How to Make Crispy Bagel Chips in an Air Fryer: Easy Low-Carb Snack Recipe

Craving a crunchy, salty snack that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Homemade bagel chips are the answer. With an air fryer, you can transform your favorite bagels into crispy, golden chips in just minutes. Whether you follow a keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diet, this easy recipe uses store-bought bagels to create a snack that rivals anything from a bag – without the extra oil or preservatives.

Air fryer bagel chips are incredibly versatile. You can season them with everything from garlic powder to cinnamon sugar, and they pair perfectly with dips like hummus, guacamole, or cream cheese. In this guide, we'll show you how to make the crispiest bagel chips using low-carb and gluten-free bagels, plus share tips for customizing flavors to your liking.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Bagel Chips?

An air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without deep frying. This method uses far less oil than traditional baking or frying, making it ideal for health-conscious snackers. When making bagel chips, the air fryer produces an even crunch in about half the time of a conventional oven. Plus, you can control the thickness and seasoning, ensuring every chip is perfectly crisp.

For those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, using the right bagel is key. The Greater Knead offers a variety of options like NY Style Bagels - Plain and NY Style Bagels - Garlic that slice beautifully and crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer. Their dense, chewy texture holds up well to slicing and toasting, resulting in chips that are sturdy enough for dipping.

• Air fryer bagel chips cook in 5–7 minutes, compared to 10–15 minutes in an oven.
• You can make a small batch without preheating a large oven.
• Less oil means fewer calories and less mess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect batch of crispy bagel chips, you only need a few simple ingredients. Start with 2–3 bagels of your choice – for a low-carb option, try NY Style Bagels - Cinnamon Raisin for a sweet twist or NY Style Bagels - Tomato Basil for a savory snack. You'll also need olive oil or avocado oil spray, plus your favorite seasonings. Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs work great for savory chips, while cinnamon and a sugar substitute are perfect for sweet chips.

The key to great bagel chips is slicing the bagels as evenly as possible. Use a sharp serrated knife and aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will become extra crispy, while thicker slices retain a bit of chew. If you're using a gluten-free bagel, such as those from The Greater Knead, note that they may be slightly more delicate, so handle them gently.

• 2–3 bagels (low-carb or gluten-free recommended)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or cinnamon and sweetener
• Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, slice your bagels into thin, even rounds. Place the slices in a large bowl and drizzle with oil, then toss to coat. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the slices and toss again until evenly distributed. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket – do not overcrowd, as this prevents even crisping.

Air fry for 4–6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them after the 4-minute mark, as air fryers vary. The chips should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Let them cool in the basket for 2 minutes – they will continue to crisp as they cool. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

• Slice bagels 1/4 inch thick for best results.
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
• Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about homemade bagel chips is the endless flavor possibilities. For a classic savory version, use NY Style Bagels - Garlic and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. For a sweet breakfast-inspired chip, try NY Style Bagels - French Toast with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of monk fruit sweetener. The natural sweetness of the bagel pairs beautifully with warm spices.

If you're a fan of everything bagel seasoning, simply brush the slices with oil and sprinkle generously with the seasoning blend. You can also experiment with spicy options like cayenne and chili powder, or go for a cheesy flavor by adding grated Parmesan during the last minute of cooking. The air fryer makes it easy to customize each batch to your craving.

• Everything seasoning: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, salt
• Cinnamon sugar: use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol
• Spicy chipotle: smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and a pinch of cayenne

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Crispy bagel chips are perfect for snacking on their own or paired with dips. Serve them with hummus, guacamole, spinach artichoke dip, or a simple cream cheese spread. They also make a great crunchy topping for soups and salads. For a party platter, arrange several flavors of chips with a variety of dips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

To keep your bagel chips fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can soften them. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 350°F to re-crisp. This recipe is also great for meal prep – make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy crunchy snacks all week.

• Store in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
• Re-crisp in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if needed.
• Avoid stacking chips too high to prevent breakage.

Making crispy bagel chips at home with an air fryer is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to satisfy your snack cravings. Using low-carb or gluten-free bagels from The Greater Knead, you can create a crunchy treat that fits your dietary needs. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy a guilt-free snack any time of day. For the best results, start with NY Style Bagels - Plain and season them your way – your air fryer is ready.