Can You Put a Bagel in the Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Crisp

Yes, you can absolutely put a bagel in the air fryer for a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, chewy center in just minutes. Lightly toast or fully crisp your bagel by air frying at 350°F for 3–5 minutes—no thawing required for frozen bagels, making it a fast, mess-free breakfast hack.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry bagels for a quick, crispy result without boiling.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for even toasting and browning.
• Cut bagels in half to maximize crispiness and reduce cooking time.
• Lightly oil the bagels to enhance browning and prevent dryness.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure consistent results.
• Check at 3 minutes to prevent burning—times vary by air fryer model.

Why the Air Fryer Is the Secret to Better Bagels

Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like a warm, golden-brown bagel with a crisp crust and a soft, chewy inside. Whether you’re a cream cheese loyalist, an avocado toast enthusiast, or someone who just loves a plain toasted bagel with a cup of coffee, the way you toast it can make or break your morning. For years, the toaster was the go-to. But lately, there’s been a new player in the breakfast game: the air fryer.

You’ve probably seen air fryers on your countertop, buzzing away with fries, chicken wings, or even reheating last night’s pizza. But have you ever asked yourself, “Can you put a bagel in the air fryer?” That’s exactly what I set out to discover—and honestly, I was skeptical at first. I mean, isn’t the toaster the tried-and-true method? But after testing, tasting, and tweaking, I can confidently say: yes, you absolutely can, and the results might just change the way you eat bagels forever.

Can You Put a Bagel in the Air Fryer? The Short Answer (and the Long One)

The short answer? Yes, you can put a bagel in the air fryer—and it works incredibly well. But like anything in the kitchen, the long answer is where the magic (and the tips) live. Let’s break it down.

How the Air Fryer Works for Bagels

The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food from all sides, mimicking the crispiness of deep frying without the oil. When it comes to bagels, this means you get a beautifully toasted exterior with a warm, tender center—no soggy spots, no burnt edges. The key is the even heat distribution. Unlike a toaster, which only heats from the top and bottom, the air fryer surrounds the bagel with heat, creating a more consistent toast.

Think of it like this: a toaster is a spotlight. An air fryer is a 360-degree spotlight. Every angle of your bagel gets a little love.

Why People Are Switching (And Why You Might Too)

I’ll admit, I was a toaster loyalist. My old two-slot toaster had been with me for years. But after a friend raved about how her air fryer gave her bagels “crunch without dryness,” I decided to try it. The first time I popped a halved bagel into my 4-quart air fryer, I was shocked. The outside had a delicate crunch—like a perfectly toasted cracker—while the inside stayed soft and warm. No rubbery texture. No uneven browning. Just… perfection.

Here’s what makes the air fryer stand out for bagels:

• Even toasting – No more one side darker than the other.
• Less risk of burning – The temperature control is more precise.
• Versatility – You can toast, reheat, or even “bake” a bagel from frozen.
• No preheating needed (usually) – Great for busy mornings.

How to Toast a Bagel in the Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve established that yes, you can put a bagel in the air fryer, let’s talk about how to do it right. I’ve tested this method with plain, everything, sesame, and even whole grain bagels—and the process is surprisingly simple.

What You’ll Need

• Your favorite bagel (fresh, day-old, or even frozen)
• Air fryer (any size, but 3.5–5 quarts is ideal)
• Tongs or a fork (optional, for flipping)
• Butter, cream cheese, or your favorite topping (for after)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat (optional): Most air fryers don’t require preheating for toasting, but if yours has a preheat setting, 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) helps. I skip this step most days—just saves time.
2. Slice the bagel: Cut it in half horizontally. If it’s frozen, no need to thaw—just increase cook time slightly.
3. Arrange in the basket: Place the halves cut-side up. Don’t overcrowd. If you’re toasting two, make sure they’re not touching. Air needs to circulate.
4. Set the temperature and time:
   • For fresh or day-old bagels: 325°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes
   • For frozen bagels: 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes
5. Check halfway: Open the basket at 3 minutes (or 5 for frozen) and flip if you want even browning on both sides. I usually skip flipping—the air fryer does a great job without it.
6. Remove and enjoy: Use tongs or a fork to pull them out. Let cool 30 seconds, then add your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd – One bagel at a time is ideal. Two is okay if your basket is large enough.
• Adjust time based on thickness – A dense whole grain bagel may need an extra minute.
• Use the “shake” trick – Gently shake the basket halfway through to redistribute heat.
• For extra crisp – Spray the cut side with a light oil (like avocado or olive oil) before toasting.
• For softer texture – Wrap in foil for the last 2 minutes to steam the inside slightly.

