior every time. Whether you’re a plain bagel purist or a fan of everything bagels loaded with toppings, the air fryer can handle it all. So, next time you’re craving a warm, toasty bagel, skip the toaster and give your air fryer a whirl. You won’t be disappointed.

Want to take your air fryer skills to the next level? Check out more air fryer recipes for inspiration, from breakfast to dinner. Happy toasting!