If you’ve got a couple of bagels sitting on the counter and a craving for something salty and crunchy, you’re in the right place. Air fryer bagel chips are quick to make, satisfyingly crisp, and perfect for snacking or dipping. They’re a great way to use up day-old bagels, and you can season them any way you like.
Think garlic, everything seasoning, or a hint of sweetness with cinnamon sugar. Once you make a batch, you’ll probably start keeping extra bagels around just for this.
In this article:
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Fast and easy: Ready in about 15 minutes, start to finish. No heating up the oven or long bake times.
- Perfectly crisp: The air fryer turns thin bagel slices into crunchy chips that stay crisp for days if stored right.
- Customizable: Use any bagel flavor and any seasoning blend.
Go savory, spicy, or sweet.
- Budget-friendly: A smart way to repurpose leftover or slightly stale bagels into a snack that feels gourmet.
- Great for dips: Sturdy enough for hummus, artichoke dip, whipped feta, or simple olive oil and balsamic.
Ingredients
- 2 plain bagels (or any flavor you like: everything, sesame, onion, whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
- Optional for sweet version: 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes while you prep. This helps the chips crisp evenly from the start.
- Slice the bagels thinly: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each bagel horizontally into thin rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. For smaller chips, you can first cut the bagel in half crosswise, then slice into half-moons.
- Make the seasoning oil: In a small bowl, mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
If using everything seasoning, stir that in as well.
- Coat the slices: Add the bagel slices to a large bowl. Drizzle the seasoned oil over them and toss gently to coat. Aim for a light, even layer—too much oil makes them greasy.
- Arrange in the basket: Lay the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
A little overlap is fine, but avoid stacking. Work in batches if needed for best results.
- Air fry until crisp: Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 6–9 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping slices halfway through. Thinner slices will finish faster.
They’re done when golden and crunchy.
- Cool on a rack: Transfer chips to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.
- For the sweet version: Toss slices with melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Air fry the same way, but watch closely near the end since sugar can brown faster.
Keeping It Fresh
- Cool completely: Any trapped warmth will create steam and soften the chips.
Make sure they’re fully cool before storing.
- Use an airtight container: Store at room temperature in a sealed jar or container for up to 7–10 days.
- Re-crisp if needed: If they soften, air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes and let cool again.
- Avoid the fridge: Refrigeration adds moisture and makes them chewy.
Why This is Good for You
- Smarter snacking: These chips are baked by hot air, not deep-fried. You control the oil and the salt.
- Whole grain options: Use whole wheat or multigrain bagels to add fiber and more staying power.
- Balanced seasonings: Garlic, onion, and seeds from everything seasoning add big flavor without extra calories.
- Portion flexibility: Make a small batch or a big one, and season to your taste, which helps avoid over-salty store-bought snacks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing too thick: Thick slices take longer and may turn hard instead of crisp. Aim for thin, even cuts.
- Overcrowding: If the basket is jammed, chips steam instead of crisp.
Cook in batches for the best texture.
- Too much oil: A heavy hand results in greasy chips that can burn on the edges. Lightly coat—don’t drench.
- Skipping the cool-down: Packing warm chips traps moisture. Always let them cool on a rack first.
- Cranking the heat: High temperatures can scorch quickly.
Moderate heat gives you a golden, even crunch.
Alternatives
- Different oils: Swap olive oil for avocado oil, ghee, or a neutral oil. For a lighter take, use olive oil spray.
- Flavor twists: Try ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, chili-lime, za’atar, Parmesan and black pepper, or rosemary and sea salt.
- Bagel varieties: Sesame, everything, onion, garlic, jalapeño cheddar, or cinnamon raisin for a sweet base.
- No air fryer? Bake at 325°F (165°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 12–18 minutes, flipping once until golden.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bagels and check your seasonings for gluten-free labeling.
- Sweet-and-salty: After air frying a lightly salted batch, drizzle with a tiny bit of honey and a dusting of cinnamon.
FAQ
How thin should I slice the bagels?
Aim for 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Thinner slices get extra crisp.
Just be consistent so they cook evenly.
Do I need to toast the bagels first?
No. Fresh or slightly stale bagels work. Day-old bagels are actually ideal because they dry out faster and crisp well.
Can I make them oil-free?
Yes.
They’ll still crisp, but may be a little drier and the seasoning won’t stick as well. Use a light mist of water or broth to help spices adhere, or use an oil spray for minimal fat.
What dips go best with bagel chips?
Hummus, spinach artichoke dip, whipped feta, tzatziki, queso, smoked salmon dip, or simple olive oil with balsamic and cracked pepper are all great choices.
Why are my chips chewy?
They were either sliced too thick, crowded in the basket, or stored before fully cooling. Air fry a bit longer at 300°F (150°C) and cool on a rack to fix the texture.
Can I freeze bagel chips?
You can, but it’s not ideal.
They’re best fresh. If you do freeze, re-crisp in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes after thawing.
How do I avoid burning the edges?
Keep the temp moderate (around 320°F), shake or flip halfway, and watch the last couple of minutes closely. Different air fryers run hotter or cooler.
Can I use mini bagels?
Absolutely.
They make perfect bite-size chips. Adjust cook time slightly shorter since they’re smaller.
Is everything seasoning too salty?
It can be. If using it, reduce or skip the added salt in the oil.
You can always sprinkle a little more at the end if needed.
What’s the best way to slice bagels safely?
Use a serrated bread knife and keep your non-dominant hand flat on top of the bagel, fingers tucked. Slice slowly with a gentle sawing motion. A bagel slicer tool also works well.
In Conclusion
Air fryer bagel chips are simple, fast, and endlessly customizable.
A few bagels, a splash of oil, and your favorite seasonings turn into a crunchy snack that beats store-bought. Keep a batch on hand for dips, cheese boards, or late-night snacking. Once you get the hang of your ideal thickness and timing, this becomes a no-brainer recipe you’ll make again and again.
Air Fryer Bagel Chips – Crunchy, Savory, and Ready in Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 plain bagels (or any flavor you like: everything, sesame, onion, whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
- Optional for sweet version: 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes while you prep. This helps the chips crisp evenly from the start.
- Slice the bagels thinly: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each bagel horizontally into thin rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. For smaller chips, you can first cut the bagel in half crosswise, then slice into half-moons.
- Make the seasoning oil: In a small bowl, mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.If using everything seasoning, stir that in as well.
- Coat the slices: Add the bagel slices to a large bowl. Drizzle the seasoned oil over them and toss gently to coat. Aim for a light, even layer—too much oil makes them greasy.
- Arrange in the basket: Lay the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.A little overlap is fine, but avoid stacking. Work in batches if needed for best results.
- Air fry until crisp: Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 6–9 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping slices halfway through. Thinner slices will finish faster.They’re done when golden and crunchy.
- Cool on a rack: Transfer chips to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.
- For the sweet version: Toss slices with melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Air fry the same way, but watch closely near the end since sugar can brown faster.
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