Easy Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas with Pepperoni and Olives Perfect Snack Recipe

Posted on December 20, 2025

There’s this one afternoon last week when the snack monster struck hard—my kids were starving, and the clock was ticking down to dinner. I had zero time (and zero patience) to whip up anything complicated. Then I remembered: bagel pizzas. But not just any bagel pizzas—easy air fryer bagel pizzas with pepperoni and olives. Seriously, these little guys have saved my snack game more times than I can count.

I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times now, and each time it’s quick, satisfying, and — bonus — the kitchen doesn’t end up looking like a tornado hit it. The crispy edges, melty cheese, and that perfect pepperoni pop make these snack-time heroes stand out. And the olives? They add just the right tangy kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, real talk—air fryer bagel pizzas might just become your new go-to snack for all the reasons below:

Ready in under 10 minutes: From fridge to table faster than you can say “hangry.”
Keeps the kitchen clean: No pots, pans, or sauces splattered everywhere. Your air fryer does the heavy lifting.
Flavor-packed combos: Pepperoni and olives bring a salty, savory punch that’s way better than plain cheese.
Perfectly crispy every time: The air fryer crisps the bagel edges while melting the cheese just right—no soggy bottom here.
Customizable snack magic: Not into olives? Swap with mushrooms or bell peppers. Kids picky about pepperoni? Go with ham or turkey pepperoni.

This recipe is the kind of snack that feels fancy but takes zero effort, which means it’s a total win for busy afternoons or last-minute cravings. Honestly, it’s my little secret weapon for keeping everyone happy (and me sane).

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what’s great about this ingredient list: you probably have most of it already lying around the kitchen. Plus, I’ll share why I pick each item and the little tweaks that make a difference.

Bagels (2, halved) — I like plain or everything bagels for this. Your air fryer will crisp up the cut side perfectly. Fresh or day-old works; day-old gives an extra crunch.
Marinara sauce (½ cup) — Go for a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have it. I’m partial to Rao’s for its balance of herbs and natural sweetness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) — Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded, which sometimes has anti-caking agents that prevent perfect melting.
Pepperoni slices (20-25 slices) — The classic topping. I use turkey pepperoni sometimes when I want it a bit lighter, and it still works great.
Black olives (¼ cup, sliced) — Canned or jarred olives are fine—rinse them to cut some saltiness if you want. I love the briny pop they add.
Dried Italian seasoning (optional, 1 tsp) — Sprinkled on top for that herby finish. If you don’t have it, a pinch of oregano works too.
Olive oil spray — A quick spritz on the bagel edges before air frying helps get that golden crust.

Pro tip: I keep mini bagels on hand for smaller bites, and they cook even faster. Also, if you’re short on pepperoni, chopped cooked sausage or even bacon bits make killer swaps.

Equipment Needed

You honestly don’t need much to make these air fryer bagel pizzas, and that’s part of the charm.

Air fryer — Any model with a basket big enough for your bagel halves will do. Mine’s a simple Philips one from a few years ago and it works like a charm.
Mixing bowl or small spoon — For spreading the marinara sauce evenly on the bagel halves.
Tongs or spatula — Helpful for flipping or removing the bagels from the air fryer basket without burning your fingers.
Knife — To slice the bagels in half if you’re starting with whole ones.
Measuring cups and spoons — Not strictly necessary, but I like to eyeball with a bit of precision.

If you don’t have an air fryer, a toaster oven or regular oven set to broil works, but the magic crispiness comes from the air fryer’s circulating heat. Also, a silicone spatula helps scrape the sauce jar clean—because wasted sauce is a crime.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) — Takes about 3 minutes. This step ensures your bagels start getting that crisp right away.
Prep the bagels — Slice your bagels in half horizontally. Spray the cut sides lightly with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
Spread the sauce — Use about 1 tablespoon of marinara on each bagel half. Spread evenly, but don’t overload or the bread gets soggy.
Add the cheese — Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce. You want enough to cover but not so much it slides off.
Top with pepperoni and olives — Arrange slices evenly. I like to tuck some pepperoni under the cheese for melty goodness and some on top for that crispy edge.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning — Optional, but it adds a lovely herby punch. If you’re skipping it, a little cracked black pepper works too.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes — Keep an eye on them after 5 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, melted cheese and golden, crispy bagel edges.
Remove carefully and let cool for 2 minutes — The cheese will be molten hot. Letting them rest a bit makes them easier (and safer) to eat.
Slice and serve — Cut each bagel half into quarters for perfect snack-sized bites.

