10-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Bagels — Quick High-Protein Snack

Nothing beats the nostalgic comfort of a warm, cheesy pizza bagel, especially when it delivers an irresistibly crispy base and bubbly, golden cheese straight

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Provides rapid, high-velocity convection heat for an exceptionally crisp crust and even cheese browning.
• Silicone Tongs: Allows safe, heat-resistant removal of molten, delicate bagel halves without tearing the crust.
• Serrated Bread Knife: Slices low-carb bagels cleanly in half without crushing their tender, airy interior structure.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise sauce and cheese portioning to keep daily calories and macros fully accurate.

Ingredients

• 2 plain low-carb, high-protein bagels (sliced into 4 halves; look for brands containing at least 10g protein and under 5g net carbs per bagel)
• ¼ cup low-sugar marinara sauce (divided; select brands with no added sugars or oils)
• ¾ cup low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded; low-moisture is critical to avoid soggy dough)
• 20 slices turkey pepperoni (leaner alternative providing concentrated poultry protein)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme blend)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (adds a robust, savory undertone to the crust)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for finishing heat)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Pre-Toast the Base: Place the 4 bagel halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 2 minutes until the surface is lightly dry, pale golden, and firm to the touch.
3. Assemble the Layers: Remove the basket carefully. Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce evenly across each bagel half, spreading all the way to the rim. Dust lightly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
4. Top and Secure: Distribute the shredded low-moisture mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then press 5 slices of turkey pepperoni firmly into the cheese on each half to anchor them against the fan.
5. Melt and Crisp: Return the basket to the air fryer. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 3 to 4 minutes, checking at minute 3, until the cheese is bubbling with toasted golden-brown spots and the bagel edges are deeply crisp.
6. Rest and Serve: Use silicone tongs to transfer the pizza bagels to a wire rack. Let rest for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese sets before serving hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 260 kcal · Protein: 24 g · Fat: s: 10 g Cholesterol: 35 mg · Carbohydrates: 28 g · Fiber: 22 g · Sugar: 3 g · Sodium: 620 mg