Sarah Butler: How to make my air fryer pizza bagels for quick and easy snacking

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: "These little lifesavers have gotten me out of many a food panic. They are just brilliant to have in the freezer as an afterschool snack or to grab-and-go between meals. The kids love them and can quickly cook them, directly from frozen in just a few minutes."

Midweek can get a little hectic with after-school activities, so this week I have my handy pizza bagels for you to try on such busy days. 

I like to make a big batch of 24 using 2 packs of bagels. The sauce is homemade, and I use slim wholemeal bagels for a lighter option.

I have a freezer bag that is always full of them, and the kids can grab one and pop it into the air fryer themselves. Oh the joy, when they can get themselves a snack!

The pancake recipe is one we use over and over again, I love that it doubles for perfect waffles if you have a waffle-maker. 

By whisking the egg whites and folding them in, you get light, fluffy pancakes that are great with lemon and icing or a drizzle of honey for breakfast, or some melted chocolate as a sweet treat.

Air-Fryer Pizza Bagels

recipe by:Sarah Butler

These little lifesavers have gotten me out of many a food panic. They are just brilliant to have in the freezer as an afterschool snack or to grab-and-go between meals.

Servings

2

Preparation Time

 10 mins

Cooking Time

 7 mins

Total Time

 17 mins

Course

 Main

Ingredients

• 2 bagels of choice

• 10 cherry tomatoes or 2 regular tomatoes

• 1 tsp tomato purée

• 1 garlic clove crushed

• 20ml water

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 80g grated cheddar or mozzarella

• Some basil leaves to garnish

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• Suggested toppings:

• Peppers, finely chopped

• Red onion, finely chopped

• Mini pepperoni slices

Method

1. To make the tomato sauce base, place the tomatoes, tomato purée, garlic and water into a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and bring to a simmer; allow to cook on low heat for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.

2. Press down on the tomatoes with a fork to create a chunky sauce, and season with salt and pepper; set aside.

3. Separate the bagels and divide the tomato sauce between them, spreading some on top of each one.

4. Sprinkle with the cheese and whatever other toppings you want to use.

5. Drizzle the bagels with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C or air fry at 180°C for 6-7 minutes.

6. Garnish with basil leaves before serving.

Sarah’s secrets 

I like to make a whole batch of these, using a six-pack of wholemeal bagels, which makes 12 individual pizza bagels.

Once made up, wrap them individually in foil and freeze. Then you can grab as needed, and cook directly from frozen for a handy snack.

The kids love to help make them up, adding whatever toppings they like.

Fluffy Pancakes & Waffles

recipe by:Sarah Butler

This recipe is slightly different as you fold the beaten egg whites in for a fluffy pancake. The mixture works perfectly for waffles if you have a waffle machine.

Servings

2

Preparation Time

 10 mins

Cooking Time

 4 mins

Total Time

 14 mins

Course

 Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, separated

• 120g self-raising flour

• 120ml buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 25g butter, melted

Method

1. Beat the egg whites in a bowl with a whisk or electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

2. Mix the egg yolks, flour, buttermilk, vanilla extract and melted butter in a large bowl until smooth.

3. Fold in the egg whites gently. The mixture will be thick and fluffy.

4. Brush a non-stick pan with a little butter and place it on medium to high heat.

5. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixture per pancake onto the pan.

6. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, flip and cook for an additional 1 minute.

7. Serve immediately with toppings of your choice.

Sarah’s secrets

A non-stick pan is essential for many things, but especially pancakes. There is nothing worse than going to the trouble of making the batter only for it to stick to the pan.

Drop some whole blueberries into the pancakes once you spoon the mixture onto the pan for a fruity version. Chopped strawberries and raspberries work well also.