Can You Put Bagels in the Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Toasted Bagels Every …

Yes, you can absolutely put bagels in the air fryer for a quick, crispy, and evenly toasted result that rivals a traditional toaster or oven. With minimal prep and just 3–5 minutes of cooking time, your bagels emerge golden-brown outside, soft inside—perfect for any topping or sandwich.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry bagels: Achieve crispy, golden perfection without a toaster.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even browning and faster cooking.
• Slice bagels first: Toast both sides evenly with maximum surface area.
• Use 350°F (175°C): Ideal temperature for quick, crunchy toasting.
• Monitor closely: Avoid burning—check at 2-3 minutes.
• Add toppings after: Prevents burning; apply butter, cream cheese, or seeds post-toast.

Can You Put Bagels in the Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out

Ah, the humble bagel. Whether you like yours smothered in cream cheese, topped with lox, or simply toasted with a pat of butter, there’s something deeply satisfying about that perfect crunch giving way to a soft, chewy center. But here’s the million-dollar question: Can you put bagels in the air fryer? If you’ve ever stood in front of your toaster oven, wondering if your trusty air fryer could handle the job better, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—craving a quick, golden-brown bagel without the hassle of preheating the oven or waiting for the toaster to finish. After countless mornings of experimenting, I’ve discovered that yes, you absolutely can toast bagels in the air fryer, and when done right, they come out better than most traditional methods.

This guide is for anyone who loves bagels and wants to make the most of their air fryer. We’ll dive into why the air fryer is a game-changer, how to get that perfect toast every time, and even tackle some common pitfalls (like soggy centers or uneven browning). Whether you’re reheating a frozen bagel, toasting a fresh one, or just curious about how this kitchen gadget works its magic, I’ve got you covered. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense companion to achieving bagel perfection—no fluff, no hype, just real talk and practical tips. So grab your favorite flavor, and let’s get toasting.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Bagel Toasting Game-Changer

How Air Frying Works (And Why It’s Perfect for Bagels)

At its core, an air fryer is a compact convection oven. It uses a powerful heating element and a fan to circulate hot air rapidly around your food. This creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender—exactly what you want in a perfectly toasted bagel. Unlike a traditional toaster, which toasts only the cut side, an air fryer surrounds the bagel with heat, giving you more even browning on all sides. Plus, the hot air penetrates deeper into the dense dough, reducing the risk of a cold, doughy center.

Think of it like this: a toaster is great for quick, single-sided results, but it’s a bit like using a spotlight—it focuses on one area. An air fryer is more like a surround-sound system, enveloping your bagel in warmth from all angles. This is especially helpful for thicker or denser bagels, which can be tough to toast properly in a regular toaster. And because the air fryer doesn’t require preheating (or needs only a minute or two), it’s often faster and more energy-efficient than firing up your oven.

Benefits Over Traditional Toasters and Ovens

Let’s be honest: toasters can be fussy. They often toast unevenly, especially if your bagel isn’t perfectly centered. And if you like your bagel well-done, you might end up with a charred outside and a cold inside. Ovens, while more consistent, take longer to preheat and use more energy. The air fryer strikes the perfect balance—fast, efficient, and consistent.

Here’s what I love most about using the air fryer for bagels:

• Speed: Most bagels toast in 3–6 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness.
• Even browning: No more “hot spots” or one side being overdone.
• Versatility: You can toast, reheat, or even bake bagels from scratch (more on that later).
• Less mess: No crumbs in your toaster, and cleanup is a breeze with a non-stick basket.
• Energy efficiency: Uses less power than a full-sized oven.

One morning, I compared a bagel toasted in my toaster versus one in the air fryer. The toaster version was fine—but the air fryer version had a beautifully golden crust, a satisfying crunch, and a warm, soft interior. The difference was night and day. Since then, I haven’t looked back.

Step-by-Step: How to Toast Bagels in the Air Fryer

Prepping Your Bagel (Fresh, Frozen, or Day-Old)

The first step to perfect toasting is choosing the right starting point. Whether you’re using a fresh bagel from the bakery, a frozen one from the store, or a slightly stale one from yesterday’s breakfast, the air fryer can handle it—with a few tweaks.

