Air Fryer Bagel Chips Recipe

Craving something crunchy, savory, and totally addictive? These air fryer bagel chips are the ultimate snack hack! With just a leftover bagel, some simple seasonings, and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can make a batch of crispy, golden chips that are perfect for dipping, snacking, or adding to your favorite cheese board. No need to buy a bag at the store, these homemade bagel chips are fresher, tastier, and super easy to make right at home!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Bagel Chips

• Crispy and crunchy in every bite – These bagel chips come out perfectly toasted and golden in the air fryer without being greasy. They have the satisfying crunch of a kettle chip but with way more flavor. Great for dipping or just eating by the handful! Once you try one, you’ll keep going back for more.

• So easy to make – All you need is a single bagel, some seasonings, and olive oil. No special skills or complicated steps, just slice, toss, and air fry. It’s the kind of snack you can throw together in minutes. Great for beginners and busy snackers!

• Uses ingredients you already have – This is the ultimate leftover bagel recipe! Whether you’ve got plain, everything, or onion bagels sitting on the counter, they’ll all work. Just add pantry staples like garlic powder and Italian seasoning. No trip to the store needed.

• Customizable with your favorite flavors – You can easily change up the seasoning to match your cravings. Add chili flakes for heat, use ranch seasoning for a cool twist, or sprinkle on cinnamon sugar for a sweet version. The possibilities are endless!

• Perfect for parties or snacking anytime – These bagel chips are great on a cheese board, paired with dips like hummus or spinach dip, or just as a crunchy snack on their own. They hold up well, stay crisp, and look great served in a bowl. Everyone will ask how you made them!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Bagel Chips

• Day-old bagel – Slightly stale bagels work best because they slice cleaner and toast up crispier.

• Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and gives the chips a golden, crunchy texture.

• Garlic powder – Adds bold, savory flavor that makes these totally addictive.

• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings in a burst of flavor with every bite.

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a salty, cheesy finish that takes them to the next level.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Bagel Chips

• Air fryer – Cooks the chips quickly and evenly without the need for oil or preheating.

• Mixing bowl – Perfect for tossing the bagel slices with oil and seasonings.

• Measuring spoons – Ensures the seasonings are just right every time.

• Tongs – Makes flipping the chips in the air fryer easy and mess-free.

• Paper towels – Helps absorb extra oil as the chips cool and crisp up.

How To Make Air Fryer Bagel Chips

• Start by grabbing a day-old bagel and slicing it into thin, even rounds, aim for about 1/8 inch thick.

• Place all the slices into a mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil.

• Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese if you’re using it.

• Toss everything together gently until all the slices are coated in flavor.

• Spread the bagel rounds in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

• Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through for even crisping.

• Once they’re golden and crisp, transfer them to a paper towel to cool and firm up.

• Enjoy them warm or let them cool completely before storing for later snacking!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these crispy chips with homemade hummus, baked spinach artichoke dip, authentic guacamole, or your favorite creamy dip.
• Use them as a crunchy, flavorful addition to a cheese and meat platter. They hold up well and add great texture!
• Toss a few bagel chips into a bowl of homemade tomato soup or ham and potato soup for a crunchy twist.
• Store them in a zip-top bag or lunchbox for an easy, on-the-go snack that stays crisp.
• Crumble them over fresh garden salad instead of croutons for extra crunch and flavor.

Tips For Success

• To get perfectly crispy bagel chips, make sure you’re using a day-old or slightly stale bagel. Fresh bagels are too soft and will be harder to slice thinly without squishing. Slightly dried-out bagels hold their shape better and crisp up more evenly in the air fryer. If you only have fresh bagels, you can leave them out uncovered for a few hours or toast them lightly before slicing.
• Slice the bagel thinly and evenly. Aim for about 1/8 inch per slice. If the slices are too thick, they’ll be chewy instead of crispy. Uneven slicing can also cause some pieces to burn while others stay soft. Take your time with this step to make sure all the chips cook at the same rate.
• Toss the slices thoroughly with the seasonings and oil. You want every piece coated for maximum flavor and crunch. Don’t skip this step, using a mixing bowl makes it easier to distribute everything evenly. If you want to keep your hands clean, you can use a silicone spatula or tongs to toss.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chips need space to crisp up. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of toast. Cook in batches if necessary for the best texture.
• Flip the chips halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get evenly browned and crunchy. Use tongs or gently shake the basket halfway through the cook time. Keep an eye on them near the end, every air fryer is a little different, and the chips can go from golden to burnt quickly.
• Cool them on paper towels. Once they’re done cooking, let the chips rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This step soaks up any extra oil and lets the chips firm up as they cool. They’ll become even crispier after a few minutes of resting.

