Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the bagels get perfectly crisp edges without overcooking the cheese.
Prepare the bagel bases: Slice the bagels in half and lightly toast them if you prefer extra crunch. This step helps prevent the sauce from soaking into the bread. Arrange the halves cut-side up on a plate or tray.
Assemble the pizzas: Spread about a tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half. Sprinkle a light dusting of garlic powder for added flavor, then top with shredded mozzarella and a little Parmesan if using. Add your desired toppings, keeping them small and evenly distributed so they cook through quickly.
Air fry the bagel pizzas: Carefully place the prepared bagels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Check around the 5-minute mark, as cooking times can vary slightly by air fryer model.