Quick note: If your cheese isn’t melting fast enough but the bagel edges are browning too much, lower the temp to 320°F and add a minute or two.

My Best Tips & Techniques

Alright, here are some nuggets of wisdom from the dozen-plus times I’ve made these air fryer bagel pizzas:

Don’t overload the sauce: I’ve learned the hard way that too much sauce means soggy bagels. Less is more here.
Olive oil spray is your secret weapon: It crisps the bagel edges without drying them out. Tried it without? Meh, not the same.
Use fresh shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking stuff that can mess with melting. Freshly shredded is creamier and melts like a dream.
Watch the cook time closely: Air fryers vary. Start checking at 5 minutes so you don’t end up with burnt pepperoni.
Room temperature toppings: If your pepperoni or olives are fridge-cold, take them out a few minutes before assembling. Cold toppings can cool the cheese and slow melting.
Clean your air fryer basket promptly: Cheese drips can get crusty fast. I soak mine right after cooking, so it’s a breeze to clean next time.
Try a quick flip halfway: For extra even crisping, flip the bagels at the 4-minute mark. Not required, but I like the results.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve nailed the classic pepperoni and olive combo, the fun really begins. Here’s how you can switch things up without making it complicated:

Veggie Delight: Swap olives for sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. My kids secretly love it when I sneak in some shredded carrot too.
Meat Lover’s Dream: Add cooked crumbled sausage or bacon bits along with pepperoni. Double the protein, double the fun.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a few slices of jalapeño on top before air frying. I like this when I need a little heat boost.
Cheese Remix: Try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or add a sprinkle of parmesan after cooking for that salty tang.
Mini Bagels for Mini Pizzas: Perfect party bites! Just reduce air frying time to 4-5 minutes.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bagels and double-check your sauce and toppings for hidden gluten. Still tastes amazing.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese, skip pepperoni, and load up on veggies or vegan pepperoni slices. I haven’t tried this yet but have friends who swear by it.

Serving Ideas & Storage

These air fryer bagel pizzas are best enjoyed fresh, but I get it—sometimes you want to prep ahead or save leftovers.

How to serve: Warm and melty is the way to go. I usually serve them with a side of carrot sticks or a simple green salad to round things out.

Storage: Store leftover bagel pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes—cheese melts fresh, and the edges crisp back up perfectly.

Freezing: You can freeze cooked bagel pizzas wrapped individually in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: If your bagel pizzas get a little dry in storage, a quick spread of butter or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating brings them back to life.

Nutrition Info & Health Benefits

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 bagel pizza half)
Calories	250
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	9g
Fiber	2g

Here’s why I’m cool with these as a snack: the pepperoni and cheese pack a solid protein punch, which keeps hunger at bay longer than chips or crackers. The bagel provides carbs for energy, and olives add healthy fats plus antioxidants.

Sure, it’s a treat, but with a little balance and portion control, it fits nicely into a snack-time routine. Plus, you can tweak the recipe to make it lighter or more indulgent, depending on your mood.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my easy air fryer bagel pizzas with pepperoni and olives. I know I’ve gushed a bit, but when a snack this tasty and fast exists, it’s hard not to. This recipe has saved me from hanger-induced meltdowns, impressed unexpected guests, and even gotten my picky kids to eat something with olives (miracles happen!).

Make it yours! Swap toppings, experiment with cheeses, or try mini bagels for bite-sized fun. And don’t stress if your first batch isn’t perfect—practice makes perfect crispiness.

If you whip these up, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @snacktimequeen—nothing makes my day like seeing your kitchen wins.

Happy snacking! May your air fryer always be ready and your cravings satisfied.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen bagels for this recipe?

A: Totally! Just thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave for 20 seconds before assembling. Frozen bagels might take an extra minute or two in the air fryer to get crispy.

Q: My cheese doesn’t melt well—what am I doing wrong?

A: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts way better than pre-shredded. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated so the cheese starts melting immediately. If your cheese still isn’t melting, try lowering the cooking temp slightly and adding a minute or two.

Q: Can I make these ahead and reheat later?

A: Yes! Store them in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh.

Q: What if I don’t like olives? What else can I use?

A: No problem! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pineapple chunks make great swaps. I’ve also used chopped sun-dried tomatoes, which add a nice intensity.

Q: How do I know when the bagel pizzas are done?

A: Look for bubbly, melted cheese and golden, crispy edges on the bagel. The pepperoni should be slightly crisped, and the whole snack should smell like heaven. If you see those signs, you’re good to go!

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