Maybe you’re like my friend Dave, who bought an air fryer and now uses it for everything from chicken wings to leftover pizza. Dave swears by 3 minutes at 350°F for a reheated bagel.
Toast Bagel In Oven at Charles Blalock blog
He says it gives the bagel a “second chance at life,” and honestly, I can’t argue. The air fryer mimics a convection oven, blasting hot air to crisp the outside while keeping the inside springy. No damp paper towel needed—just a quick spritz of water.
Pro tip: Don’t crowd the basket. Give those bagels some breathing room, or they’ll steam each other instead of crisping up. Trust Dave. He’s a bagel scientist in his own kitchen.
What About Frozen Bagels?
Ah, the frozen bagel—a pantry hero on lazy Sundays. Do not thaw it first. That just turns it into a soggy mess. Go from freezer to toaster directly, but use the frozen setting if your toaster has one.
No frozen setting? Toast it twice on medium heat. The first round defrosts the middle; the second round gives you that satisfying crunch. It’s like a two-step dance, and your taste buds are the audience.
I once tried to microwave a frozen bagel out of desperation. It came out like a chewy, sad eraser. Never again. The toaster is your friend here—treat it like royalty.