• Fresh bagels: These are the easiest. Just slice them in half (if not already cut) and place them cut-side up in the air fryer basket. No extra prep needed.
• Frozen bagels: You don’t need to thaw them! In fact, toasting them straight from the freezer often yields better results. The cold center helps prevent overcooking, while the outside crisps up nicely. Just add 1–2 minutes to your cooking time.
• Day-old or stale bagels: These can benefit from a light spritz of water or a quick brush of melted butter before toasting. This helps rehydrate the surface and prevents them from drying out further in the air fryer.

Pro tip: If you’re using a bagel that’s been sitting out, give it a quick inspection. If it’s starting to dry out or feels hard, a 10-second spray of water on both sides (cut and uncut) before toasting can make a huge difference.

Temperature and Time Settings for Perfect Toast

Here’s where things get fun—because there’s no one-size-fits-all setting. The ideal temperature and time depend on your air fryer model, the thickness of your bagel, and your personal preference for crispiness.

As a starting point, I recommend:

• Fresh or day-old bagels: 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
• Frozen bagels: 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Extra-crispy preference: 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

Always start with the lower end of the time range. Air fryers vary in power—some run hotter than others. For example, my Ninja Air Fryer runs a bit hot, so I usually set it to 340°F for fresh bagels. If you’re using a Cosori or Instant Vortex, 350°F is usually spot-on.

Here’s my go-to method:

1. Preheat the air fryer for 1–2 minutes (optional, but helps with even cooking).
2. Place the bagel halves cut-side up in the basket. Don’t overcrowd—leave space between them so air can circulate.
3. Set to 350°F and start with 3 minutes.
4. After 3 minutes, check for browning. If it’s not golden enough, add 30-second to 1-minute increments, checking each time.
5. Once done, remove with tongs or a fork and let cool for 30 seconds before spreading.

One morning, I was in a rush and set the timer for 6 minutes straight. Big mistake—my everything bagel came out more like a cracker than a bagel. Now I always check early and often. It’s better to under-toast and add time than to ruin a perfectly good bagel.

Pro Tips for Even Browning and Crispiness

Want that bakery-level toast? These small tweaks make a big difference:

• Flip halfway: For extra even browning, flip the bagel halves halfway through cooking. This ensures both the top and cut sides get crispy.
• Use a light oil spray: A quick spritz of cooking spray (olive oil, avocado oil, or non-stick spray) on the cut side before toasting adds shine and helps the surface brown more evenly.
• Don’t stack: Air needs to circulate. If you’re toasting multiple bagels, cook them in batches rather than piling them up.
• Let it rest: After toasting, let the bagel sit for 30–60 seconds. This allows the heat to distribute evenly, preventing a “steamed” center.

I once tried toasting two bagels at once by stacking them. The bottom one was perfect, but the top one was pale and soft. Lesson learned: patience pays off.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see—and I’ve made it myself. It’s tempting to toast two or three bagels at once, especially on busy mornings. But when you overcrowd the basket, hot air can’t circulate properly. The result? Uneven toasting, soggy spots, and longer cooking times.

Rule of thumb: leave at least a half-inch of space between each bagel half. If your basket is small, toast one at a time. Yes, it takes a little longer, but the quality is worth it. I once tried to toast four bagel halves in my 4-quart air fryer. Two came out great, one was underdone, and one was burnt. Now I stick to two max, and I’m always happy with the results.

Wrong Temperature or Time Settings

Not all air fryers are created equal. Some run hot, some run cool. And not all bagels are the same—some are thick, some are dense, some are soft. Using the same settings for every bagel will lead to disappointment.

My advice? Treat your first toasting as a “test run.” Use the recommended settings as a starting point, but adjust based on your results. Keep a little note on your fridge or in your phone: “Ninja: 340°F for 3.5 minutes for fresh everything bagel.” Over time, you’ll build your own cheat sheet.

Also, remember that frozen bagels need more time, but not necessarily more temperature. Increasing the heat too much can burn the outside before the inside warms up. Stick to 350°F and add time instead.

Ignoring the Type of Bagel

Not all bagels toast the same. A dense, chewy New York-style bagel will behave differently than a soft, cakey cinnamon-raisin bagel. And a mini bagel will cook faster than a full-sized one.

Here’s how to adjust:

• Dense bagels (plain, sesame, everything): These benefit from a slightly longer cook time at medium heat (350°F) to ensure the center warms through.
• Soft or sweet bagels (cinnamon, blueberry, chocolate): These can burn easily. Use a lower temperature (325–340°F) and shorter time to prevent scorching the sugars.
• Mini or small bagels: Reduce time by 1–2 minutes. They heat up fast!

