Can You Toast a Bagel in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can toast a bagel in the air fryer—and it delivers perfectly crispy, golden results in under 5 minutes. No need to preheat or use butter; simply slice, season, and air fry at 350°F for a quick, mess-free breakfast upgrade.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can toast bagels in the air fryer for a quick, crispy result.
• Slice bagels evenly to ensure consistent toasting and prevent burning.
• Use 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for perfectly golden-brown bagels.
• Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides every time.
• No preheating needed—start toasting immediately for faster prep.
• Add toppings after toasting to avoid burning delicate ingredients like cheese.

Why Air Fryer Bagels Might Be Your New Morning Ritual

Let’s be honest—mornings can be a chaotic blur. Between hitting snooze one too many times, packing lunches, and trying to look somewhat presentable, toasting a bagel can feel like a chore. I used to dread the smoke alarm going off because my toaster oven decided to turn my sesame bagel into a charcoal briquette. Sound familiar?

Then, one lazy Sunday, I decided to try something different: I popped my bagel into the air fryer. To my surprise, it came out perfectly toasted—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready in minutes. That got me wondering: Can you toast a bagel in the air fryer? And more importantly, should you? After weeks of testing, taste tests, and a few minor disasters (burnt edges, anyone?), I’m here to share everything you need to know. Spoiler: Yes, you absolutely can—and it might just change your breakfast game.

How Air Fryers Work and Why They’re Great for Toasting

Before diving into the specifics of bagel toasting, let’s break down how an air fryer actually works. Unlike a traditional toaster or toaster oven that relies on radiant heat from heating elements, an air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation. This method mimics deep-frying without the oil, making it a healthier option for many foods. But how does this translate to toasting a bagel?

The Science of Crispy Perfection

Air fryers use a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air at high speeds around the food. This creates a Maillard reaction—the chemical process that gives food its golden-brown color and delicious flavor. For bagels, this means you get an even toast with a satisfying crunch, without drying out the center.

Unlike a toaster, where heat comes from only one or two sides, the 360-degree airflow ensures your bagel gets toasted all over. This is especially helpful if you like your bagel lightly toasted on one side and extra crispy on the other. You can even toast both halves at once—something most toasters struggle with.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster: A Quick Comparison

• Speed: Air fryers preheat faster than toaster ovens and toast bagels in about the same time as a regular toaster (3–5 minutes).
• Evenness: Air fryers win here—no more one side burnt, the other barely warm.
• Versatility: You can toast a bagel, then cook eggs, or even reheat leftovers—all in the same appliance.
• Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

One thing to note: Air fryers don’t have a “bagel” setting like some toasters. But that’s okay—because with a little tweaking, you can customize your toast to perfection.

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

Now that you know the why, let’s get into the how. Toasting a bagel in the air fryer is simple, but there are a few tricks to get it just right. Here’s my tried-and-true method.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating is key. Most air fryers take about 3–5 minutes to reach optimal temperature. Set it to 350°F (175°C)—this is the sweet spot for toasting without burning. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty for a few minutes.

Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, you can skip preheating, but your toast may take a minute or two longer and won’t be as evenly browned.

Step 2: Prepare the Bagel

Slice your bagel in half (if it isn’t already). For best results, use a serrated knife to avoid squishing the soft center. If you’re toasting a frozen bagel, no need to thaw it first—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Optional: Lightly spray or brush the cut sides with oil or melted butter. This adds extra crispiness and enhances flavor. I love using a little garlic-infused olive oil for a savory twist.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

Place the bagel halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping—this allows hot air to circulate evenly. If you have a large air fryer (6 quarts or more), you can toast two bagels at once. Smaller models may only fit one.

Pro tip: For extra crunch, flip the bagels halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get equal exposure to the hot air.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s where personal preference comes in. I’ve tested a range of times and found these guidelines to work best:

• Light toast: 3–4 minutes at 350°F
• Medium toast: 5–6 minutes at 350°F
• Dark/crispy toast: 7–8 minutes at 350°F (flip at 4 minutes)

Start with 5 minutes. Check the bagel, and add time in 30-second increments if needed. Overcooking is the biggest mistake—once it’s burnt, there’s no going back.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the bagel halves using tongs or a fork (they’ll be hot!). Add your favorite toppings—cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or even peanut butter and banana. The warm, toasty surface makes spreads melt beautifully.

Best Bagel Types for Air Fryer Toasting (and Which to Avoid)

Not all bagels are created equal—and some work better in the air fryer than others. After testing over a dozen varieties, here’s what I’ve found.

Top 5 Bagel Types for Air Fryer Success

1. Plain or Sesame: Classic and forgiving. Toasts evenly and holds its shape well.
2. Everything Bagel: The seeds and seasonings get extra crunchy and aromatic. A flavor bomb!
3. Whole Wheat: Holds up well to heat without drying out. Great for a healthier option.
4. Cinnamon Raisin: The cinnamon sugar gets caramelized, and the raisins plump up—delicious with cream cheese.
5. Onion or Garlic: The flavors intensify during toasting, making them even more savory.