I tried the oil spray trick once—just a quick mist on the cut side—and wow. The crust had a subtle shine and a satisfying crunch, like a bakery-style bagel. But if you’re watching calories or prefer no oil, it’s totally optional.

Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Day-Old: Which Bagel Works Best?

Not all bagels are created equal—and the same goes for how they perform in the air fryer. Let’s compare the three most common types you might have on hand.

Fresh Bagels: The Gold Standard

Fresh bagels (from the bakery or grocery store) toast beautifully in the air fryer. They’re soft, moist, and respond well to heat. At 325°F for 4–5 minutes, they develop a golden crust without drying out. I love using fresh everything bagels—the seeds get slightly toasted and aromatic.

Tip: If your bagel is still warm from the bakery, reduce time by 1 minute to avoid over-toasting.

Day-Old Bagels: A Pleasant Surprise

We’ve all been there: you buy a bag of bagels, eat one, and the rest sit in the pantry. By day two, they’re a bit stale. But here’s the thing—stale bagels actually toast better in the air fryer. The drier texture absorbs heat more efficiently, giving you a crispier exterior without sacrificing chewiness.

I tested this with a 48-hour-old sesame bagel. At 325°F for 6 minutes, it came out with a crunch I’d never achieved in a toaster. The inside was still warm and soft—like it had been freshly baked.

Tip: Wrap in a damp paper towel for 10 seconds before toasting to add a little moisture back.

Frozen Bagels: The Ultimate Time-Saver

Frozen bagels are a game-changer for busy mornings. No thawing. No waiting. Just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer. At 350°F for 7–8 minutes, they come out perfectly toasted—crispy outside, warm inside.

I tested a frozen plain bagel from Trader Joe’s. After 7 minutes, it was golden, with no icy core. The texture was almost identical to a fresh one. The only difference? A slightly denser crumb—but that’s expected.

Tip: If your air fryer has a “frozen” setting, use it! Otherwise, stick to 350°F and check at 6 minutes.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with a simple process, there are a few pitfalls. I’ve made them all—so you don’t have to.

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When I first tried toasting two bagels at once, I didn’t leave enough space. The result? Uneven browning—one side toasted, the other pale and soft. The hot air couldn’t circulate properly.

Fix: Toast one bagel at a time, or if you must do two, leave at least 1 inch between them. Use the outer edges of the basket, not the center.

Setting the Temperature Too High

I once cranked it to 400°F, thinking “more heat = faster toast.” Big mistake. The outside burned in 3 minutes, while the inside was still cold. The air fryer isn’t a microwave—it needs time to work evenly.

Fix: Stick to 325–350°F. Lower and slower is better. You’ll get a more controlled toast.

Forgetting to Flip (or Not Needing To)

Some people swear by flipping the bagel halfway. Others say it’s unnecessary. I tested both ways. For fresh bagels, flipping gives slightly more even browning. For frozen or day-old, it’s optional—the air fryer handles it well on its own.

Tip: If you do flip, use tongs. The cut side gets very hot.

Using the Wrong Accessories

I once used a silicone liner to “protect” my basket. Bad idea. The bagel sat on top, and the hot air couldn’t reach the bottom. It took 10 minutes and still wasn’t toasted.

Fix: Use the air fryer as-is. No liners, no trays (unless it’s a multi-tier rack). Let the air flow freely.

