Bagels, a classic carb, are a beloved breakfast staple. Whether piled high with cream cheese and smoked salmon or used as the foundation for a gourmet breakfast sandwich, these round breads are versatile and delicious. But have you ever considered the best way to toast a bagel?
Enter the air fryer. Bagel expert Sam Silverman made waves on Instagram by air frying whole bagels, claiming it results in a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, moist interior. The concept is grounded in the air fryer’s ability to evenly circulate hot air, giving foods a crispy texture while retaining moisture. But does this method truly offer the best way to toast a bagel?
To find out, various methods were tested, including air frying a fresh bagel whole and sliced, as well as air frying a frozen bagel straight from the freezer. Each approach yielded slightly different results. When toasted whole, the bagel emerged with a light crisp exterior and a warm, chewy interior, reminiscent of a freshly baked bagel. Slicing the bagel before air frying resulted in a more traditional toasted surface.
Frozen bagels also benefited from the air fryer’s consistent heat, thawing and toasting in one step without becoming tough or dry. Additionally, the air fryer offers greater control over temperature and time, allowing for a more customized toasting experience based on the bagel’s freshness and whether it’s whole or sliced.
In conclusion, toasting an unfrozen bagel whole in the air fryer proved to be the favorite method. The texture was superior to the sliced version, providing a warm, chewy inside and a crisp exterior without drying out. The air-fried frozen bagels also surprised with their crispy exterior and chewy interior, making them a convenient option straight from the freezer.
The air fryer offers an easy and reliable way to toast bagels with more control and better results. Whether toasting a fresh bagel whole or sliced, or reviving a frozen bagel, the air fryer is a versatile tool for achieving the perfect toasting experience. So, next time you’re craving a delicious, perfectly toasted bagel, consider reaching for your air fryer for a consistent and satisfying outcome.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.