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Yes, you can make bagels in the air fryer, and they come out with a delightfully chewy texture and golden crust.
If you’ve been wondering can you make bagels in the air fryer because you don’t own a traditional oven or you just want a faster method, the answer is a resounding yes.
Making bagels in the air fryer is not only possible, but it’s also surprisingly simple and yields results that rival bakery-style bagels.
You can make bagels in the air fryer using store-bought dough, homemade dough, or even canned biscuit dough for a quick fix.
The air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, creating that crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy, exactly what you want from a bagel.
In this post, we’ll explore how you can make bagels in the air fryer, the best techniques for perfect results, and tips for toppings and storage.
Let’s dive right in and get you on your way to air fryer bagel bliss.
Why You Can Make Bagels in the Air Fryer
The reason you can make bagels in the air fryer comes down to how this appliance works.
Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speed, mimicking the effect of deep frying but with minimal oil.
This rapid air circulation is perfect for bagels because it delivers even heat that crisps the outside while steaming the inside.
When you make bagels in the air fryer, you get a crust that’s shiny and slightly crackly, just like traditional boiled-then-baked bagels.
The key is that the air fryer reaches high temperatures quickly, so the dough puffs up nicely without drying out.
Even if you’ve never made bagels before, the air fryer simplifies the process and cuts down on total cooking time.
So, yes, you can make bagels in the air fryer with confidence, even on a busy weekday morning.
1. Faster Cooking Time Than an Oven
When you make bagels in the air fryer, you’ll notice they cook much faster than in a conventional oven.
A typical oven-baked bagel might take 20 to 25 minutes, but an air fryer can do the job in about 10 to 12 minutes.
That’s because the air fryer preheats quickly and concentrates heat directly on the food.
This speed makes it a great option when you’re craving fresh bagels but don’t want to wait long.
You can make bagels in the air fryer even while you prepare your coffee or eggs, and they’ll be ready in no time.
2. No Boiling Required
Traditional bagel recipes call for boiling the dough briefly before baking to get that chewy texture.
But you can make bagels in the air fryer without boiling them at all, and they’ll still turn out great.
The air fryer’s intense heat creates steam inside the dough, which gives you a similar chewiness.
If you do want that extra authentic touch, you can dip the shaped bagels in boiling water for 30 seconds first, but it’s optional.
Many home cooks find that skipping the boil saves time and mess, and the results are still fantastic.
So, if you’re asking can you make bagels in the air fryer without the fuss, the answer is absolutely yes.
3. Perfect for Small Batches
One of the best reasons you can make bagels in the air fryer is that it’s ideal for singles or small families.
Unlike an oven that may feel wasteful for just two or three bagels, the air fryer heats up instantly and handles small batches perfectly.
You can make bagels in the air fryer fresh for breakfast and not have leftovers go stale.
Plus, you can experiment with different toppings on each bagel without committing to a dozen of the same kind.
This flexibility makes the air fryer a fantastic tool for bagel lovers who value convenience and variety.
How to Make Bagels in the Air Fryer Step by Step
Now that you know you can make bagels in the air fryer, let’s walk through the process so you get perfect results every time.
1. Prepare Your Dough
You can use homemade bagel dough or buy pre-made dough from the store, either works well.
If you’re making dough from scratch, combine flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt, then knead until smooth.
Let the dough rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions, about 4 to 6 ounces each.
Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it out to form a bagel shape.
Make sure the hole is fairly large because it will shrink as the dough proofs and cooks.
2. Let Them Proof Briefly
Before cooking, let the shaped bagels rest for about 15 to 20 minutes.
This short proofing step helps the dough relax and rise a bit, leading to a lighter texture inside.
While they proof, you can preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just run it empty for 3 minutes.
You can make bagels in the air fryer more evenly when the cooking chamber is already hot.
3. Cook in Batches
Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one so air can circulate.
Depending on your air fryer size, you may only fit two or three bagels at a time.
Cook them at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes.
The bagels are done when they’re golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped.
Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Add Toppings Before or After Cooking
If you want toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning, brush the shaped bagels with an egg wash before cooking.
The egg wash helps the seeds stick and gives a shiny finish.
You can also sprinkle cheese or garlic on top just before they finish cooking.
For sweet bagels, brush with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar after they come out.
And remember, you can make bagels in the air fryer and add toppings afterward too, like cream cheese or lox.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bagels
To ensure you can make bagels in the air fryer that taste amazing, keep these tips in mind.
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Airflow is everything in an air fryer, so if you pack too many bagels in, they won’t cook evenly.
It’s better to cook fewer bagels at a time, even if it means doing multiple batches.
Overcrowding can lead to soft spots and uneven browning, which you don’t want.
So, when you make bagels in the air fryer, always leave at least an inch of space between each one.
2. Use Parchment Paper or Light Oil
To prevent sticking, you can line the basket with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit.
Alternatively, lightly brush the bagels with oil or spray the basket with nonstick spray.
This helps the bagels release easily without tearing the crust.
And it makes cleanup a breeze, which is another reason you can make bagels in the air fryer without hassle.
3. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size
If you make mini bagels, they’ll cook faster than large ones.
Check your bagels at the 8-minute mark and add time as needed.
Remember that the air fryer can vary by brand, so keep an eye on them the first time you try.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll know exactly how long it takes in your specific air fryer.
4. Cool Completely Before Storing
If you’re not eating all the bagels right away, let them cool completely before putting them in a bag.
This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Or freeze them for up to a month and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
This way, you can make bagels in the air fryer ahead of time and enjoy them later.
So, Can You Make Bagels in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely make bagels in the air fryer, and they’ll be delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the air fryer simplifies the process and delivers chewy, golden bagels in under 15 minutes.
From the speed of cooking to the easy cleanup, there are so many reasons to try this method.
So go ahead and experiment with your favorite dough, toppings, and seasonings.
Once you realize you can make bagels in the air fryer, you may never go back to the oven again.
Enjoy your fresh, warm bagels with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite sandwich fillings.
You’ll love how simple and satisfying homemade bagels can be, all thanks to your trusty air fryer.
Happy bagel making.