Make your own homemade bagel chips in the oven or air fryer with this simple recipe. These crunchy chips are perfect for dipping into creamy spreads, serving alongside cheese or soups, and they’re a smart way to use up stale bagels and turn them into a delicious snack.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Other flavor combinations
- What to serve with them
- How to store them
- More easy snacks
Wondering what to do with old bagels? Bagel chips are a quick, tasty solution. Whether you bought a large pack or have a few leftover bagels from breakfast, turning them into chips gives you a crunchy snack that pairs beautifully with dips and spreads. This method works for any type of bagel — everything, plain, cinnamon raisin, garlic, or onion — and you can make them either in the oven or the air fryer.
Ingredients
- Bagels – any leftover whole bagels (not pre-sliced). Everything bagels are used here, but choose any flavor you like and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Cooking spray – canola, vegetable, or olive oil spray. If you don’t have spray, use 2–3 teaspoons of oil brushed or rubbed onto the bagel slices with a pastry brush or paper towel.
- Everything bagel seasoning – about 1 tablespoon to coat two bagels. You can use a store-bought blend or make a quick homemade mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the bagels: Use a serrated or bread knife to cut each bagel in half through the top (creating two C-shaped halves), then slice each half into thin pieces about 1/8 inch thick. Each bagel yields roughly 40–50 slices depending on thickness.
- Arrange the slices: Lay the bagel slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. If using an air fryer, you’ll likely need to work in batches to avoid overlapping.
- Coat and season: Lightly spray the slices with cooking spray, then sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly over the top.
- Oven method: Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the chips are golden brown and crisp.
- Air fryer method: Air fry at 350°F for 4 minutes, flip, then air fry an additional 2–4 minutes until brown and crispy. Times vary by appliance, so watch closely the first time.
Other flavor combinations
Bagel chips are versatile. Match the seasoning to the bagel flavor for delightful variations:
- Cinnamon raisin or blueberry bagels + cinnamon sugar: Mix 1 tablespoon sugar with 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle over the slices for a sweet snack.
- Garlic bagels + Italian seasoning: Spray and top with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning for savory chips that pair well with marinades and dips.
- Onion bagels + French onion mix: Sprinkle a tablespoon of French onion dip mix for bold, savory chips; serve with classic French onion dip.
- Cheddar bagels + Montreal steak seasoning: Use a coarser seasoning like Montreal steak blend to add texture and a robust flavor to cheese-forward chips.
What to serve with them
Everything bagel chips and other varieties pair perfectly with creamy spreads and savory dips. Try any of these:
- Everything bagel cheese ball or other flavored cheese balls
- Buffalo cheese ball or whipped cream cheese
- Whipped feta, roasted garlic dip, spicy feta dip, or classic hummus
- French onion dip or spinach artichoke dip
- Unexpected cheddar cheese spread or other store-bought spreads
Use bagel chips as a crunchy topping on salads in place of croutons or serve them alongside soup instead of crackers. Italian-seasoned garlic bagel chips are especially good with Caesar or other green salads. For snack mixes, toss bagel chips into homemade Chex-style mixes for added texture and flavor.
How to store them
Store bagel chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Ensure the chips are completely cool before sealing them, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from moisture to preserve crispness.
More easy snacks
If you enjoy quick homemade treats, try other simple snacks like Nutella muddy buddies, candied pecans, homemade apple chips (oven or air fryer), candied bacon, bacon-wrapped dates, or classic deviled eggs. These are great for parties, gifts, or weekday snacking.
Nutella Muddy Buddies
Candied Pecans
Apple Chips – Oven or Air Fryer
Bagel Chips
Crunchy homemade bagel chips made in the oven or air fryer. A delicious way to repurpose leftover bagels into party-ready snacks or everyday dippers.
Ingredients
- 2 bagels
- cooking spray or 2–3 teaspoons oil
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (or seasoning of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice each bagel in half through the top, creating two C-shaped halves. Cut each half into 1/8 inch slices; one bagel yields roughly 40–50 slices.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
- Lightly spray or brush the slices with oil and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Air fryer: Air fry at 350°F for 4 minutes, flip, then cook 2–4 more minutes until crisp.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to match the bagel flavor — cinnamon sugar for sweet bagels, Italian seasoning for garlic bagels, or French onion mix for onion bagels.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to keep them crisp.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 78 kcal • Carbohydrates: 14 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 1 g • Sodium: 140 mg