Bagel Types That Need Extra Care (or Should Be Avoided)

• Very Dense or Artisan Bagels: Some gourmet bagels are so thick they take longer to toast, increasing the risk of burnt edges. Slice them thinner or toast at 325°F for 6–8 minutes.
• Stale or Dry Bagels: These can become too hard. Try brushing with a little water or oil before toasting to add moisture.
• Bagels with Large Fillings (e.g., stuffed cheese): The filling can drip and burn, creating smoke. Toast at a lower temperature (325°F) and monitor closely.
• Frozen Bagels with Thick Crusts: These often need extra time. I recommend thawing for 10–15 minutes first, or toasting at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Real talk: I once tried to toast a frozen jalapeño cheddar bagel without thawing it. The outside was charred, but the center was still icy. Lesson learned: when in doubt, thaw first or adjust the time.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer bagel blunders—and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Burnt Edges

Cause: Too high a temperature or too long a cook time.

Fix: Lower the temperature to 325°F and check every 30 seconds after the 4-minute mark. Use a timer—don’t multitask!

Mistake 2: Soggy Center

Cause: Not preheating, overcrowding the basket, or using a wet topping (like avocado) too soon.

Fix: Always preheat. Don’t stack bagels. Let them cool for 30 seconds before adding spreads.

Mistake 3: Uneven Toasting

Cause: Bagel halves touching each other or not flipped halfway.

Fix: Arrange bagels with space between them. Flip at the halfway point for even browning.

Mistake 4: Smoke or Burning Smell

Cause: Oil or seasoning drippings hitting the heating element.

Fix: Use a liner (parchment paper with holes) or wipe down the basket after use. Avoid spraying oil directly on hot surfaces.

Mistake 5: Frozen Bagel Disaster

Cause: Not adjusting time or temperature for frozen bagels.

Fix: Thaw for 10 minutes at room temp, or toast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, checking often. A little water spray helps prevent drying.

Air Fryer Bagel Hacks: Level Up Your Toast Game

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. Here are some fun and practical ways to make your air fryer bagels even better.

Hack 1: Make a Bagel Sandwich

Toast the bagel first, then add fillings and toast again for 2–3 minutes. Try: scrambled eggs, cheese, and spinach. The cheese melts, and the edges get extra crispy—like a breakfast panini!

Hack 2: Reheat Leftover Bagels

Old bagels lose their softness. Revive them by toasting at 325°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste fresh again.

Hack 3: Create a “Deconstructed” Bagel

Toast the bagel, then slice it into small pieces and toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Air fry for 2 more minutes. Now you’ve got bagel croutons for salads or soups!

Hack 4: Sweet or Savory Twists

• Sweet: Brush with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and toast for 3 minutes. Top with yogurt and berries.
• Savory: Spread with pesto, add cherry tomatoes, and air fry for 4 minutes. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic.

Hack 5: Batch Toast for Meal Prep

Toast 4–6 bagel halves, let them cool, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings!

Data Table: Air Fryer Bagel Toasting Times by Type

Bagel Type	Temperature	Time (Fresh)	Time (Frozen)	Pro Tips
Plain/Sesame	350°F	4–6 min	6–8 min	Flip halfway
Everything	350°F	5–7 min	7–9 min	Watch for burning seeds
Whole Wheat	350°F	5–6 min	7–8 min	Spray with water if dry
Cinnamon Raisin	325°F	4–5 min	6–7 min	Lower temp to prevent burning sugar
Stuffed/Cheese	325°F	6–7 min	8–10 min	Use parchment liner
Artisan/Dense	325°F	7–8 min	9–11 min	Slice thinner if needed

The Verdict: Is Air Fryer Bagel Toasting Worth It?

So, can you toast a bagel in the air fryer? Absolutely. And after months of testing, I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to do it. The even toasting, customizable crispiness, and versatility make it a winner. Plus, if you already own an air fryer, it’s a no-cost upgrade to your breakfast routine.

Is it perfect? Not quite. It lacks a “bagel” setting, and you need to monitor it to avoid burning. But with a little practice, you’ll find your ideal time and temperature. And once you do, you’ll never go back to uneven toaster results.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good bagel, the air fryer offers a quick, easy, and delicious way to start your day. So next morning, skip the toaster. Grab your air fryer, a bagel, and a smear of cream cheese—and toast your way to breakfast bliss. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you toast a bagel in the air fryer?

Yes, you can toast a bagel in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient method that delivers crispy, golden results in minutes. Simply slice the bagel, set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), and toast for 3-5 minutes.

How long does it take to toast a bagel in an air fryer?

Toasting a bagel in the air fryer typically takes 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Time may vary depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness—check halfway through to avoid over-browning.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer to toast a bagel?

Preheating isn’t required, but it can help achieve even toasting. If skipping preheat, add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time. For best results, lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Can you toast a frozen bagel in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Toasting a frozen bagel in the air fryer takes about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). No need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two for a perfectly crisp exterior and soft interior.

What’s the best way to toast a bagel in the air fryer without it drying out?

To prevent drying, lightly brush the bagel halves with butter or oil before toasting. Keep the time under 5 minutes and avoid high temperatures (stick to 350°F). This preserves moisture while ensuring a crispy crust.

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

For best results, toast the bagel first, then add toppings like cream cheese after. If using toppings that need melting (e.g., cheese), sprinkle them on halfway through the cook time. This avoids burning while achieving a warm, gooey finish.