Beyond Toasting: Creative Ways to Use Your Air Fryer for Bagels

Once you master the basics, the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities. Here are a few fun (and delicious) ways to use it with bagels.

Reheat Leftover Bagel Sandwiches

Got a leftover bagel sandwich from brunch? Don’t microwave it—that makes it soggy. Instead, pop it in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes. The bread gets warm, the cheese melts (if there is any), and the texture stays intact.

Pro move: Wrap in foil if it has wet ingredients (like tomato or egg) to prevent drying.

Make “Baked” Bagel Chips

Slice a stale bagel into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss with a little oil, salt, and garlic powder. Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway. You get crunchy, savory bagel chips—perfect for snacking or dipping.

I made these with a stale poppy seed bagel. After seasoning, they tasted like gourmet crackers. My roommate ate half the batch in one sitting.

Create a “Bagel Pizza”

Split a bagel, spread with pizza sauce, add cheese and pepperoni. Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes. You get a crispy base with melty cheese—like a personal pan pizza.

Bonus: Try it with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a “lox pizza.”

Warm Cream Cheese or Toppings

Hate cold cream cheese on a warm bagel? Place a small heat-safe bowl of cream cheese (or hummus, or nut butter) in the air fryer during the last 2 minutes. It softens slightly—just enough to spread easily.

Air Fryer Bagel Toasting: A Quick Comparison Table

Bagel Type	Temperature	Time	Best For	Texture Outcome
Fresh	325°F	4–6 minutes	Quick breakfasts, soft chew	Golden crust, tender inside
Day-Old	325°F	5–7 minutes	Reviving stale bagels	Extra crisp exterior, warm center
Frozen	350°F	6–8 minutes	No-thaw convenience	Even toast, no icy core
Whole Grain/Dense	325°F	6–8 minutes	Healthy options, hearty texture	Crisp crust, chewy interior
Flavored (everything, sesame)	325°F	4–5 minutes	Enhancing seasoning	Toasted seeds, aromatic crust

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Ultimate Bagel Tool?

So, can you put a bagel in the air fryer? Absolutely. And after testing it with fresh, day-old, and frozen bagels—alongside toasting, reheating, and even “baking”—I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to enjoy them.

The air fryer gives you control, consistency, and convenience. No more guessing if your toaster will burn the bagel. No more soggy centers. Just a perfectly toasted bagel, every time. Plus, it’s faster than an oven, more even than a toaster, and more versatile than either.

That said, it’s not perfect. If you’re in a huge rush and just need a quick toast, a toaster might still win. And if you have a tiny air fryer, toasting two bagels at once isn’t practical. But for most people—especially those who love texture, even browning, and the ability to experiment—the air fryer is a game-changer.

Next time you’re staring at a bagel, wondering how to make it the best version of itself, skip the toaster. Reach for the air fryer. Pop it in, set the timer, and enjoy the crisp perfection that comes out. Your taste buds—and your mornings—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a bagel in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely put a bagel in the air fryer! It’s a quick and easy way to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Just slice and preheat for best results.

How do you cook a bagel in an air fryer?

Slice the bagel in half, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), and cook for 3–5 minutes per side. This method enhances crispness without drying it out, especially for toasting or reheating.

Is an air fryer better than a toaster for bagels?

An air fryer offers more even toasting and can handle frozen or thicker bagels better than a toaster. Plus, it adds a delicious crunch that rivals traditional methods, making it a great alternative.

Can you air fry frozen bagels?

Yes, you can air fry frozen bagels—just add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw; simply place them directly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a quick, crispy treat.

What’s the best way to crisp a bagel in an air fryer?

For the perfect crisp, lightly brush the cut sides with oil or butter before air frying. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes per side, adjusting time based on your desired crunch level.

Can you toast a bagel with toppings in the air fryer?

Yes! Add toppings like cream cheese, cheese slices, or seeds after the first 2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The air fryer’s circulation ensures even melting and browning for a flavorful, crispy finish.