Variations And Substitutions

• Use different types of bagels to change the flavor. Everything bagels add tons of built-in flavor without any extra seasoning. Onion, sesame, or even jalapeño cheddar bagels bring their own personality to the chips. You can also use plain bagels as a blank canvas and season them however you like.
• Switch up the seasonings to fit your cravings. Try ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a spicy kick. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar turns them into a sweet treat, perfect for dipping in cream cheese or yogurt. You can also use bagel chips as a base for seasoning blends you want to experiment with, just keep the oil to help the spices stick.
• Make them vegan or dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. The chips will still be super flavorful with just olive oil and herbs. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute if you still want that cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Add a touch of heat if you like spicy snacks. Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be tossed in with the other seasonings. If you want a smoky flavor, try chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
• Use gluten-free bagels if needed. Many grocery stores now carry gluten-free bagels that work just as well in this recipe. Just check the texture, some gluten-free versions are softer, so you may need to dry them out slightly before slicing.
• This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors, bagel types, or dietary preferences. Once you get the hang of the basic method, the variations are endless!

Storage and Reheating

• Once your bagel chips have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 days, no refrigeration needed! Make sure they are completely cool before storing, as any residual heat or moisture can lead to soggy chips.
• If your chips lose a bit of their crunch over time, you can easily re-crisp them in the air fryer. Just pop them back in at 350°F for 1–2 minutes. Let them cool again before serving, and they’ll be as good as new. No one will ever know they weren’t made fresh that day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bagels instead of day-old ones?

Yes, you can use fresh bagels, but slightly stale or day-old bagels work best. Fresh bagels tend to be softer, which makes them harder to slice thinly and evenly. They may also become chewy instead of crispy in the air fryer. If you’re working with a fresh bagel, try leaving it out uncovered for a few hours or lightly toasting it before slicing.

How thin should I slice the bagel for chips?

For the best results, aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices crisp up faster and more evenly in the air fryer. If the slices are too thick, they may end up chewy in the center. Consistent thickness is key so they cook at the same rate without burning.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can use any combination of dried herbs you like, such as oregano, basil, thyme, or rosemary. A little garlic powder and onion powder also work great. Feel free to get creative and mix your own seasoning blend based on what’s in your pantry.

Can I make sweet bagel chips instead of savory?

Absolutely! Just skip the garlic and herbs, and instead toss the bagel slices in a bit of melted butter or oil with cinnamon sugar. Air fry as directed, and you’ll have a crunchy, sweet treat perfect for dessert or snacking. These pair great with fruit dips, cream cheese, or even yogurt.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Nope! There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. The chips will crisp up just fine without it, which also saves you time. Just place the slices directly into the basket and start cooking.

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Make sure the chips cool completely before storing them in a container. Any trapped moisture can make them lose their crunch. If this happens, a quick 1–2 minute reheat in the air fryer at 350°F will bring back their crispy texture. Store them in a dry place away from heat or steam.

Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, but you’ll need to work in batches so the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. If you try to cook too many at once, the chips will steam and turn soft instead of crispy. Keep each layer in a single, even layer for the best texture. After cooking all batches, you can combine them and store once completely cooled.

What type of bagel works best for this recipe?

Plain bagels are the most versatile, but everything, sesame, onion, or even savory cheese bagels work great. Avoid overly soft bagels or ones with too many fillings, as they might not slice well or toast evenly. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover bagels that are a day or two old. It’s also fun to mix and match bagel flavors for variety in each batch!

Other Easy  Bagel Recipes

Air Fryer Bagel Dogs – These crispy air fryer bagel dogs cook straight from frozen for the perfect golden, juicy snack in minutes.

Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites – Pizza bagel bites come out hot, crispy, and melty in the air fryer—way better than the microwave!

Toast Bagels In An Air Fryer – Toasting bagels in the air fryer is fast and easy, giving you perfectly golden edges every time.

Deli-Style Turkey Bagel Sandwich – This turkey bagel sandwich is loaded with deli meat, crisp veggies, and creamy mayo on a toasted bagel.

Classic Bagel Cream Cheese – A toasted bagel with smooth cream cheese is the ultimate quick breakfast or anytime snack.

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