This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Yes, you can make bagels in the air fryer, and the results are surprisingly close to the real deal.
If you’ve been wondering can you make bagels in the air fryer without boiling them, the answer is a resounding yes, and the process is simpler than you might think.
Making bagels in the air fryer gives you that chewy inside and golden crust you crave, all without heating up your whole kitchen.
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how to make bagels in the air fryer, share the best dough options, and give you tips for perfecting your air fryer bagels every single time.
Let’s dive right into the world of air fryer bagel making.
Why You Can Make Bagels in the Air Fryer
The air fryer works like a small convection oven, circulating hot air around the food to create that crispy exterior.
When you make bagels in the air fryer, the rapid air movement mimics the effect of a traditional bagel oven, giving you a shiny, slightly crisp crust.
Here’s why so many home bakers are turning to their air fryers for bagel-making:
1. Faster Cooking Time
Traditional bagels require a hot oven and a long bake time, usually around 20 to 25 minutes.
But when you make bagels in the air fryer, you cut that time nearly in half.
Most air fryer bagels are ready in just 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your dough rings.
So if you’re short on time but still want fresh bagels, the air fryer is your best friend.
2. No Boiling Required (Optional)
The classic bagel-making process usually involves boiling the dough before baking to get that chewy texture.
While boiling gives you the most authentic result, you can absolutely skip it when you make bagels in the air fryer.
For a faster version, you can brush the dough with a baking soda wash instead, which still helps develop that golden-brown color.
And if you do want to try the traditional method, you can boil them briefly and then pop them straight into the air fryer, and they’ll turn out beautifully.
3. Perfect for Small Batches
Want just two or three bagels instead of a dozen?
Making bagels in the air fryer is ideal for single servings or small households because you can cook as many as fit in your basket.
This means less waste and no stale bagels sitting around for days.
Plus, you can experiment with different flavors without committing to a huge batch.
How to Make Bagels in the Air Fryer from Scratch
Now that you know the why, let’s get into the how.
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be pulling golden, delicious air fryer bagels out of the basket in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
You can use store-bought dough or make your own with flour, yeast, water, salt, and a touch of sugar.
If you’re using homemade dough, let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Once risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into equal portions.
Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it gently to form the classic bagel shape.
Step 2: (Optional) Boil the Bagels
If you want that authentic chewy texture, bring a pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of honey or barley malt syrup.
Boil each bagel for about 30 seconds per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a towel to dry slightly.
You can still make bagels in the air fryer without this step, but the boiling really enhances the chewiness.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
This ensures even cooking and a nice crunchy exterior on your air fryer bagels.
Step 4: Air Fry the Bagels
Place the bagels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other too much.
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish, then air fry for 10 to 12 minutes.
Halfway through, flip them so both sides cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color.
Step 5: Add Toppings Right After
The moment your air fryer bagels come out, brush them with butter and sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even shredded cheese all work amazingly well.
The residual heat helps the toppings stick perfectly, creating air fryer bagels that look and taste like they came from a bakery.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bagels
Getting great results when you make bagels in the air fryer comes down to a few small details.
These tips will take your homemade bagels from good to absolutely fantastic.
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air needs room to circulate around each bagel to cook them evenly.
If you stuff the basket too full, you’ll end up with soft spots instead of a crisp crust.
Cook in batches if necessary, and keep your air fryer bagels spaced at least an inch apart.
2. Use Bread Flour for Extra Chew
Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour.
This extra protein creates more gluten, giving you that signature chewy bagel texture.
If you want authentic air fryer bagels, choose bread flour whenever possible.
3. Spray with Oil for a Golden Crust
Lightly spraying your air fryer bagels with olive oil or cooking spray before cooking helps them brown beautifully.
Just don’t overdo it, as too much oil can make them greasy instead of crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Bagels in the Air Fryer
Still curious about air fryer bagels?
Here are answers to some common questions people have when they first start making bagels in the air fryer.
Can You Make Bagels in the Air Fryer from Frozen Dough?
Yes, you absolutely can make bagels in the air fryer from frozen dough.
Just let the dough thaw and rise completely before shaping and cooking.
This might add an extra hour or two to your total time, but the results are worth it.
How Long Do Air Fryer Bagels Last?
Your air fryer bagels are best enjoyed the same day they’re made.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, or freeze them for up to three months.
Reheat frozen air fryer bagels directly in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3 minutes to bring them back to life.
Why Are My Air Fryer Bagels Dense?
Dense air fryer bagels usually mean your dough didn’t rise enough before cooking.
Give your dough plenty of time to double in size, and don’t rush the proofing step.
Also, make sure you’re using fresh yeast, as expired yeast won’t give you the light, airy texture you want.
So, Can You Make Bagels in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make bagels in the air fryer, and they turn out deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Whether you boil them first or go straight to the air fryer, the process is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding.
Making bagels in the air fryer saves you time, avoids heating up your whole house, and gives you fresh baked goodness anytime you crave it.
So grab your favorite toppings, whip up some dough, and enjoy the magic of homemade air fryer bagels today.