Gluten-Free Air Fryer Bagel Chips

Prep: 1 hrCook: 10 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Air Fryer Bagel Chips with Herbed Butter Board

Transform ordinary bagels into crispy chips in your air fryer and pair them with a luxurious butter board loaded with roasted garlic, parmesan, and capers. This viral TikTok-inspired appetizer combines the satisfying crunch of golden bagel chips with creamy, herb-infused butter that's perfect for spreading. The roasted garlic adds mellow sweetness while capers provide briny pops of flavor. Ideal for parties, date nights, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy chips without oil-heavy frying, making this an yet accessible take on the butter board trend.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 large bagel
    gluten-free bagel1:1gluten-free

    for gluten-free version

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ pound unsalted butter
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    for dairy-free version

    Full guide →
  • 1 head roasted garlic
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
    nutritional yeast1:2vegandairy-free

    for dairy-free option

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon salt
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    for dairy-free version

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons capers

Instructions

  1. 1

    Set butter out at room temperature to soften for 30-60 minutes until soft to touch

  2. 2

    Slice bagel in half to create two C-shaped pieces

  3. 3

    Cut halves into thin slices about 1/8 inch thick

  4. 4

    Place slices on baking sheet and coat with thin layer of olive oil

  5. 5

    Season bagels with garlic powder

  6. 6

    Arrange slices in single layer in air fryer without overlapping

  7. 7

    Cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-9 minutes, working in batches if needed

  8. 8

    Spread softened butter over serving platter or board

  9. 9

    Use butter knife to create swirls and patterns in butter

  10. 10

    Place dollops of roasted garlic throughout the butter

  11. 11

    Sprinkle parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and capers evenly over board

  12. 12

    Serve immediately with warm bagel chips

Tips

Tip 1

Use cooking spray instead of drizzling olive oil for more even coverage on bagel slices

Tip 2

Make sure butter is properly softened - it should yield easily to pressure but not be melted

Tip 3

Work in batches when air frying to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping

Good to Know

Storage

Butter board should be served immediately. Leftover bagel chips can be stored in airtight container for 2-3 days.

Make Ahead

Bagel chips can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in airtight container. Prepare butter board just before serving.

Serve With

Serve at room temperature with warm bagel chips for best texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip softening the butter or it won't spread properly on the board

Watch

Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

unsalted butter
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

for dairy-free version

Full guide →
parmesan cheese
nutritional yeast1:2vegandairy-free

for dairy-free option

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

bagel
gluten-free bagel1:1gluten-free

for gluten-free version

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, bake bagel slices at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

How long will the butter board keep?

Best served immediately, but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before dairy safety concerns.

Can I use different types of bagels?

Any bagel variety works well - everything, sesame, or plain bagels all create delicious chips.