I learned this the hard way when I toasted a cinnamon bagel at 375°F for 5 minutes. The outside was black, the inside was warm, and my kitchen smelled like smoke. Now I treat sweet bagels with kid gloves.

Creative Uses: Beyond Just Toasting

Reheating Leftover Bagels

Got half a bagel from yesterday? Don’t toss it! The air fryer is perfect for reheating. It brings back that fresh-baked texture without drying it out.

Method:

• Lightly spray or brush the cut side with water or butter.
• Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
• Check after 2 minutes—reheating is faster than toasting from cold.

This works wonders for bagels that have been in the fridge. The air fryer warms them evenly, so you don’t get a cold center or a hard crust.

Making “Baked” Bagels from Scratch (Yes, Really!)

Feeling adventurous? You can actually make mini bagels in the air fryer! While you won’t get the traditional boil-and-bake method, you can create a soft, chewy, bagel-like bread with minimal effort.

Here’s a simple recipe:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Optional: 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, or everything seasoning

Mix the ingredients into a dough, divide into 4–6 pieces, shape into rings, and brush with egg wash. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get soft, slightly crisp bagels that are perfect for cream cheese or jam.

Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas and Snacks

Why stop at toast? Turn your bagel into a mini pizza or snack.

• Bagel pizzas: Top with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Breakfast bagels: Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon. Toast for 4–5 minutes.
• Sweet bagel bites: Spread with Nutella, add banana slices, and toast for 3 minutes. Heavenly!

One Sunday, I made mini bagel pizzas for my kids. They loved it—and I loved that it took less than 10 minutes. Cleanup was easy, and the air fryer didn’t heat up the whole kitchen.

Data Table: Air Fryer Bagel Toasting Times by Type

Bagel Type	Temperature	Time (Fresh)	Time (Frozen)	Notes
Plain / Everything	350°F	3–5 min	5–7 min	Flip halfway for even browning
Cinnamon Raisin	340°F	3–4 min	4–6 min	Lower temp to prevent burning
Whole Grain / Multigrain	350°F	4–5 min	6–7 min	Thicker crust; may need extra time
Mini Bagels	350°F	2–3 min	3–4 min	Check early to avoid over-toasting
Stale / Day-Old	350°F	3–4 min	N/A	Spray with water before toasting

Remember: these are guidelines. Your air fryer may run hotter or cooler, so always check early and adjust as needed. I keep this table on my fridge for quick reference—and it’s saved me from many a burnt bagel.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Toast a Bagel?

So, can you put bagels in the air fryer? Absolutely—and in most cases, it’s the best way to do it. The air fryer delivers faster, more even, and more customizable results than a toaster or oven. Whether you’re reheating a frozen bagel, bringing a stale one back to life, or creating a bagel-based snack, the air fryer rises to the occasion.

But like any kitchen tool, it’s not magic. Success depends on understanding your machine, knowing your bagel, and being willing to adjust. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try flipping halfway, spraying with oil, or tweaking the temperature. Over time, you’ll develop your own perfect method—one that gives you that ideal balance of crunch and chew.

And the best part? You’re not just toasting a bagel. You’re unlocking the full potential of your air fryer. From breakfast to snacks to creative meals, this little appliance can do so much more than fry “fries.” So go ahead—pop that bagel in, set the timer, and enjoy a perfectly toasted start to your day. After all, life’s too short for soggy bagels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put bagels in the air fryer for a quick toast?

Yes, you can absolutely toast bagels in the air fryer! It’s a fast and efficient method that delivers a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and toast for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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

For perfect air fryer bagels, slice them in half, lightly butter the cut sides (optional), and place them cut-side up in the basket. Toast at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and toast another 1-2 minutes for even crispness.

Can you put frozen bagels in the air fryer?

Yes, you can toast frozen bagels in the air fryer without thawing. Increase the time to 6-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C), flipping halfway through. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures they thaw and toast evenly.

How long do you air fry a bagel to avoid burning?

To avoid burning, air fry bagels at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes total. Check after 3 minutes, as air fryers vary in intensity. Slicing the bagel and flipping it halfway helps achieve uniform browning.

Can you reheat leftover bagels in the air fryer?

Reheating bagels in the air fryer restores their fresh-baked texture. Toast at 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes to warm the interior while adding a light crisp to the crust. No preheating is needed.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for toasting bagels?

Preheating isn’t mandatory, but it ensures even toasting. If skipping preheat, add 1 minute to the total time. For best results, preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding the bagels.