Save One Thursday afternoon, my teenage cousin burst through the kitchen door holding up her phone, declaring that mini bagel pizzas were taking over TikTok and we absolutely had to try making them. I was skeptical at first—how could something so simple taste good?—but fifteen minutes later, we were pulling golden, bubbling mini pizzas from the air fryer, and I understood the hype immediately. The crispy edges, the melted cheese, the way the whole thing came together in under twenty minutes without heating up the oven—it felt like we'd discovered a cheat code for snack time.
I made these for a casual game night with friends, and they disappeared so fast I had to immediately make a second batch. Someone asked if they were homemade or store-bought, which felt like the biggest compliment possible. That's when I realized these mini pizzas had crossed over from novelty to genuinely impressive—the kind of thing people actually remember and ask you to make again.
Ingredients
- Mini plain bagels: Six bagels, halved, give you the perfect sturdy base—they hold up to the heat without getting soggy and create that satisfying crispy exterior.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: Use about 1/2 cup total; this is where the flavor foundation lives, so don't skimp or use the watery kind.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: One cup lets you layer it generously so you get those beautiful golden, bubbly patches.
- Pepperoni slices: Optional but recommended; I use mini pepperoni because they cook faster and distribute more evenly across the small surface.
- Black olives and bell pepper: A couple tablespoons each of these optional toppings add color and freshness without weighing things down.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon scattered on top brings everything together and makes them taste restaurant-quality.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 375°F for 2 minutes while you prep everything else. This small head start ensures even cooking and prevents any steaming.
- Arrange your bagel halves:
- Lay them cut side up on a cutting board, creating a grid of twelve little pizza bases ready to transform.
- Spread the sauce:
- Use about 2 teaspoons per half, spreading it to the edges but not so much that it pools or drips off during cooking.
- Layer the cheese:
- Divide your mozzarella evenly across all twelve pieces; this is what creates those gorgeous golden-brown patches and that signature melted pull.
- Add your toppings:
- Distribute pepperoni, olives, and peppers with a light hand so nothing gets crowded or falls off in the air fryer basket.
- Finish with seasoning:
- A small pinch of oregano on each one elevates the whole thing and fills your kitchen with that Italian pizzeria smell.
- Cook in batches if needed:
- Load as many as fit in a single layer without touching; they should cook in one layer for even crispiness on all sides.
- Air fry until golden:
- At 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes, watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden at the edges—this is your signal that they're perfect.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for just a minute so the cheese firms up slightly, then enjoy while they're still warm and the cheese is at its stretchiest.
Save My favorite moment with these was watching my nephew, who's usually a picky eater, happily assemble his own mini pizza with exactly three pepperoni slices and no olives, then devour it without a single complaint. Food doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful—sometimes it's just about giving someone the chance to make it their own.
Mix-and-Match Topping Ideas
Think of this recipe as your blank canvas rather than a fixed formula. Swap in fresh mozzarella, crumbled feta, or sharp cheddar for the shredded mozzarella if you want to experiment with different flavors. Cooked sausage crumbles, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, and even pineapple chunks all work beautifully—the air fryer's heat is forgiving enough that nearly any combination will turn out crispy and delicious.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they're honestly best enjoyed fresh. If you do have extras, pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F and they'll taste almost as good as the first batch, with the cheese getting warm and slightly gooey again.
Making Them Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to what you have on hand or what you're craving. One week I'm making them vegetarian with just cheese and herbs; the next week I'm loading them with toppings and calling them fully loaded. For a gluten-free version, swap in gluten-free bagels and follow the same method—they cook at the same temperature and in the same time, so no adjustments needed.
- Serve with a small cup of warm marinara sauce for dipping to add extra flavor and fun.
- Make these ahead up to the point of cooking, then air fry them fresh when guests arrive for that just-made wow factor.
- If you're feeding a crowd, you can safely double or triple the recipe—just work in batches so everything gets evenly crispy.
Save These mini bagel pizzas have become my go-to when I need something fast, impressive, and genuinely delicious. They've proven that the best recipes don't have to be complicated—they just have to bring people together.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best bagel type for these mini snacks?
Mini plain bagels work best for a crispy base, but gluten-free options can be used if preferred.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Try mushrooms, cooked sausage, pineapple, or your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
- → How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?
Spread the cheese evenly on each bagel half and cook at 375°F for about 5-6 minutes for perfect melting.
- → What is the recommended cooking method?
An air fryer is ideal for achieving a crisp crust and bubbly cheese quickly. Oven baking works but takes longer.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness and warmth.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, using cheese and veggie toppings only keeps them vegetarian-friendly.