Freezing is a great storage method to keep your bagels fresh for a later date. And since the air fryer has been a trending kitchen appliance for years, you may be thinking it’s handy for defrosting your frozen bagels. But still, you’re not sure how to go about the thawing process. To help you do away with your doubts, we have researched for you the much-needed tips and tricks.
A pre-sliced frozen bagel will do better in an air fryer compared to a whole one. Defrosting consists of these simple steps:
- Spray some water on the frozen sliced bagel.
- Place the bagel slices into the air fryer.
- Thaw at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Once the air fryer beeps, take out the bagels, which are now ready for your toppings or spread!
Bagels are a delicious treat you can enjoy for breakfast or at any time of the day. Keep reading to learn more about the best practices in thawing your favorite pastry in your versatile air fryer. We'll also cover how to toast or reheat bagels and more about this bagel and air fryer basics.
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Defrosting Bagels In An Air Fryer
After taking out a piece or two of frozen sliced bagels from the freezer, arrange them on a tray or plate, and voila! You're now ready to follow these steps:
1. Spray some water on the frozen sliced bagels
This step is optional, but if you want to reconstitute or come up with a "just-baked" yet crispy bagel consistency, then spraying water on your bagels is a method you shouldn't miss. It will cause water droplets to steam in the air fryer and create a crisp crust. It can also make the bagels softer instead of stale or hard.
2. Place the bagel slices into the air fryer
The trick here is to use pre-sliced frozen bagels so you can put them straight into the air fryer basket or tray. If you have frozen whole bagels, you will find out in another section below how to best defrost them.
3. Thaw at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes
There is no need to preheat your air fryer. Once you have the bagel slices neatly placed in the air fryer, you can heat them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for as few as 5 minutes. If you want your bagels toasted straight from defrosting, you can always add a minute or two in the heating process.
4. Once the air fryer beeps, Take out the bagels
As you hear the beeping sound, go take the bagels out of the air fryer. Let them cool on a pastry plate. But if you're in a hurry, and you already have thawed bagel slices that are as good as toasted ones, you can top them with cream cheese or whichever toppings or spread you like.
Take note that while some air fryers are automatic, older models have manual timer dials. Refer to your air fryer manual for setting variations.
The Bagel Freezing Factor
How you freeze your bagels can affect their quality and taste. One of the best freezing methods is to wrap the bagels individually with plastic wrap, then place them in zip-top freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
The length of storage is also crucial. You can store bagels for only up to 6 months. After this time period, your bagels may become hard and stale even after toasting. For more freezing tips, read our previous post on How To Freeze Bagels The Right Way.
Do You Need To Defrost A Bagel Before Toasting It In An Air Fryer?
Only a whole frozen bagel needs to be defrosted on the counter. Rinse the frozen bagel with running water. Defrost it on the counter for about 15 to 20 minutes. After thawing, you can slice your bagel and have it toasted in the air fryer.
Another option, though, is to defrost the whole bagel in the air fryer for 3 minutes, at a temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cool afterward, slice the bagel, and place the bagel slices back into the air fryer basket. Toast them for 2 minutes or more.
Defrosting is a bit more complicated for whole bagels. The technique for easy thawing and toasting in an air fryer is to go for pre-sliced bagels.
How Do You Toast A Bagel In An Air Fryer?
To toast your bagel slices, place them in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 310 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2 to 4 minutes. Make it 2 to 3 minutes for light to medium toasted and 4 minutes for a crispy bagel.
How long do you cook a bagel in an air fryer?
Cook the bagel for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once they are golden brown, they are done. Just allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes, then you can top and serve your freshly cooked air fryer bagels!
How do you reheat an air fryer bagel?
Whether it’s an air fryer bagel or oven-baked, it won’t make much difference. If you want to warm your bagel without toasting it, then 1-2 minutes of reheating at a temperature setting of 300 to 310 degrees Fahrenheit would be enough.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?
Before putting aluminum foil in your air fryer, be sure to check your manual for warnings and instructions. Though it may vary by model, generally, the answer is yes. Do check out these precautionary measures and factors to consider before you put aluminum foil in an air fryer:
- Put a small amount of aluminum foil. Make sure not to cover the holes that circulate the hot air around the basket. If you block these holes, there will be no space for airflow. It will reduce the effectiveness of the air fryer that will result in unevenly cooked food.
- Never place the foil in the bottom of the drawer. Aside from getting ultimately dislodged, it could blow around into the heating element and potentially start a grease fire.
- Avoid placing ingredients like tomatoes and citrus on aluminum. Its surface can react negatively with these highly acidic ingredients. The negative reaction will leave aluminum residue on your food.
- You can use parchment paper as a substitute for aluminum foil. It does not have a reactive surface, and food is less likely to stick on the paper.
Can an air fryer replace a toaster oven?
Yes, an air fryer can replace a toaster oven. You can toast, bake, grill, and thaw in an air fryer. Aside from the air fryer having the same functions as a toaster oven, it can also cook crispy food without deep frying. It also has a heat fan that can cook food quicker. An air fryer consumes less kitchen space. Plus, it’s portable and useful for outdoor gatherings.
In Closing
Using an air fryer to defrost a bagel takes 5 minutes with a few easy-peasy steps. Whether defrosting, baking, reheating, or toasting bagels, an air fryer can do it all! But it’s always best to adhere to safety protocols. Check out your air fryer model’s features to have the best bagel air frying experience.
